Daddy Dressed Me

January 1, 2023
Preschool-Grade 1 Whether it's baked chicken, a mural in his daughter's bedroom, or a jeweled crown for her fifth birthday, Ava's father knows how to make things, and he excels at sewing dresses that he designs for her. When Ava learns that the upcoming ceremony marking the transition from kindergarten to first grade will entail her going onstage and reciting part of a poem aloud, stage fright takes hold, but she confides in Daddy. His solution involves taking Ava fabric shopping, working hard at sewing, and helping her learn the poem. While he struggles with the sewing project, she strives to memorize the verse. Diligent practice and the beautiful dress give Ava all the confidence she needs. In an author's note, Gardner (creator of the Daddy Dressed Me blog), explains that growing up without a father made him determined to become the best father he could for his daughter, Ava. The simply written story rings true emotionally, and the attractive digital illustrations feature the warm relationship between a Black daughter and her father. A satisfying picture book.

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February 1, 2023
A father-and-daughter author team tell the story of a Black child and her dad. Daddy cooks, builds, decorates, and more. But he has a special talent for sewing. When Ava's kindergarten teacher announces Ava will recite a poem onstage at their Move Up Day ceremony, Ava imagines the worst: "What if I forget? Or fall off the stage? Everyone will laugh!" Daddy reassures her with a hug and promises to help her memorize the poem and make her a special dress. At the fabric store, they choose a purple fabric with pink oval patterns. At home, Ava draws her dream dress, and Daddy begins making his most complicated design. When he finishes, Ava looks amazing and feels ready for her recitation. This is a fantastic story of a Black father who smashes stereotypes with his nurturing, creativity, and sewing prowess. Daddy also persists; when he makes a mistake, Ava just hands him the seam ripper. The Gardners took inspiration for this story from real life; the backmatter features photographs of Michael and Ava wearing handmade matching outfits, Ava modeling a gorgeous black dress with vibrant tropical fish (with ankle-high gold sandals and a matching African head wrap), and Michael teaching Ava to sew. Fisher's digitally rendered illustrations, as colorful as Daddy's vibrant outfits, convey the close connection between Daddy and Ava. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Exudes creativity, joy, and daddy-daughter love. (Picture book. 3-8)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from March 17, 2023

PreS-Gr 2-Daddy makes the best oven-baked chicken, paints whimsical floral murals on her bedroom walls, and above all sews the most brilliant dresses. Ava, a young Black girl finishing kindergarten, is proud of her daddy's many talents and skills. One day at school, her teacher announces that the celebration of the class moving into first grade is quickly approaching. Ava is quite anxious about the thought of first grade. Will there still be crafts and story time? If that isn't enough, Ava is assigned to recite a poem onstage at the Move Up Day celebration. What if she cannot remember all of the words? Daddy comforts Ava with hugs, reassurance that he will help her prepare, and offers the idea of a new special dress. Ava knows one of Daddy's dresses would give her the extra boost of confidence she will need to shine on stage. Fisher's crisp, colorful digital illustrations directly express the text of this dynamic daddy-daughter duo's story. Back matter provides the "story behind the story," about the real Ava and her father, Michael. The deep bond and support shared between them on the page is sure to capture the hearts of readers who adore protagonists such as those in Matthew A. Cherry's Hair Love. VERDICT A vibrant #girldad story of patience, determination, and love makes this an easy purchase for all library collections.-Emily Brush

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 22, 2023
The Gardners draw inspiration from their blog of the same name for this tender story about a father-daughter connection forged by fashion. At school, Ava’s teacher announces a Move Up Day ceremony that will require children to recite poetry onstage. Though the protagonist feels nervous, her creative dad’s offer to make a new dress for the celebration gives her strength. The design requires Daddy to sew outside his comfort zone, but he and Ava boost each other up as they simultaneously rehearse and stitch until confidence sets in. When the performance goes off without a hitch, it’s a chance to reflect on the way the dress embodies determination, love, and patience. Brightly patterned digital renderings showcase the strong bond between Daddy and Ava, echoing the text’s positive emphasis on how a parent’s care can support. An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8.