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Feel Better Daddy: A story about empathy
Daddy’s nose is red. His eyes are sleepy. How can we make him feel better? Part of the Bright Start series, Feel Better, Daddy introduces and helps develop the idea of empathy for children aged 1–3.
A big pot of “soup,” a beautiful drawing, a snuggle—a girl explores the different ways she can show empathy when her daddy is sick.
With simple stories and engaging illustrations, the Bright Start series of board books opens conversations about emotions and mental well-being, providing you with the tools and language needed to develop and nurture emotional intelligence in your child.
Bright Start responds to recent research showing that emotional development begins in infancy, when children first bond with their caregivers. Early development of emotional intelligence helps children to form healthy and long-lasting relationships, builds the foundations for stable mental health, and lays the groundwork for academic achievement. Give your child a Bright Start for a healthier and happier life .
A big pot of “soup,” a beautiful drawing, a snuggle—a girl explores the different ways she can show empathy when her daddy is sick.
With simple stories and engaging illustrations, the Bright Start series of board books opens conversations about emotions and mental well-being, providing you with the tools and language needed to develop and nurture emotional intelligence in your child.
Bright Start responds to recent research showing that emotional development begins in infancy, when children first bond with their caregivers. Early development of emotional intelligence helps children to form healthy and long-lasting relationships, builds the foundations for stable mental health, and lays the groundwork for academic achievement. Give your child a Bright Start for a healthier and happier life .
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
10 pages, Board Book
First published September 16, 2020
33 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Loewen
185 books47 followersNancy Loewen grew up on a farm in southwestern Minnesota, surrounded by library books and cats. She's published more than 140 books for children. FOUR TO THE POLE (co-authored with polar explorer Ann Bancroft) and THE LAST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN were Minnesota Book Award finalists. Her WRITER'S TOOLBOX series received a Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of Educational Publishers.
Nancy lives in Saint Paul and has an MFA in Creative Writing from Hamline University. She has two adult children and a cat who sometimes bites her knees under the table as she writes.
Nancy lives in Saint Paul and has an MFA in Creative Writing from Hamline University. She has two adult children and a cat who sometimes bites her knees under the table as she writes.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 22, 2019
I previously reviewed a story of gratitude with orange. This short board book for 1-3 year olds also from the Bright Start series has the challenging aim to share a story about empathy with a red colour to enhance the excellent drawings. Daddy's nose is red so an ideal time to master this colour.
I would expect a child, like a pet dog, Duke's back, to pick up on things not being quite right.
Depending on their age and career aspirations they might take on the roll of nurse or doctor.
His little girl however takes on the adult roll of being Daddy. "Cooking" for him and enacting his favourite books she reads him. Trying to find something special to do to make Daddy feel better.
Very thoughtful and loving. Understanding and doing everything she can think to make him better.
After a sleep he seens better, nose not red. Relief all round as ne can be her Daddy once more.
Not sure if it is true empathy but still a delightful story and many lessons to learn and talk about.
I would expect a child, like a pet dog, Duke's back, to pick up on things not being quite right.
Depending on their age and career aspirations they might take on the roll of nurse or doctor.
His little girl however takes on the adult roll of being Daddy. "Cooking" for him and enacting his favourite books she reads him. Trying to find something special to do to make Daddy feel better.
Very thoughtful and loving. Understanding and doing everything she can think to make him better.
After a sleep he seens better, nose not red. Relief all round as ne can be her Daddy once more.
Not sure if it is true empathy but still a delightful story and many lessons to learn and talk about.
February 23, 2019
Very cute title with great illustrations - a little girl's father has a cold, so she does her best to fill in for him for the day - or at least until he's feeling better.
February 21, 2019
A little and cute story about a dad who fell sick and his daughter who try everything she can to make it feel better. Simple and minimalistic illustration style but pretty and just a cute/easy read story.
One minus, the pdf version that I read, made my Ipad run at full power, which is kind of strange for a little book. It was taking forever to load and every page turn take way too much time, don’t know if it just happen to me but it’s kind of annoying if you want to read this particular version with a child.
One minus, the pdf version that I read, made my Ipad run at full power, which is kind of strange for a little book. It was taking forever to load and every page turn take way too much time, don’t know if it just happen to me but it’s kind of annoying if you want to read this particular version with a child.
March 18, 2025
Finally someone taking care of daddy!
March 15, 2019
This is such a sweet story. A little girl realizes her daddy is not feeling well as a cold is brewing inside of him. His nose is red, his eyes are sleepy and he starts sneezing. She recognizes that he is not feeling well and takes it upon herself to become daddy for the day! "Taking Care of Daddy" is part of Bright Start; a touching new series of board books which combines charming stories with adorable illustrations to nurture emotional intelligence and this book does just that.
This loving little daughter reads to her daddy, becomes his snuggle bunny at nap time, and tends to his every need. The book is teaching a lovely life lesson on empathy to wee ones. Adorable illustrations are kid-friendly and relatable. The 10 page board book will be well received by that age group. The little superhero helps nurse her daddy back to health because right from the get-go she empathises with his malady. It's a win-win situation for both and a celebration of love and caring. Highly recommended.
