Nelly Gnu and Daddy Too

Nelly Gnu and Daddy Too written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney (2014)

Nelly loves Daddy Gnu. He can make a house out of an old cardboard box, some string, and some tape. They measure and draw, and tape and saw. But Nelly thinks it needs more. So off they go to the store. Nelly finds the perfect shade of blue and Daddy gets some brushes. And when Nelly drops her stuffed doll in the busy aisle, she gets separated from her Daddy… for just one scary minute. Daddy swoops her up and zooms her through the air. They pay for all their painting supplies, and go home to decorate her house. That night, Daddy Gnu cooks dinner and reads Nelly her favorite books, then they go to bed… inside her new cardboard box house.

Anna Dewdney, author of the acclaimed Llama Llama series, has done it again. This little story is the natural blend of rhyme and tenderness. Anna Dewdney speaks to the heart of a three to five year old. She tells the story of a father/daughter relationship that is simple and warm. And her illustrations bring the reader right inside Nelly’s little world.

A perfect anytime story. Nelly and her Daddy have a special bond. It’s a perfect compliment to Llama Llama’s relationship with his mother.  This is a book I would recommend for any preschooler, and the fact that it’s available now for Father’s Day is even better. Share a copy with your special Daddy’s girl or boy.