*With Dad by Richard Jackson

With Dad packs the best of everything about a father-son overnight tent-camping trip into a bigger story with spare text and warm illustrations.

*With Dad, by Richard Jackson, illustrated by Brian Floca, Neal Porter Books, 2024. 40 pages.

• Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8
• Recommended For: Ages 4-8

I’m glad I didn’t read the publisher’s description or the inside flap before I read this book, because the emotions I felt by the end were real and wonderful. Maybe it’s just me, but the unexpectedness was powerful even in a simple picture book.

A boy “drives” the jeep with his dad to their campsite where they set up their tent, catch fish for dinner, and create memories that are so clearly expressed, the reader can almost feel the fish guts, taste the chocolate mousse cake, hear the owl, and sense the warmth of sleeping back to back.

But it’s not just about camping. The author shares another memory that threatens the safety of what the boy knows and who he loves, and the danger of living in a fallen world is part of what makes the sweetness of camping so precious.

This book packs the best of everything about a father-son overnight tent-camping trip into spare text and warm illustrations. I didn’t expect to be near tears by the end, but I really loved this gentle story.

Remember, unless a book is starred, a review is not necessarily a recommendation. Read more about our ratings here.

Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader

• Book Review: For another book about kids who admire their fathers, try My Daddy Rules the World.
• Resource: Gladys Hunt wrote this blog post on “Boys and Books” and we’re honored to share it.
• Resource: We have lots (and lots and LOTS) of books that are great for dads to read aloud.
• Book Review: The Double Dangerous Book for Boys is a great resource full of all kinds of engaging material for fathers and sons to enjoy together.

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