Dad Bakes

I loved this book and am still thinking about it a day after reading it. I noticed that the dad in the story was covered in tattoos, which is not common in picture books. I origianlly liked that because it was different. At the end of the book, there is an explanation of how the author based the story off prisons. I think this would resonate with many kids and is nice for them to see people that might look like people they know.

I think this is particularly good to show that there are so many types of jobs for different people to have. Small thing, but I really love that Dad in this story has tattoos - it's not a thing you see often in children's book illustrations.

I was blown away by this book! Not only was the artwork stunning but the story she tells is beautiful. We need more books like this on our shelves that show what real life is like for so many families.

This is a very sweet "slice of life" story about a day in the life of a father and daughter. There isn't a plot or action, as such, just a lovely recounting of the things they do together and a reflection of the obvious affection between them.

Unless I missed something, I wouldn't have known there was any reference to families affected by incarceration or reentry if it hadn't been for the author's note. The opening picture suggests the father being away, but it's never addressed and the father is very much present during the story. That said, I was glad to learn about the various bakeries and businesses supporting people transitioning out of the justice system.

This would be a lovely one-on-one or bedtime book since it's so peaceful and almost meditative.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

A very sweet and adorable story about a dad and his loved kiddo and what their days look like. The art is also very beautiful.

Fantastic book. I loved it. Inspired by work with formerly incarcerated parents/ single parents in a real way and flips traditional gender roles.

I received an electronic ARC from W. W. Norton & Company through NetGalley.
Yamasaki's artwork brings this story to life. Readers see the story from the child's perspective as she shares about her dad in short sentences. Her dad works hard at a bakery early each morning. We see him with the rest of the baking team. The details down to the tattoos on their arms in the illustrations offer a look into these characters' lives. Some readers will recognize themselves in this young girl and celebrate the time with their parent.

I love the simplicity of the story and what it is showing. It is so important to show children what reality is in literature and that it is not always a song and dance.

The illustrations are caring and well composed to create real images not perfection. I love that gender roles, race and family are shown in a non-judgemental way that shows real life. Books incorporating people of different backgrounds, culture and situations are very important in a classroom and children’s literature.

I have a child once say to me about a beautiful story representing African culture I love this story because the people in it actually look like me. I can imagine dad bakes being a picture book that can do this for many.

Absolutely love the illustrations in this book. Yamasaki provides an important, and often under represented, look at the special relationship between fathers and daughters. I also appreciate that Yamasaki characters are people of colour as it is so important for children of all cultures to see themselves reflected in literature.

This picture book is about a love of baking with a daughter and father. Dad gets up every morning to work at a bakery. I enjoyed reading this book. The illustrations were on point and went well with the story. I recommend this book to kids ages 2 - 5 years old. I give it five stars

Katie Yamasaki has gifted us with a heartwarming story about a devoted father, his beloved daughter, and the delightful activities they enjoy doing together. It’s evident that Yamasaki’s work as a muralist informs and influences her work as a picture book author and illustrator. Her uncluttered, dynamic, and vibrant images leap off the page and drive the narrative forward from the father’s early morning shift at the bakery before the sun rises to the time in late evening when he finally gets to rest.

I Loved this book so much. I love that dad is the focus here and mom is not the focus. It shows him as a strong character who works hard, loves his daughter, and baking. I loved the part where she says that her dad smells like bread. I could almost smell it myself. This is a fun read that will be amazing for young readers, and shows a great male role model. We, and I, need more books like this. I wish this would be an awesome series. I wanted to read more. Can I also say that I love it shows him with tattoos and him being a big, strong man who can do such delicate work? After reading the author's note I could see where he might, or was, have been incarcerated. I too have worked in the prison system through a ministry, and I see people who come in and out and life can be difficult on the outside. I think this would also be a great book to use for families who have parents who have been incarcerated and show them loving their children, working hard, and being a positive role model. I could go on and on about my love for this book. I cannot wait to add this to my library collection. Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.