My Dad

My Dad

book

2003, Children's Books, Literature & Fiction

WISE
90%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Anthony Browne's picture book turns everyday dad moments into a love letter with gorillas, hippos, and heart.

Amazon4.7
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a classic picture book that does exactly what it sets out to do: celebrate dads (or any primary caregiver) with humor, warmth, and Anthony Browne's unmistakable artistic flair. The text is simple enough for toddlers, but the illustrations have enough visual jokes and surrealist touches to keep it interesting for early readers too.

It's not going to change your kid's life or teach them to read, but it's a genuinely lovely book for building emotional connection and gratitude. The 4.7 Amazon rating reflects what parents know: this is a solid, sweet read that works for bedtime, Father's Day, or just because.

The only real caveat is that it's very much about dads specifically, which might not fit every family structure. But if you've got a dad (or dad figure) in the picture, this is a keeper.

Age Fit

Best for ages 2-7, when kids are still at the stage where their parents are their whole world and this kind of straightforward adoration feels natural. Older elementary kids might find it too babyish unless they're reading it to a younger sibling.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
95

Anthony Browne's picture book is a pure celebration of father-child love, depicting dad as strong, silly, brave, and loving. The tone is warm and affectionate without being saccharine, modeling healthy family relationships and appreciation.

Imaginative
88

Browne uses playful metaphors ('strong as a gorilla,' 'happy as a hippopotamus') and his signature surrealist illustration style to turn everyday dad activities into fantastical comparisons. It invites kids to think metaphorically and see ordinary people as extraordinary.

Safe
100

This is a gentle picture book with zero content concerns. No violence, scary elements, or inappropriate themes. Perfect for bedtime or anytime reading with preschoolers and early elementary kids.

Enriching
82

The book builds emotional vocabulary around love and admiration, encourages gratitude, and helps kids articulate what makes their own parents special. It's not deeply educational but offers meaningful emotional and relational growth for young readers.

Parent Info

Why It Might Be Great

  • Anthony Browne is a Kate Greenaway Medal winner known for his distinctive, surrealist illustration style that kids find both funny and fascinating
  • Perfect for building emotional literacy—helps kids name and celebrate what they love about their own parents
  • Simple, rhythmic text works beautifully for toddlers and preschoolers while the visual humor keeps slightly older kids engaged
  • Great Father's Day or anytime read that doesn't get sappy—it's genuinely funny and sweet
  • The metaphorical comparisons ('brave as a lion') introduce figurative language in an accessible way

What to Watch For

  • Obviously dad-focused, which might feel exclusionary for kids in families without dads—though the warmth translates to any caregiver relationship
  • Very simple story—there's no plot, just a series of affectionate observations, so kids expecting narrative might get antsy
  • Published in 2000 (note: your data says 2003 but original UK publication was 2000), so the visual style is classic Browne but not cutting-edge contemporary

Conversation Starters

  • "What animal would you compare Dad (or your grown-up) to? Why?"
  • "What's something your dad/grown-up does that makes you laugh?"
  • "If you wrote a book called 'My [Person],' what would you say about them?"
  • "Look at the pictures—can you spot all the funny details Anthony Browne hid in the backgrounds?"

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