Daddy-Daughter Day

PreS-Gr 3--As a musician, producer, educator, and Grammy nominee, Freelon seeks to expand his repertoire with his first book, based on his song of the same name. Freelon details a daughter's day spending time with her dad. Their day includes a morning routine of smoothies and meditation, followed by make-believe time, a trip to the park to play hopscotch and basketball, and an evening schedule of dinner, reading, and a bedtime concert. The daddy and daughter, who are both Black, are a "daddy-daughter power-combo superhero team." With colorful and bold illustrations reminiscent of Vashti Harrison's illustrations in Hair Love, Duchess includes humorous details, like a playful family dog, throughout the story. Words and illustrations detail the strength of the relationship between the father and daughter. Some of the rhymes seem awkward to process visually, but sound better and more feasible when read out loud; because of its rhythm and rhyme, readers might also enjoy it more as a read-aloud rather than read quietly to themselves. This title may appeal to readers who are rhythmically inclined and those who enjoy spoken word poetry, in addition to fans of Freelon's previous work. VERDICT A solid addition to any children's collection, especially where Matthew A. Cherry's Hair Love is popular.--Kristin Unruh