Book Title: Playtime with Dad
Author: Shen Shixi
Illustrator: Zhang Yue
Publisher: Scholastic
Length: 32 pages
Type: Paperback
Recommended Age Group: 3-7 years
As parents, we are always on the lookout for books that not only entertain our little ones but also mirror the beautiful moments we share with them
Having grown up as a daddy’s girl myself, I know firsthand, how irreplaceable that father-child bond is. Those memories of waiting eagerly by the door for dad to come home so we could play together? Priceless! And watching my own daughter share that same magical connection with her father has been one of the greatest joys of parenthood. This book captures exactly that feeling — and does so beautifully.
What Is the Book About?
The story reflects today’s reality, where parents often find themselves working from home, tucked away behind laptop screens. The little girl in the story tiptoes in to remind her dad, it is time to play. What follows is a series of the most delightful, imaginative games — from jockey and horse to doctor and patient, and even police officer and villain! It is playful, relatable, and so wonderfully real.
And can we talk about the illustrations? They are among the most vibrant and colourful I have seen in a children’s book in a long time. My 4year old daughter was absolutely glued to every page — and on almost every single one, she looked up at me with the biggest smile and said, “Just like me and Papa, Mama!” That right there, is the magic of a truly great book — when your child sees their own life reflected in its pages.
Key Takeaways for Us
Here is why I believe every parent in our community should add this to their collection:
- It celebrates the irreplaceable father-child bond — Whether you have a daughter or a son, the warmth and love portrayed in this story resonates universally and is truly timeless.
- It gently reminds us of what truly matters — In the hustle of our busy lives, it is these small, spontaneous moments of play and connection with our children that we will cherish forever. This book is a beautiful nudge to put your work away and just be present.
- It sparks wonderful conversations — Reading this with your child opens the door to joyful chats about the games they love playing with their dad, strengthening that bond even further.
- It makes the most thoughtful gift — Looking for the perfect present for Father’s Day or a dad’s birthday? Look no further! This book is a heartfelt celebration of fatherhood that any dad will treasure.
As parents, we want books that do more than just tell a story — we want books that mean something. This one does just that. It is joyful, it is heartwarming, and it is a gentle reminder that however busy life gets, our little ones just want us — our time, our laughter, and our love.
My husband has been reading it with our daughter everyday. He loves it too. He said, “THIS IS US”.
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CLICK & BUY NOW!Disclaimer: Abha is a part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and she received this book as a review copy from the publisher via kbc.
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