Review by Booklist Review
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.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
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. (Mar.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
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 (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
