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Dad's Camera
A moving portrayal of love and loss captures who — and what — we leave behind once we’re gone.
One day Dad comes home with one of those old cameras, the kind that uses film. But he doesn’t take photos of the regular things people photograph. He takes pictures of his keys, his coffee cup, the objects scattered on his desk. He starts doing a lot of things that are hard to understand, like putting items that belong in the fridge in the cupboard and ones that belong in the cupboard in the fridge. In a sensitive, touching tale about losing a family member to a terminal illness, Ross Watkins and Liz Anelli prove that love is the one thing that can never be forgotten.
One day Dad comes home with one of those old cameras, the kind that uses film. But he doesn’t take photos of the regular things people photograph. He takes pictures of his keys, his coffee cup, the objects scattered on his desk. He starts doing a lot of things that are hard to understand, like putting items that belong in the fridge in the cupboard and ones that belong in the cupboard in the fridge. In a sensitive, touching tale about losing a family member to a terminal illness, Ross Watkins and Liz Anelli prove that love is the one thing that can never be forgotten.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published October 9, 2018
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105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 7, 2019
I have super mixed feelings about this book. It is lovely and I'm so glad it exists, but I wish it were a little more clear. I feel like sometimes when you write for kids you have to be more straightforward. "He died" would be much more clear to a kid than "we lost him." And while this is clearly meant to spread awareness about this disease the disease except is not mentioned except in the author's note. Adults might get that from context, I think with kids you have to be more clear. I wish this book had done that.
September 8, 2019
Pair with The Remember Balloons.
October 27, 2018
WOW! I don't think I've ever read a picture book about Alzheimer's before, and this one is particularly effective in capturing what the experience might be like when viewed by family members. The narrator, a boy, describes how his father brings home an old-fashioned camera and begins taking pictures of various objects. He and his mother are puzzled since he isn't photographing nature scenes or even them. Instead, he seems to take pictures of objects that he wants to remember. As he becomes increasingly forgetful, putting things in the wrong place, the boy and his mother become increasingly frustrated and confused by his actions even though they know that his forgetting is part of his disease. But after his death, they realize that he's left them a small gift. This picture book provides a place to start conversations about loss and this particular experience while also reminding readers that the little things matter and some things never fade away. He's left behind a visual record of the little things about himself that he wants his family to remember. This book made me tear up because of the last lines and because it is a tribute to the author's father-in-law. The illustrations rely on collage, mono print, watercolor and acrylic and digital coloring to tell the story effectively. This one has many uses and will surely prompt some readers to savor the special moments that life has to offer, sometimes small and seemingly unimportant but often taking on more meaning as the years pass.
February 24, 2019
When I look at this book with it's title, Dad's Camera, it takes me back to my childhood. My father was a photography hobbyist turned semi-pro photographer. He had several cameras. I remember the big one like we once saw news photographers using with the big flash attachment on the side. He also had an argoflex that you looked down into to visualize the picture you were about to take. And then he had one similar to the cover of this book only it was highly specialized and brought from Germany by my brother when he was in the army.
Memories. My memories. But that is not what Dad's Camera is about. It is about memories that are fleeing. The memories of a father. And this picture book attempts to bring understanding to its childhood audience of the condition of dementia and perhaps specifically, Alzheimer's disease.
The take on this book is that the illustrations are stark and somewhat impressionistic. The reality of dementia is a stark reality, too. And the author takes the family through the father's journey of photography where he focuses on things rather than family.
Perplexing? Somewhat. But perhaps it will open the door to helping children understand a little that is the vastness lost to the deep blackness that is dementia.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.
Memories. My memories. But that is not what Dad's Camera is about. It is about memories that are fleeing. The memories of a father. And this picture book attempts to bring understanding to its childhood audience of the condition of dementia and perhaps specifically, Alzheimer's disease.
The take on this book is that the illustrations are stark and somewhat impressionistic. The reality of dementia is a stark reality, too. And the author takes the family through the father's journey of photography where he focuses on things rather than family.
Perplexing? Somewhat. But perhaps it will open the door to helping children understand a little that is the vastness lost to the deep blackness that is dementia.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.
March 3, 2019
Wow - this book is impactful. It's a reminder to notice the little things and cherish the people you love. It's also a testimony to the power of photography and its ability to capture someone's point of view and memories. It would round out a great text set with Cynthia Lord's Half a Chance and Jordan Sonnenblick's Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip since all three are about Alzheimer's and photography.
