This silly, lighthearted children's book is fine but leaves much to be desired. The plot really leans into the competitive nature of children, each boy wanting to one up the other until their fantasy falls apart (literally). The dads somehow fall for each other without speaking a word? I don't know... As a queer person who wants to see more queer representation in children's literature, I'm not sure "My Dad Is The Best" quite hit the mark. The illustrations in this book are what really shine, though. Good job, Joan Turu!

I received an electronic ARC from Charlesbridge through NetGalley.
Amusing from the start. The two boys share about their dads and engage in one-upmanship at its finest. Each dad can lift something heavier than the last. I loved the creativity of items they had their dads picking up - especially the elephants carrying triplets. The ending is a twist and tender. I half expected them to one up each other over whose dad loves more. Brightly colored artwork enhances the story. Don't miss the expressions on the dads and the elephants as the story unfolds.

That was absolutely adorable! I was begging that that was the way it would end so when I got to it, I almost jumped from my bed for joy. 5 stars out of 5 stars! I just hoped it was a bit longer. But then again, I'm not the target audience and I loved it. What a wholesome book, I definitely recommend it to kids.

This book took a turn at the end that I wasn't expecting. It started by having two child revival each other back and forth about whose dad is stronger. At the end the dad's have more than a friendship with each other. This book gives more opportunities to talk about love and who can love one another. It is great to see that options are becoming more available for different types of families. My 2 and 4 year old loved this book and asked to read it again and again!

Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for the advanced reader copy. This book is set to be published on April 22, 2025!

Two kids get to bragging about which of their dads is more of a SuperDad in a serious bragging contest of oneupmanship to the extreme. And then they realize that their dads are more than friends, and that is a very good thing.
The illustrations by JOAN TURU (Illustrator) are basic, colorful, and FUN!
Well suited for reading WITH someone any age from 4 and up including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected e-Galley on Adobe Digital Editions from Charlesbridge via NetGalley. Thank you! Pub Date Apr 22, 2025
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I really liked the pictures of this book and thought they were done well while keeping it nice and bright which would suit children a lot.

I think having the competition of who's dad is stronger while seeing at the end they are family was really sweet and a lovely message for children as well.

Short and cute story for kids with a "twist" at the end. Pretty nice, maybe it could be a little bit longer but the way it ends is brilliant.

Awww this was a cute lil kids book! It has a repeating sequence and a buildup (literally) and then a happy conclusion. The mannerisms seem to reflect those of the modern generation, so plus for the realistic aspect!
Also, the art style and character designs??? Super cute and simple doodley illustrations that gave me a whiff of nostalgia for a rough, but cute style. If I had children, I would get them this book :)

A wonderfully cute and unexpected story of a common playground argument. The books humorous repetition combined with its bold illustrations make this a great addition to storytime collections. While the story could benefit from.a more clearly stated explanation of the relationship between the two boys in the story and their titular dads, but there is room for conversation if this book is used as a starting point for queer relationships. .

A cute book showing how much two sons are proud of their dads. Each son attempts to top the other with how great their dad is to them. A cozy read with an LGBTQ+ ending.

This book was lovely! I loved the representation obviously, but it was sweet to see the dads falling in love..kind of? In some ways it seems random that they are together kind of out of nowhere. But if you read it a second time it’s easier to see.

Very cute! I really enjoyed the illustrations.

I don't particularly see kids coming back to this one over and over. Once you've got the "twist", there really isn't a whole lot more there. I also think that focusing solely on physical strength doesn't feel particularly modern.

Still- a sweet read.

Grateful to NetGalley for ARC access.

Oh my goodness, this book is too adorable! Definitely a feel-good read that will be an instant classic. Funny, cumulative text leaves plenty of room for an entire story to unfold in the fabulous illustrations (which makes for a great conversation about clue finding and inferencing for more advanced readers and listeners). After reading this story, readers will be primed for conversations about bravado, what strength really means, and how impactful kindness can be. Great for classroom SEL lessons or just for a fun read at home!

This was such a fun, cute book! I actually read it twice because I loved it so much. It's designed for young readers around age 4-8 but readers of all ages can appreciate it, as I did. Perfect for any young readers library, child care facility, children's library, or anywhere that families or children may be waiting (such as a doctor or dentist office).

It has diverse, LGBTQ+ representation that I really appreciated and it's fun to read with beautiful illustrations that draw you into the story. This is the perfect book to help queer children feel more represented and to help all children be more accepting of families that may look different from theirs.

I will be recommending this to everyone I know, especially those with young readers at home.

Ein gelungenes Spiel mit Erwartungen und Klischees von Männlichkeit. Zwei namenlose (vermutlich) Jungern steigern sich in einen absurd-witzigen Vergleich hinein wessen Vater der stärkere ist.

Wenn der eine Papa einen Lastwagen heben kann, dann kann der andere einen Lastwagen heben, der mit Elefanten gefüllt ist. Woraufhin das andere Kind erwidert, dass Papa einen Lastwagen gefüllt mit SCHWANGEREN Elefanten heben kann….

Am Ende kommt wie es kommen muss, das wilde Stapel an Dingen kracht in sich zusammen und während sich der eine Papa verletzt, pflegt ihn der andere.

Das mit den LKWs und Elefanten mag zwar übertrieben gewesen sein, aber eines ist sicher (und da sind sich beide Kinder einig): beide Papas lieben einander.

Das Buch arbeitet mit wenig Text und Wiederholungen, die Bilder sind im Vergleich dazu voll gepackt mit kleinen Details und lädt zum Entdecken und Mitlesen ein.

Text: Fran Pintadera
Illustration: Joan Turle
Verlag: Charlesbridge, 2025
👛 digitales Leseexemplar via NetGalley.com (Englische Originalausgbe)

This is a cute, quick, and queer friendly children’s book with a surprising ending. I read it with my children and they thought it was very funny and wanted to read it again.

The only thing I would have liked to see, was a point about not bragging or how it can hurt others.

Thank you to Charlesbridge for the ARC of My Dad Is the Best in return for an honest review!

In this charming little story, two boys continuously try to compete with each about who has the better dad, only to discover that their dads have more in common than they think. I appreciated the vivid illustrations, the sweet and poignant story, and the overall message: inclusivity, love and commonality.

It makes me happy that more children will have these types of stories to relate to and appreciate.

4.5 stars rounded up.

My Dad is the Best is a gorgeous story of two boys competing over whose dad is the greater. The tasks the dads perform quickly become more ridiculous and dangerous before finally, it all goes sideways.

The "surprise" ending is incredibly sweet. As after any story my four year old and I read, we had a discussion about what had happened and what our favourite parts were. I was delighted when she told me the ending was her favourite part.

I loved this book and it is one we will be getting for our physical shelves.

Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

This was such a cute, adorable and instantly lovable book. The illustrations are just so good and it's funny to read it. I can't wait to show my kid. Just as I requested it and saw I got approved, I downloaded and read it. Sadly my kid is sleeping at this late hour or else she would have enjoyed it too.


I'm sure she will become a huge fan just like her mumma did.

Thank you Netgalley and Charlesbridge publishing for this totally adorable book.

This was a cute read that I think would grab any kids attention! Loved the sweet and happy ending :)