Don't Puke On Your Dad

by Toby Morris

Reading Toby Morris’ graphic novel about his first year of fatherhood is a charming fly-on-the-wall experience celebrating the highs and lows of a new baby.

His quirky illustrations invite the reader to share the tantrums, joy, chaos, fatigue, teething, bliss and, well, projectile puking.

During his journey, Morris masters manly baby talk, becomes that guy who talks about his kid at parties (to anyone who will listen) and discovers that “lying on the couch making fart noises” to entertain the baby “is a legitimate weekend activity.”

The novel is easy to read and entertaining. Whether read from cover-to-cover or dipped into at random, there is a heart-warming anecdote or illustration that will have fathers laughing and nodding their heads in recognition.

Genres: Graphic Novels

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Amanda Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read for anyone who has been (or like us is about to be) a first time parent. The mix of Toby's drawings and his insightful notes about the journey are both funny and touching - no schmaltz though - and very relatable. Completely recommended.

[Dan Organ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice quirky graphic novel reminding me of the ups and downs of the first year of fatherhood. Lack of sleep, the worry, being unsure, the happiness and the change in your own outlook and attitudes to life.

I was hoping for a few more humorous stories that come with parenting, but they never came.

Still a good read though.

[Antonija]

I read it as a mom of a 6week old baby and here is what I can say about it:
1. Reading about the first two months was therapeutic (thank God, it's not just me!)
2. Reading about the rest was almost like looking at a crystal ball and trying to figure out what happens next.

All in all, if you can't laugh about the experience you are having as a parent, what can you laugh about? :)

[Anurag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raising a baby and having fun?
If you feel that these two things hardly go together, this book might change your opinion.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute read! The author details the start of his journey as a dad from the day he and his partner found out they were pregnant with baby Max. The pages are filled with illustrations and the occasional one-page long reflections. The book may be compact but it offered me a glimpse of parenthood during the early months to prepare me mentally of what is to come. What makes this book unique is that it is written from the perspective of a dad - reminds me as a wife that husbands do struggle too, in their own fatherly ways.

[Josep Blas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.

There are few things, if any at all, that make me rethink my stance on not having children.

This book nearly did.

I love the dad perspective of this book. So many books out there on the subject are aimed (and rightly so), at women. This book holds you by the hand and takes you, step by step, on the precious trip Toby took when having his child. It was a beautiful trip, one that I was sad to finish, but happy to see that capable people, such as Toby, are raising children.

Read this book, you will laugh, you will cherish the moments Toby goes through with his son, and you will be left contemplating some of Toby's deeper thoughts... all in all, an amazing read.

The only drawback? This book is a bit hard to find... It was only published in New Zealand, where Toby is from, and has not been released in the States. Still, if you find it, buy it! Especially if you're a dad-to-be... it will teach you a lot!

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of autobiographical comics and Toby Morris I was always going to like this book. The comic is a string of recollections and moments as opposed to a strong narrative. Easy to dip into, and I think the observations would still be enjoyable if, like me, you're not a new parent.

[Natarsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely brilliant! i loved the pictures.... and totally related to heaps of scenarios. Awesome Graphic novel.

[Woff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. I loaned it to my neighbours who have a baby and they didn't want to give it back.

[Simon Sweetman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Toby's work in journalism - his style and sensibility; this book about the first year of being a dad resonated hugely; pretty much mirrored my experience/s. Well worth it.