December 26, 2018
This powerful little story carries the weight of serious issues within its pages. The father, who confuses and upsets his son and wife, is dealing with an unnamed deterioration of his mind- perhaps early onset Alzheimers, or a progressive brain tumor, etc. The son and wife are well aware, as is the dad, that their time together is limited, that his memory is disappearing and that he will not last long- in spirit or in body.
Subdued colors, softened edges and details, and simple spare text share the burden of this sad tale with a puzzling story, one that leads to a resolution of understanding and increased appreciation of Dad's final legacy.
This is a real conversation starter and an example of a picture book for every age.
Subdued colors, softened edges and details, and simple spare text share the burden of this sad tale with a puzzling story, one that leads to a resolution of understanding and increased appreciation of Dad's final legacy.
This is a real conversation starter and an example of a picture book for every age.
October 15, 2018
The number of people suffering from Alzheimer's has been growing and growing at a rapid rate. Alzheimer's association estimates approx 5.7 million people across all age groups being affected. And by 2050 this number is estimated to rise to nearly 14 million. So, when I read Dad's Camera, I realized that there were not many books for children to understand what living with someone affected means.
Dad's Camera opens with dad coming home armed with an old camera, one that uses film. Then dad takes pictures, a lot of them. Pictures of all kinds of random things. Things around the house, like that of his cereal bowl and coffee cup. But he didn't take any photos of mom and the child. They are confused, sad and angry about Dad's behavior. Did he not love them anymore? But then one day, dad passes away. Shortly after, they get a box in the mail with one picture on the roll..
Liz Anelli's mono-print style of illustration captures the snapshots of life in this household. The free form art work connects with the theme of randomness as an Alzheimer's patient would experience. Ross Watkins narrative captures the raw emotions and the uncertainty brilliantly
Heart rending and emotive, this is a great read to open up discussions around Alzheimer's.
My review of this book is here: http://www.stackingbooks.com/dads-cam...
FTC DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of the above books from the publishers for an honest opinion. I have NOT received any compensation for this review. All reviews and opinions are entirely my own!
Dad's Camera opens with dad coming home armed with an old camera, one that uses film. Then dad takes pictures, a lot of them. Pictures of all kinds of random things. Things around the house, like that of his cereal bowl and coffee cup. But he didn't take any photos of mom and the child. They are confused, sad and angry about Dad's behavior. Did he not love them anymore? But then one day, dad passes away. Shortly after, they get a box in the mail with one picture on the roll..
Liz Anelli's mono-print style of illustration captures the snapshots of life in this household. The free form art work connects with the theme of randomness as an Alzheimer's patient would experience. Ross Watkins narrative captures the raw emotions and the uncertainty brilliantly
Heart rending and emotive, this is a great read to open up discussions around Alzheimer's.
My review of this book is here: http://www.stackingbooks.com/dads-cam...
FTC DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of the above books from the publishers for an honest opinion. I have NOT received any compensation for this review. All reviews and opinions are entirely my own!
October 30, 2018
A moving portrayal of love and loss captures who — and what — we leave behind once we’re gone.
One day Dad comes home with one of those old cameras, the kind that uses film. But he doesn’t take photos of the regular things people photograph. He takes pictures of his keys, his coffee cup, the objects scattered on his desk. He starts doing a lot of things that are hard to understand, like putting items that belong in the fridge in the cupboard and ones that belong in the cupboard in the fridge. In a sensitive, touching tale about losing a family member to a terminal illness, Ross Watkins and Liz Anelli prove that love is the one thing that can never be forgotten.
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is such a touching story. The illustrations were done so well that I found myself lingering on the pages often.
This is a story of illness, loss and how a camera played an important component in remembering good memories. The author, Ross Watkins, wrote a short dedication at the back explaining why he wrote this story and how his own personal experiences prompted him to complete this project.
I recommend this book for children who witness parents and/or grandparents suffering from Alzheimers. Excellent illustrations accompany and enhance the value of this story.
One day Dad comes home with one of those old cameras, the kind that uses film. But he doesn’t take photos of the regular things people photograph. He takes pictures of his keys, his coffee cup, the objects scattered on his desk. He starts doing a lot of things that are hard to understand, like putting items that belong in the fridge in the cupboard and ones that belong in the cupboard in the fridge. In a sensitive, touching tale about losing a family member to a terminal illness, Ross Watkins and Liz Anelli prove that love is the one thing that can never be forgotten.
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is such a touching story. The illustrations were done so well that I found myself lingering on the pages often.
