With Dad

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

A boy with a father in the military reflects on cherished memories of a camping trip with Dad in this warm, reassuring picture book.

Written by acclaimed author Richard Jackson and illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Brian Floca, this timeless story is a perfect Father’s Day tribute.

A red Jeep on a dirt road, two sets of hands on the wheel; fresh-caught trout grilling over a fire; a night in a sleeping bag, the moon glowing outside the tent. Camping with his dad near Michigan’s Au Sable river, a young boy collects these indelible memories, and more.

Now war has called his father away, to drive a different kind of Jeep, and the memories are even more precious. One day soon, he hopes, Dad will come home, and they’ll be headed back into the woods, off to make more.  

Acclaimed editor and author Richard Jackson drew from his own experience for this tender story about the lasting impact of quality time with a parent, especially poignant for military families. Caldecott Medalist and Sibert Honoree Brian Floca’s warm, lively illustrations pair perfectly with Jackson’s timeless words.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Story Locale:Michigan

About the Author

Richard Jackson was a highly regarded children’s book editor, and an acclaimed author. His titles include In Plain Sight, with illustrations by Jerry Pinkney, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book, Snow Scene, with illustrations by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, and Tessa Takes Wing, with illustrations by Julie Downing. He passed away in 2019.

Author Residence: Deceased

Author Hometown: Detroit, MI

Brian Floca is the author and illustrator of the Caldecott Medal winning and New York Times bestselling book Locomotive, as well as Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 and Lightship, both of which were Sibert Honor winning books. He is also the illustrator of the popular Poppy series, by Avi. Visit him at BrianFloca.com.

Illustrator Residence:Brooklyn, NY

Illustrator Hometown:Temple, TX