By Jessica Sanford
Dani Vee, the author who brought us the heart–warming book, My EXTRAordinary Mum, has done it again with another fun–filled picture book. This time we follow the adventures of an enthusiastic, but unlucky, Dad in My EPIC Dad! Takes us Camping, the first of a six–part series.
The Dad in Dani’s story is determined to get his kids out into nature. But his well–planned camping trip does not go as smoothly as he’d hoped, and he gets up close to more wildlife than he bargained for. This poor dad has run–ins with ants, snakes, spiders and even a boar! He is battered and bruised, but the kids appear to be having fun – they are certainly experiencing the outdoors! – and ultimately, the family ends up having an EPIC time.
My EPIC Dad! Takes us Camping is illustrated by Marina Verola. The pictures are bright and dotted with hilarious details, including ants holding picket signs – “No Camping!” and “Save our Nests!”. These finer details give the book a richness and add to the fun.
This book will have little ones laughing out loud and pointing at all the funny things happening to (or about to attack) poor Dad! As we know, developing a love for books and reading is so important. Funny stories, like My EPIC Dad! Takes us Camping, hook kids, entertain them, give them joy and because of that they will most likely be readers for life. And, along with being super funny, you’ll be able to start a conversation about the importance of trying new things and having adventures.
Even though we are celebrating the special women in our lives this month, we couldn’t go past My EPIC Dad! Takes us Camping. It’s well worth a look and will be a fun one to read as a whole family.
Dani Vee is the host of popular literary podcast Words and Nerds. With over 52,000 listeners every month and more than 500 episodes under her belt, the podcast has become a significant part of the Australian literary community. Dani’s debut picture book, My EXTRAordinary Mum is a beautiful book about an adventurous, spontaneous mother who walks to the beat of her own drum and was featured in the Sept/Oct 2022 issue of On the Coast Families.
Jessica Sanford is a writer living on the Central Coast. She has a passion for literature and writes fiction and non–fiction. Jessica was the winner of the Wyong Writers’ 2021 Short Story Competition and has also been longlisted for the Furious Fiction prize. She’s currently working on a novel set in rural NSW. jessicasanford.com