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Always My Dad is a touching story of a family that isn't always together. A young girl must learn to cope
when her daddy leaves; knowing he is still her dad and his love for her remains strong.
The family in this story may be imperfect, but the love is just as strong. This is the message this book sends
to its readers, and I think it is a message many children need to hear. According to Hurst, "The idea of love being
present even when a parent is absent isn't new, but many children should be able to identify with this story" (Hurst, 1995). The
story has a peaceful tone to it, with hints of sadness and melancholy because we feel sorry for the young girl. But
the character of the young girl is strong; she holds on to her memories and looks forward with courage.
The soft watercolor illustrations fit the melancholy mood of the story. The etchings give the illustrations texture
and even a bit of grit and resolution. The colors are soft with moonlight hues. The lines in the story are rounded
and many of the spreads have a circular feel, communicating the unity this family has, even if they cannot be together physically.
Wyeth, Sharon Dennis. Always My Dad. Illus. by Raul Colon. New York: Alfred A. Knopf,
1995. ISBN 0679834478.
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