This loving little daughter reads to her daddy, becomes his snuggle bunny at nap time, and tends to his every need. The book is teaching a lovely life lesson on empathy to wee ones. Adorable illustrations are kid-friendly and relatable. The 10 page board book will be well received by that age group. The little superhero helps nurse her daddy back to health because right from the get-go she empathises with his malady. It's a win-win situation for both and a celebration of love and caring. Highly recommended.
March 20, 2019
'Bright Start - Feel Better Daddy: A story about empathy' with words and illustrations by Nancy Lowen is part of a series aimed at teaching emotional intelligence to the very young.
Daddy is very sick and his daughter wants him to feel better. She makes him soup out of his favorite things (was that an ice cream cone sticking out of the soup?). She reads and snuggles, and soon daddy feels better.
The series is aimed at 1-3 year olds, and I think the cute pictures and short sentences will captivate young readers. I feel like the very young do have a sense of empathy, but it never hurts to cultivate it as a skill. The world could use more empathy.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - words & pictures, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Daddy is very sick and his daughter wants him to feel better. She makes him soup out of his favorite things (was that an ice cream cone sticking out of the soup?). She reads and snuggles, and soon daddy feels better.
The series is aimed at 1-3 year olds, and I think the cute pictures and short sentences will captivate young readers. I feel like the very young do have a sense of empathy, but it never hurts to cultivate it as a skill. The world could use more empathy.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - words & pictures, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
February 25, 2019
I was sent a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was a cute enough book for the little ones, unfortunately I do not think it stands out in any way or that it would be picked up too often from the kiddie bookshelf.
The illustrations were pretty, but they needed something more to entertain and get us curious. However, the story is really nice about a little girl taking care of her sick dad. She does mundane activities like drawing pictures or reading him books, but the message is sweet.
This was a cute enough book for the little ones, unfortunately I do not think it stands out in any way or that it would be picked up too often from the kiddie bookshelf.
The illustrations were pretty, but they needed something more to entertain and get us curious. However, the story is really nice about a little girl taking care of her sick dad. She does mundane activities like drawing pictures or reading him books, but the message is sweet.
March 17, 2019
A little girl feels bad her dad is sick, so she dons his glasses and tie, grabs his briefcase, and says she’ll be the daddy today. Food, reading and other things are offered to make him feel better.
The characters have small bodies with big heads, and are basically sketches done in black, white, and orange, which is really interesting to me, because orange is my favorite color.
If there’s a reason for this book to have been written, it’s so kids will learn to give parents a break.
All in all, it’s just cute.
3.5 pushed up to 4/5
The characters have small bodies with big heads, and are basically sketches done in black, white, and orange, which is really interesting to me, because orange is my favorite color.
If there’s a reason for this book to have been written, it’s so kids will learn to give parents a break.
All in all, it’s just cute.
3.5 pushed up to 4/5
March 15, 2019
This is a very charming book for small children. The retro style pictures are done in different shades of the three colors red, black, and white and they are adorable. Every spread contains two or three sentences in child friendly language, telling the story of a sick daddy and his daughter who is showing empathy and helping him to feel better. The story is easy to follow and enjoyable and at the same time supporting emotional intelligence.
November 9, 2019
I truly love this series. The books have a wonderful texture, and the illustrations are sparse enough to be able to focus on the important parts. This book shows the narrating girl be so thoughtful about her sick dad, and I appreciate how much she thinks about what he would like (not what she would like to give to him) to help him get better. Teaching empathy is so important in young people, and this book is a great way to start doing it.
March 27, 2019
A cute little story introducing a child to the ever tragic MAN COLD. Kiddiiiing! Sick dad’s little girl is taking care of him. A good story introducing empathy and how to help take care of a sick loved one. The artwork is also cute and easy for little ones to follow.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2019
A parentified child is forced to give up her day to nurse her bed-ridden father back to health. ✨
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But seriously... a sweet story centered on getting outside ourselves. It’s a great conversation starter about what helps us feel better and what might help someone else. High contrast illustrations, a furry sidekick, and heart-mushing dialogue? Yes, please!
✨
But seriously... a sweet story centered on getting outside ourselves. It’s a great conversation starter about what helps us feel better and what might help someone else. High contrast illustrations, a furry sidekick, and heart-mushing dialogue? Yes, please!
March 6, 2019
Such a loving and caring children's book. This is about a sweet little girl trying to help daddy feel better. Wonderful illustrators and a meaningful storyline.
March 10, 2020
Wonderful!
July 15, 2020
Very nice book about empathy. Cool story
August 10, 2020
For: readers looking for a book featuring difficult concepts.
Possible red flags: a little long for the target audience.
Possible red flags: a little long for the target audience.
November 2, 2021
I loved this book of a little girl noticing that something with off with her dad and taking care of him!
