Daddy & Me, Side by Side

Freelon explores memory and intergenerational relationships in this quiet story about a brown-skinned duo’s fishing trip, which prompts remembrances of a late loved one. Opening with the father/son pair side by side in a tent in the woods, nature-filled storytelling establishes a contemplative tone with a reminiscence from Daddy: “I had fun here when I was your age. Your pop-pop and me.” But “now it’s our turn,” and Fisher’s soft-edged digital renderings follow present woodland explorations shown occurring alongside those from the past. The memories continue as father and son fish, hike, and meditate, taking comfort in each other as “together we remember Pop-Pop’s curious mind, Pop-Pop’s gentle smile” and share their feelings: “It’s okay to let it out.” The creators move with this sensitive outdoors portrait of the way bonds endure across time and memory. Ages 4–8. [em](May) [/em]