Daddy’s Little Girl

Today’s post has been written in part by Phil, my wonderful husband…

Daddy’s Little Girl by Peter Wilson is a heart-warming children’s book about a little girl’s relationship with her father as she grows up.  The first time I came across Daddy’s Little Girl Kallista was three months ago.  One night at bedtime Crystal played the video for us.  I can hand on heart say that it struck home. As Crystal would say, I teared up,  so immediately she knew this was a book we just had to review!  

We received a print copy of Daddy’s Little Girl in exchange for our honest opinions.

I do not know how many times I have read this to our children and each time it strikes home the realness of them growing up.  Daddy’s Little Girl flows gently through a girl’s life.  Children will enjoy following the rhyme of the story through this girl’s life.  The ‘chorus’ of the book is:

“It’s alright, it’s okay.

Save your tears for another day.

Things may change in this big, crazy world,

But you’ll always be Daddy’s little girl.”

The story starts off when she is born, and follows her life (and Daddy’s concerns) through the young years of playing dress up, moving on to the teenage years, dating and heart-break.  As she grows up she goes to college and becomes engaged.  Time flies and Daddy reminisces about their times together as he walks his little girl down the aisle to be married.

There is nothing as sweet as listening to a father read to his children.  Our children love it when Daddy reads them stories.  It’s a special time between them as they snuggle up on the sofa or are tucked up in bed.

It makes me laugh whenever we get to the part where the little girl has drawn on the walls, Kallista shouts out, “I better not!” And again when the girl reaches her dating years bringing boys home, Kallista hollers out, “I better not!”

Daddy’s Little Girl is beautifully illustrated by Carol Matsuyama, capturing the years of this little girl’s life as she grows into a mature young woman.  Without even reading the words I get a lump in my throat, just looking at the pictures and imagining us.

 Even though Kallista is currently only at the stage in the book of becoming a little lady with long pigtails (not so long yet), and a pretty pink dress.  She dances all around like a tiny princess.  The story by Peter and the illustrations by Carol have really made me think about the future and how quick it’s going to be behind us.  A scary thought for anyone, but to me it really brings home that my little girl is going to grow up and we will go through these things together.

I know in my heart that I’m scared.  I know my daughter; she is strong-willed and determined, she will find her way in life and I will help guide her to it.  I will be there for all the trials and tribulations that life will throw at her.  I pray every day that I will see these days through, to see her grow, find her feet in the world, find her passion in life, find someone to love and have a family of her own, to one day sit back and reflect as the father in this wonderful book does and feel so proud and happy that she turned it just as I had hoped if not better.

Three months after receiving Daddy’s Little Girl it’s still requested and read at least once or twice a week.  Kallista says “all of the pictures are my favourite part of the story.”  Peter’s Aunt Carol (Matsuyama) has done a wonderful job illustrating the story with delicate lines and attention to detail.  The illustration style reminds me of a book Mom bought us when we were born.  It brings back memories of my childhood and special moments with my father.

When Kallista hurt herself not long ago she said, “Daddy needs to read me Daddy’s Little Girl tonight to stop me crying.”  Kallista thinks it’s fantastic to have a special book for her and Daddy.  Today Tristan was asking when will there be a book for him!  I told him we’d have to write one.

The chorus to this book is often also said by both of our children when something goes wrong and someone is upset.  It’s so lovely that they can comfort each other (and us) by reciting from a book.

Daddy’s Little Girl really is a family affair.  In addition to Peter’s Aunt Carol doing the illustrations, his own father is the narrator of the book.  You can watch it both on Daddy’s Little Girl website or on Youtube.  If you’re in Ontario, Canada, you can also purchase this wonderful book at Peter’s brother’s stores.

Before you read another line, go straight to Daddy’s Little Girl Website and watch the video!  It is to touching…and there’s no doubt you’ll want your own copy.

If you’d like more information about Daddy’s Little Girl or Peter Wilson, you can connect with him through the Daddy’s Little Girl website, (this is where you can purchase your very own copy) Facebook page, YouTube, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Daddy’s Little Girl is a book your daughter will cherish and pass down to her own children.  It would also be the perfect gift for Father’s Day!

If you’re looking for more ideas, try our Father’s Day and Books and Book Activities page.