THIS IS THE FIRST BOOK I WILL READ TO YOU

A dad and a new baby quietly celebrate their first storytime.

This calming metanarrative gets right to the point. “I’ll put you in your softest pajamas,” narrates the father. He admits to being a little nervous about sharing “this moment that only you and I will be part of” as they go through the little one’s bedtime routine. Finally, it’s storytime, and this book comes to life—literally. Carrying the baby, the father wanders—through his thoughts and a gentle moonlit forest. There is no conflict or distraction, just “the click of this lamp, / the sounds of our house, / the touch of our hands.” This is a rare, matter-of-fact portrait of a father and child, with the father expressing some uncertainty but ultimately joyfully participating in tasks that have often been associated with mothers. The lack of action may lull some, but new caregivers will readily absorb the themes and appreciate the encouragement to create shared reading time with even the youngest children. Soothing blues and browns and ample use of negative space create a reassuring feel that fits in well with the book’s message. Both the father and the baby are tan-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

This one is mostly for the grown-ups, and that’s a good thing.