Knock, Knock: My Dad’s Dream for Me by Daniel Beaty

Beaty, D. (2013). Knock, knock: My dad’s dream for me. New York, NY: Little, Brown, and Company.

Knock, Knock: My Dad’s Dream for Me is written by Daniel Beaty and illustrated by Bryan Collier. Collier was awarded the Coretta Scott King Award for his breathtaking illustrations in Knock, Knock. This is a brilliant story about a young boy’s tumultuous relationship with his father. The main character was very close to his father as a young child. Sadly, the young boy is abandoned by his father (presumably due to incarceration) and longs for his father’s return. He learns to live with the void left by his father’s absence but is forever changed by it. The story ends with a note of hope as the reader sees the young boy grow into a happy man with his own family to love.

Not only is the story touching, but the illustrations created through watercolor and collage are amazing! They add so much to the story by adding layers of texture and depth much like the emotions of the young boy. This book would be particularly powering for young people that have experienced life with only one parent and abandonment. The book shows struggle and pain, but ultimately triumph as well. Due to the interesting and creative illustrations, this book could be used to discuss both writer’s craft as well as the artistry of the illustrator. A teacher could use this text to model using different mediums to create illustrations. Students could then create their own picture book complete with text and illustrations. Perhaps this book could be used by a guidance counselor to help students cope with their feelings because, as I said previously, this book could be particularly significant for some children. It could even be used to help them connect with and overcome their feelings of abandonment. Overall, I really enjoyed this beautiful, touching story and glorious art work.

(Image from www.danielbeaty.com)