Leo Loves Daddy

A fun-loving daddy’s dedication is apparent in this slice-of-life board book.
Leo, a brown-skinned boy with tight curls, full lips, and a broad nose, delights in playing with Daddy, who has equally clearly Black features. Leo wakes up to Daddy tickling his tummy. Then this superinvolved father fixes pancakes, dances, takes Leo on a bike ride, and tends to Leo’s scraped knee. Together they build with blocks, take a bath, and snuggle with a book before bed. Companion title Leo Loves Mommy follows a similar trajectory through the day. Leo builds a blanket fort with couch cushions, practices yoga, and paints with his mother, who also presents Black. After a bike ride, mommy’s lunch “is so flashy”: celery and carrot sticks turned into edible critters with fruit and nuts. The loving devotion of both parents is tangible and genuine, sweet but not cloying. Simple two-line sentences with unobtrusive rhymes across spreads provide descriptions of the activities and add vocabulary. Each spread illustrates one event against a clear solid color background, free of distracting decoration. Together they complete a full picture of a busy toddler’s day and his loving relationship with each parent.
Ideal for parents, whether going it alone or together, and for the babies and toddlers they love.
—Kirkus Reviews

Many board books are love letters from babies to parents or parents to babies, adn nobody does familial bonding better than McQuinn (author of the popular picture books about Leo and his big sister Lola). Father and son spend the day together making pancakes, dancing, and building with blocks, as Leo sings Dad’s praises. Hearson’s jewel-toned art captures this father/son love story with warmth and heart. Leo Loves Mommy gives his maternal caregiver equal time.
—The Horn Book