This is a story of illness, loss and how a camera played an important component in remembering good memories. The author, Ross Watkins, wrote a short dedication at the back explaining why he wrote this story and how his own personal experiences prompted him to complete this project.
I recommend this book for children who witness parents and/or grandparents suffering from Alzheimers. Excellent illustrations accompany and enhance the value of this story.
February 27, 2020
In Dad's camera a young boy's father comes home with an old fashioned camera and starts taking pictures of random objects he wants to remember. The boy and his mother become frustrated that he never takes pictures of things that matter such as them or landscapes. The father starts being very forgetful and that is apart of his disease, Alzheimer's. After the father dies, they realize he's left them a gift, a picture book. I would say that this book is for older grades such as, 3rd to 4th because this is a harder topic to grasp for younger readers. It is a picture book but is more content heavy for most.
I would use this book in my classroom because maybe some of my students would be able to connect to the young boy and his mother, or they have family members who are experiencing an illness. I liked this book a lot because I have never read a children's book that is about an illness such as Alzheimer's and I'm glad that the author wrote it because it is a common disease that people don't talk about much.
I would use this book in my classroom because maybe some of my students would be able to connect to the young boy and his mother, or they have family members who are experiencing an illness. I liked this book a lot because I have never read a children's book that is about an illness such as Alzheimer's and I'm glad that the author wrote it because it is a common disease that people don't talk about much.
October 29, 2018
Each person with a disease that attacks the memory is different, as is this father in this moving picture book, an emotional look at a family touched by Alzheimer’s. Dad keeps taking photos with an old camera he has found. The snapshots are meant to celebrate his memories and his life, so his family has something to remember him by. However, they don't understand why he is taking photos of strange things, like his keys, his coffee cup, the objects scattered on his desk. He starts doing a lot of things that are hard to understand, like putting items that belong in the fridge in the cupboard and ones that belong in the cupboard in the fridge. At the end, they do realize that he loved them very much. First published in Australia. Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy.
July 4, 2020
A moving portrayal of love and loss captures who -- and what -- we leave behind once we're gone.
One day Dad comes home with one of those old cameras, the kind that uses film. But he doesn't take photos of the regular things people photograph. He takes pictures of his keys, his coffee cup, the objects scattered on his desk. He starts doing a lot of things that are hard to understand, like putting items that belong in the fridge in the cupboard and ones that belong in the cupboard in the fridge. In a sensitive, touching tale about losing a family member to a terminal illness, Ross Watkins and Liz Anelli prove that love is the one thing that can never be forgotten.
One day Dad comes home with one of those old cameras, the kind that uses film. But he doesn't take photos of the regular things people photograph. He takes pictures of his keys, his coffee cup, the objects scattered on his desk. He starts doing a lot of things that are hard to understand, like putting items that belong in the fridge in the cupboard and ones that belong in the cupboard in the fridge. In a sensitive, touching tale about losing a family member to a terminal illness, Ross Watkins and Liz Anelli prove that love is the one thing that can never be forgotten.
January 5, 2019
Ross Watkins poignant text and Liz Anelli's beautiful illustrations bring us the story of a dad who brings home a camera, the kind that uses film. But he doesn't take pictures of his family, only every day objects. As he grows more and more confused, his family realizes he's taking pictures of things he doesn't want to forget, but they are sad that he is forgetting them. A story of loss, and a long goodbye, that is documented with Dad's camera, but we are left with one lasting image that brings light and comfort to a dark situation.
April 19, 2021
This book is really vague. Does the dad have dementia? What did the author mean by "then we lost dad"? My first impression was that he got lost in the neighborhood or at a store, which would be common. But then the story goes on like he never came back. Again vague. Did he get lost and never come home? Did he die? The way it is written, it almost sounds like he ran away, so his family wouldn't have to see him decline. It is NOT a good book for teaching early elementary kids about Alzheimer's.
"Forget Me Not" is so much better and clearer.
"Forget Me Not" is so much better and clearer.
January 28, 2019
"Dad's Camera" is about a dad who buys an older type camera and he starts losing his memory. So he takes pictures of unusual stuff like coffee cups. The dad doesn't take family pictures, but the last picture is about the family. I like the illustrations in this book. You don't get the moral of the book until you finish it. It was definitely for younger grade readers. (review by Seth, 5th grade)
May 27, 2019
This book is worth reading for many reasons: creativity, personal and interactive impact of Alzheimer’s Disease, and even how a children’s book with tight boundaries can still capture the emotion and conditions of fading memory, grief and loss. Plus it’s just beautiful and goes to the heart. Liz Anelli’s casual illustrations are like a Trojan Horse, putting us at ease and leaving us underprepared for the coming reveal, which then opens up he book at another level.
