Dad Bakes

A dad wakes up early every morning to go to work at a bakery, then comes home to his young daughter and they spend time together playing, reading, gardening, and baking. This picture book was inspired by muralist Katie Yamasaki's work with formerly incarcerated people and is a powerful story of love, family, and reclaiming a life with joy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 48 pages
Publication date: 26 November 2021
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

Dad wakes up early every morning before the sun rises, eagerly heading off to his job at the local bakery. He spends his days kneading, rolling, and baking delicious treats, his hands working in harmony with the dough. As the sun gradually rises and the world awakens, Dad bids farewell to his workplace and returns home to his young daughter. Together, they embark on a delightful journey filled with play, reading, gardening, and, most importantly, baking.

This captivating picture book was inspired by the remarkable work of muralist Katie Yamasakis, who has dedicated her efforts to helping formerly incarcerated individuals find hope and purpose. Through her subtle yet powerful storytelling, amplified by her monumental and heartfelt paintings, she has crafted a truly remarkable tale of love, family, and the incredible ability to reclaim a life filled with joy.

The story revolves around a father named Dad, who wakes up early every morning, eager to start his day. He heads off to work at the local bakery, where he spends his days kneading, rolling, and baking mouthwatering treats. As the sun rises and the world begins to awaken, Dad bids farewell to his workplace and returns home to his young daughter.

Together, they embark on a series of enchanting activities. They play, read, garden, and, most importantly, spend time in the kitchen, baking together. The father-daughter duo shares a deep love for baking, and their shared experiences in the kitchen create a strong bond between them. Through their baking adventures, they learn about each other's interests, dreams, and aspirations, and together, they create a life filled with love, warmth, and joy.

The illustrations in the book are breathtaking, capturing the essence of the father-daughter relationship and the joy of baking. Katie Yamasakis's paintings are filled with vibrant colors and intricate details, bringing the characters to life and creating a sense of warmth and intimacy. The text is simple yet powerful, conveying the emotions and feelings of the characters with clarity and grace.

This lovely, resonant picture book is a testament to the power of love, family, and the ability to overcome adversity. It reminds us that even in the face of challenges and hardships, we can find joy and happiness by embracing the simple pleasures of life and sharing them with those we love. It is a story that will touch the hearts of readers of all ages and is sure to become a cherished classic for years to come.

Weight: 418g
Dimension: 250 x 248 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324015413