Book Review: “Daddy, Tell Me A Story” by Kathleen Long Bostrom

Cover image of "Daddy Tell Me a Story", a dad with his daughter on his shoulder and a dragon on his arm.

“Daddy, tell me a story.”
Daddy smiled. “Which one?” he asked.
“Make it up. You always tell the best stories!”

So begins “Daddy, Tell Me a Story” by Kathleen Long Bostrom–a sweet picture book about the love between a father and a daughter, as well as a tribute to the wonder of a child’s imagination.

A Quick Summary:

When Sophie asks her dad, the best storyteller she knows, to tell her a bedtime story, he happily complies. But as he starts, Sophie realizes the story is not quite right. She suggests one small, teeny, tiny tweak, and then another, and another. Soon, Daddy and Sophie create the best bedtime adventure ever, one that promises to continue to grow.

About “Daddy, Tell Me Story”:

Right from the beginning, Sophie and her dad bound onto the stage as lovable and relatable characters. Their close relationship shines through in both the narrative and the illustrations. Parents will appreciate the dad’s playfulness and good humor as he goes along with his daughter’s imagination. Kids will enjoy Sophie’s suggestions which add excitement and boldness to the bedtime tale.

Throughout the book, bold colors and shapes blend Sophie and her dad into the world of their imaginations. The pictures carry the reader from the comforting, familiar space of a child’s room into a fun fantasy land. I especially love the expressions on the father’s face on every page, which convey so well his amusement as well as his love for his daughter.

Bostrom creates an enjoyable narrative through the character’s voices, showing the value of creativity as a point of connection. The shared storytelling strengthens the bond between Dad and daughter in a wonderful way.

Any parent who reads with their child will appreciate this beautiful tribute to the value of bedtime stories. And any child who likes a good story about dragons will enjoy this fun romp through Sophie’s imagination. “Daddy, Tell Me a Story,” is a perfectly delightful book and a great addition to any home library.

For more from Kathleen Long Bostrom, be sure to check out our interview with her from last year, when her book Since the Baby Came was released.

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Bio picture of book reviewer Karley Conklin wearing a green jacket and red scarf.

Karley Conklin

Karley Conklin is a librarian by day, a writer by night, and a bookworm 24/7. On her blog http://litwyrm.com/, she discusses literature of all sorts, from poetry to picture books. Her goal is to use the power of stories to remind others of hope and joy in a world that all too often forgets both.


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