February 21, 2019
A sweet book about other people’s feeling of empathy. This book is focused on a child’s dad and feel unwell. It is relatable to a child and aimed at 2-4 years old, a great book for discussion around feelings. Beautiful and clear illustrations. Thank you netgalley for an advance copy.
February 22, 2019
First off I absolutely love, love, love the illustrations. Black and an orangery-red they have a very retro look. Feel Better Daddy while geared towards the 2-4 age range new readers would do well with the book with the simple sentences. The lesson in the story is empathy and the audience learns through the daughter's actions trying to make her father feel better.
February 22, 2019
"Bright Start" - Feel Better Daddy by Nancy Loewen; Hazel Michelle Quintanilla was a sweet little book about a dad who fell sick and his daughter who tried everything she can to make him feel better.
It was simple and easy to read with lovely illustrations However, I found the colours of this book very Bland and boring! it needed more brighter colours for a young child. This book could be so much more and entertaining.
Thank you netgalley for an advance copy.
It was simple and easy to read with lovely illustrations However, I found the colours of this book very Bland and boring! it needed more brighter colours for a young child. This book could be so much more and entertaining.
Thank you netgalley for an advance copy.
February 26, 2019
Adorable story about Daddy getting sick and his daughter taking care of him for the day. Great for ages 1-5 to help them learn empathy and to understand that parents get sick and need taking care of too! I also love that this story highlights the father.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
February 27, 2019
I love this book! It is so sweet and caring and demonstrates empathy without being preachy.
Daddy is sick and his daughter wants to make him feel better. The child who listens to this picture book will see all that she tries...does daddy feel better in the end? Is he ready to be the usual daddy again? Adults may know but children will love finding out.
The illustrations as you can see from the cover are simple yet very appealing. I enjoyed looking at the little girl, her dad and I adore the dog.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a lovely book about what happens when a parent is sick and how a child might help. The opinions are my own.
Daddy is sick and his daughter wants to make him feel better. The child who listens to this picture book will see all that she tries...does daddy feel better in the end? Is he ready to be the usual daddy again? Adults may know but children will love finding out.
The illustrations as you can see from the cover are simple yet very appealing. I enjoyed looking at the little girl, her dad and I adore the dog.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a lovely book about what happens when a parent is sick and how a child might help. The opinions are my own.
February 28, 2019
When Daddy is sick, someone has to step up to the plate to be "Daddy" for the day. Absolutely adorable and charming. I love the illustrations and coloring used for this book. Simple yet perfectly expressed. I love the compassion of this small girl who just wants her Daddy to feel better. My daughter loves this book, almost as much as she loves her Daddy! A perfect addition for your little library. A perfect read on a day when Daddy or even Mommy isn't feeling well.
March 12, 2019
A cute little young children's book about empathy and sympathy. Very simple for a toddler to understand, with sweet pictures, showing a little girl trying to think of all the things that make her feel better when she's sick, and doing them for her Dad. Recommend for small toddlers.
March 13, 2019
Feel Better Daddy is a cute, simple introduction to being empathetic for the youngest of readers. A young girl notices that her dad isn't feeling very well. She decides to "be the daddy" and do all the things her dad does for her when she's not feeling well. She makes him soup with all his favorite things, makes him a special drawing, and snuggles with him during a nap. At the end of the story, Daddy is feeling much better. The illustrations are very cute, and the simple text is perfect for preschoolers. A great for preschool collections.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2019
What a cute book. Shows the bond between father and child. My six year old loved it! He was able to read it with out any issues or getting bored
March 27, 2019
I am reviewing this book for Nancy Loewen, Quarto Publishing and NetGalley who gave me a copy of their book for an honest review.
A great book which children can understand and read themselves which focuses on hoe to look after others who are ill.
A great book which children can understand and read themselves which focuses on hoe to look after others who are ill.
April 11, 2019
In Bright Start - Feel Better, Daddy, every parent will be able to relate to the situation of being sick when a child is not.
When the daughter realizes Daddy is sick and needs to rest, she decides to take over being the parent. She attempts to make soup with foods Daddy likes (including carrots and ice cream -- no word on whether or not he actually samples it), entertains him with reading and acting out books, and generally finds ways to occupy herself and allow Daddy to rest in his chair.
This is a simple story with a sweet message about empathy.
(I received a digital ARC from Quarto Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)
When the daughter realizes Daddy is sick and needs to rest, she decides to take over being the parent. She attempts to make soup with foods Daddy likes (including carrots and ice cream -- no word on whether or not he actually samples it), entertains him with reading and acting out books, and generally finds ways to occupy herself and allow Daddy to rest in his chair.
This is a simple story with a sweet message about empathy.
(I received a digital ARC from Quarto Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)
April 16, 2019
This fun book is look at a little girl trying to make her daddy feel better when he is sick. She makes him soup, she reads to him, etc. The illustrator has done a lovely job conveying expression and emotion while using just 2 colors. It works. It's a fun simple story with lots of heart.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews