Cover Image: Up High

Up High

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Member Reviews

A sweet story about the relationship and love between a father and son. Every kid loves going up on an adult's shoulders and the little boy in this story is no different. The story starts out with the little boy explaining that every Sunday he and his dad go into town. He shares what he sees when he's walking on his own and when he's walking up on his dad's shoulders. The two end up at the park where they eat lunch together and the little boy begins to notice things in nature all around him. The story ends as the little boy and his dad head home; the boy is being carried in dad's arms this time.

One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was the representation of the dad. From the very first picture you could see that dad had tattoos on his arms. Though this seems like a small detail, I appreciated that the character was drawn differently than a "typical" dad. Any time I can show my students a person who might look different than them, I jump at the opportunity because it helps promote tolerance, acceptance, and love.

Would love to add this one to my classroom bookshelf!

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Matt Hunt's 'Up High,' tells the story of a young boy and his father walking into town. The boy holds his father's hand. He feels so small in such a big city. The boy asks "to go up high." Daddy lifts him up onto his shoulders. His father holds him tight and he no longer feels so small. They look in the windows of shops. Then they go to the park to eat a picnic lunch on their favorite park bench. A while later, it's time to go home. His daddy asks if he wants "to go up high." He decides to walk. When he gets tired, daddy holds him tightly in his arms while he naps and carries him home. The author concludes the book with these words. "A dad's love can make even the littlest of kids feel like a giant."

A QR code is located at the end of the book, which can be scanned to hear the book read aloud. I absolutely adored this book. There's something about books about daddy's and children that always draws me in. My father was absent for most of my life. Every child deserves a loving, lasting relationship with both parents. It's fair to say that I live vicariously through books like this one. In spite of their simplicity, the illustrations are profound. This book I highly recommend.

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I loved it. As a parent with a child who has recently entered toddlerhood, this book really captured me. I appreciate that the dad is tattooed and the relationship you can feel oozing off of the page. So much of this book is all about perspective - the way the city looks from the boy's height and then up on his dad's shoulders, the way his dad's arms look when they are stretched out to the boy and offering safety, the way that the boy feels big like his dad when he is inspecting a ladybug. It's beautiful, and both the illustrations and text do a wonderful job of sharing this. As father's day is coming up over here in North America, I will personally be purchasing this for my husband and little boy.

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UP High shares concepts of items big and small in the city, specifically through a child's eye. I particularly enjoyed the art style and how Dad is drawn in a way I can picture the young child doodling him - specifically with the tattoos. It's so fun in picture books to have a doodle artistic choice, as it helps that child voice carry through the text. Additionally, I like that the book features Dad, which makes it a great story for those growing up with their fathers or are close to them.

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Little one can see better on daddy's shoulders when walking down the street but when sitting on the bench in park it's easy to find all sorts of bugs and small animals. I liked that dad had tattoo sleeves.
The illustrations by the author are simple, imaginative, colorful, and delightful.
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age including ESL, especially at bedtime. Also great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, hospital, or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Nosy Crow via NetGalley. Thank you!

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Cute story! Particularly around Father’s Day. Like the child father connection. I enjoyed the perspective change in the park.

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A nicely illustrated story about a little boy and his dad. A walk in the city provides a glimpse on how the little boy feels elated, protected and ultimately brave,

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This book is a delight! The illustrations are refreshing and work with the story perfectly. The little boy and his Dad have an adventure which will be relatable to most children who will love to read it and have it read to them.

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This is very touching, if not especially new in its content or message. It's always promising and uplifting to see happy father-child relationships in picture books.

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Cute book about a son and father who walk around the city together. Loved the art. Good book for children.

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