June 28, 2019
This is a take on Dad and his need to keep photos of things that are important to him as he ages and starts to forget things. It never says where Dad goes other than to take photos and away from his family at the end. Sad but gentle treatment of the subject and may leave children with the need for a parent to explain more. The colors are muted and the text deals with a heavy topic. Gentle treatment of a hard subject happening to older parents and grandparents.
October 5, 2019
“Dad came home one day with one of those old cameras, the kind that uses film.”
As a boy’s father starts to exhibit symptoms of dementia, he starts taking pictures of things he wants to remember. But the boy can’t understand why he doesn’t take any pictures of him and his mother. Doesn’t his father want to remember them? After his father passes away, they take the film and have it developed. Then he realizes what his father was doing.
As a boy’s father starts to exhibit symptoms of dementia, he starts taking pictures of things he wants to remember. But the boy can’t understand why he doesn’t take any pictures of him and his mother. Doesn’t his father want to remember them? After his father passes away, they take the film and have it developed. Then he realizes what his father was doing.
September 30, 2018
Very moving picture book and an emotional look at a family touched by Alzheimer’s. Dad keeps taking photos with an old camera he has found. The snapshots are meant to celebrate his memories and his life, so his family has something to remember him by. This book may help with hurt and healing for children dealing with a loss or illness of their loved ones.
October 27, 2018
Whoa, the feels! Keep a tissue handy... A mom and son are frustrated by the dad’s eccentric use of an old camera, as he starts to lose his memory (the reason why is never named). In the end, after he’s gone, they see what he was doing, there I was on the last page, crying at work. Definitely not for storytime, but a very poignant story for the right moment.
November 15, 2018
Dad comes home with a film camera and starts taking pictures, getting them printed out, and putting the photos on the windows. But he doesn't take pictures of the family, and the mom is sad about that. Then Dad is gone and only the pictures are left. The family realizes that Dad took pictures so the family won't forget him.
December 5, 2018
I almost passed this one over but I started reading it and I realized what the story was about. My grandfather died from Alzheimer's when I was young. It was difficult and hard to understand that he couldn't remember us. I love how this book helps kids understand the subject in such a easy comprehensible way.
January 11, 2019
A touching book, maybe devastating to some, depending on their life experience. Alzheimers brings changes to a family, and the family struggles to understand what Dad is doing with his camera. There is some suspense leading up to a twist in the story--Dad was actually keeping a visual record of the little things about himself that he wanted his family to remember.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2022
This was a story about a dad with Alzheimer's disease. He takes photos and you don't know why he's doing it at first, but as it becomes clearer, the issue at hand becomes why he's not taking photos of his family. It's a tough read when you know where it's going, but the book is done with sensitivity. It's a good book, though it certainly is a sensitive subject.
July 6, 2025
What a poignant and powerful way to depict the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease on patients and their families! A boy’s father takes photographs of all the things he didn’t want to forget and what he wanted his wife and son to remember after his death. Expressive illustrations dramatize the agonizing erasure of a life lost in forgetting and how a family copes with continual grief.
October 9, 2018
We just don't have picture books that deal with Alzheimers. This is wonderful - AND it could bring up so many other conversations as well! Don't miss this tender story about what matters most to us!
November 13, 2018
Delicate look at Alzheimer’s disease and its effects on the one who is sick as well as those left behind. This is a much needed book about a disease that is complicated enough for adults to understand.
April 10, 2019
This moving portrayal of loss and family. One day Dad comes home with a camera, an old camera, the kind that uses film. Dad doesn't take pictures of regular things people photograph. Have a tissue in hand when you read this one.
November 19, 2019
A must read. I'd use this book to introduce the topic of memory and memory loss to children. I'd ask children to think of the memories they've had and what photographs they'd take to remember certain memories better so that they could keep them and cherish them for a long time to come.
January 8, 2020
I may not have known in advance what this book was about (a father presumably with dementia/Alzheimer's), but as I read the story it became clear that the father was using his camera to remember things about himself, and in the end, for his family to remember about him.
November 18, 2022
While this book does a great job showing real life situations because of how students may even experience it. With the thought of death, illness, and grieving in the book it could have been more interactive and relatable with the reader. The illustrations were also very gloomy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews