Why, Daddy? Why?

by Tamara Girardi, Nichola Cowdery (Illustrations)

Why are your arms so much longer than mine, Daddy? Why? 
So I can scoop you up into the biggest, best bear hugs!

You know you’re a parent when it feels like you hear the word “Why?” a million times a day. In this adorable board book, a cuddly papa bear uses his cub’s naturally inquisitive nature to show the many forms of his love. From bear hugs to bubble baths and storytime snuggles, this daddy answers every question with the answer to why parents do, well, love.
 

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Animals

16 pages, Board Book

Published May 10, 2022

Reviews

[Judith Valdés B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Why Daddy, Why?" by Tamara Girardi and illustrated by Nichola Cowdery is a heartwarming and relatable picture book that captures the endless curiosity of childhood. Through a series of playful exchanges between a father and child, the story explores life’s little wonders from a child’s perspective, emphasizing the value of seeking understanding.

Girardi’s lyrical writing pairs perfectly with Cowdery's charming illustrations that bring the bond between parent and child to life. Each “why?” is an opportunity for the father to offer an answer filled with love, patience, and humor.

This story celebrates curiosity and reminds readers of the deep connections built through everyday interactions. It’s an ideal read for bedtime or any time, fostering meaningful conversations and leaving readers with warm hearts. Highly recommended!

[Ann Staats · Rating 5 out of 5]

A curious baby bear asks his daddy questions such as why he has long arms, why he’s so tall, and why he has a watch. Daddy’s answers center around the baby bear. For example, his answer to why he's so tall is, “So I can help you soar through the sky.” In the final scene, baby bear asks why daddy loves him so much. Daddy responds that loving him is like a culmination of all the other things. This adorable board book takes the very real experience of a child asking questions and provides heartwarming answers. The illustrations are beautiful, too. This one will be a great one to pull out over and over when snuggling in bed. Recommended!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to read an advance copy of this story. In Why, Daddy? Why? we follow a young bear cub and their father through the adventures and routines of their day together: from a hike in the woods to a ride in the car and even a bubble-filled bath. As is common for young children, the bear cub has a lot of questions, and their daddy's answers continually affirm their loving bond. This visually rich story includes opportunities to track and find background animals (e.g. a cat, a spider), and adults will enjoy discovering some clever visual elements, too. Recommended for preschool and kindergarten-aged children and their teachers, librarians, and caregivers.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: Why are your arms so much longer than mine, Daddy? Why? So I can scoop you up into the biggest, best bear hugs!

Why, Daddy? Why? is a board book for little one starring BEARS. This one stars a super-super curious bear cub and his (or her) dad. This book celebrates family life. Each answer happens to demonstrate a father's love for his cub...

For example, "Why do you always sit in that big chair, Daddy? Why?" is answered with "So we can snuggle and read together!"

The book is cute and adorable. But what I really loved, loved, loved about it are the illustrations.

[Ann Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this endearing board book, Daddy and child reinforce their unbreakable bond through beautiful every day moments. His cub is full of questions but Daddy patiently supplies imaginative answers to reassure and satisfy his little one. Cowdery’s illustrations show dad’s bigness through gentle gestures and loving interactions. Girardi’s text is both comforting and familiar to young readers. Preschool and kindergarten educators should use this book as a read-aloud and incorporate it into a play center. A must-have.

[Stephanie Gibeault · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Why?” is a favorite question for little ones and this book celebrates that curiosity. The story stars a bear cub who asks Daddy Bear why he does certain things, like wear a watch or have long arms. Daddy answers with all the ways he loves the little bear like knowing when it’s time for a bubble bath or to give the biggest bear hugs. The sweet ending folds all the previous answers together into one tender moment. The illustrations are colorful, inviting, and full of lots of precious details. Little ones will want to hear this again and again.

[Mariana Ríos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely book written by Tamara Girardi and illustrated by Nichola Cowdery is full of heart. The illustrations are very cute and filled with colors and details, while the text captures the heartwarming relationship between a young curious son and his dad.

The WHY? questions asked by the cub are very relatable to both children and parents, while the answers by daddy bear are sweet and full of love. This is such a delightful board book. I highly recommend it for schools, libraries, and homes.

[Bonnie Kelso · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who adores her Daddy to this very day, I can say this one gave me all the good feels. The gentle back and forth brought back so many dear memories for me. Tamara's innocent voice and heart-felt sentiment radiates from the text. Definitely a cuddle up close kind of read. What makes it even more beautiful are the sweet and clever illustrations. I wish I had this board book when my kids were little ones!

[Lisa Riddiough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This precious board book is all about the special bond between father and child. Girardi presents the evergreen question with the charming refrain “Why, Daddy? Why?” The adorable illustrations of Daddy Bear and the inquisitive Baby Bear are alive with vibrant colors and sweet details on every page. All children ask, “Why?” Here, the answer is filled with connection, comfort, and LOVE! A heartwarming and delightful book!!

[Dedra Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why, Daddy? Why? took me back in time when my kids were toddlers. "Why" is a popular word amongst toddlers, and this adorable board book explores the questions, some of the many questions, toddlers ask—along with "Why!"

Parents will get a giggle out of the familiar whys, and kids will love the vibrant pictures and all the whys!

Why, Daddy? Why? is a fun, quiet time book, bedtime book, or anytime book! It would be an excellent gift for new parents, too! Get them ready for WHY?

[Terry Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect read-aloud for snuggly father-child lap time, addressing the age-old question of every small child, “Why?” With each question an answer follows to express Daddy’s love for his cub. The darker palette with bright highlights creates a calm, soothing tone, just right for a bedtime read. The sweet ending wraps the answers together like a gentle hug. Still, the cub continues to ask, “Why, Daddy? Why?” leaving the adult reader smiling.

[Lisa Katzenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why, Daddy, Why follows a cute little bear who is full of questions for Daddy! The refrain of “Why, Daddy, Why” brings a soothing rhythm to this sweet story. Little ones will relate to the joy of asking questions. I love that the Daddy answers each question with patience and love. The art is vibrant and fun, full of lots of cute details for little ones to look at. Be sure to check out the companion board book Why, Mommy, Why?

[Cindy Schrauben · Rating 5 out of 5]

The universal "why?" is the center of this adorable tale in the style of the classic, Runaway Bunny. The sweet, warm, relationship between father and child is strengthened with each "why?" The back and forth of curiosity and kind, patient responses is endearing. A cuddle-up and read treasure!
Cindy Williams Schrauben, autor of This Could Be You

[Kaitlyn Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received advance access to this book. "Why, Daddy? Why?" is an incredibly sweet board book that'll give you all the feels. Definitely a great book to curl up with as your read to your kids. I also enjoyed that the focus is on the child-dad relationship, which you don't find as frequently in picture/board books.

[Candace Spizzirri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to get a sneak peek at this adorable board book. For me, this precious story has all the feels! A bear dad lovingly answers each “why?” from his little cub. Nichola Cowdery’s lovely illustrations pair perfectly with Girardi’s sweet text. Can’t wait to cuddle up and read this one to my young grandkids.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to get an early peek at this adorable book. In Why, Daddy, Why? we follow an inquisitive little bear cub with lots of big questions. Daddy's answers are lovingly offered and the reader enjoys many wonderful activities along with cub and Daddy. Young readers will enjoy the repetition in the cub's questions, as well as Daddy's loving responses.

[Beverly Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet, cozy book to read. I really enjoyed the theme idea of a young bear asking so many questions. It reminds me of when my children were young and the pile of questions they continually asked. This would be a good book for a parent to share with their child as a steppingstone of dialogue for similar questions they may have. The art is beautiful too.

[Mark Ceilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why? Daddy Why?
By Tamara Anne Girardi

A baby bear asks his father many “why” questions. Why are your arms longer than mine? Why are you so tall? Why do you drive a car? Each time, father bear responds with a warm and loving answer that includes spending time with his son. This is a sweet, heartfelt, and reassuring board book that is the perfect read aloud at bedtime for young children.

[Molly Ippy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read this amazing board book while creating educational resources to supplement the text! The words are so simple yet pack a powerful punch. Tamara captures the innocence of a baby bear and the unconditional love between a cub and father. As an added bonus, the illustrations are breathtaking and so engaging! This makes a perfect Father's Day gift for the dad in your life!

[Moni Ritchie Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This adorable book celebrates the special bond between a child and their daddy. The title and theme will be familiar to all parents, and Girardi does a great job answering each "why" question with the most loving responses. Illustrations by Cowdery are fun and inviting. A perfect gift book for a new Father and Father's Day!

[Tziporah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this so-very-relatable tale of a parent answering the never-ending "Why?" questions from their toddler, conveying appreciation for their curiosity with the boundless love a parent has for their child. Adorable illustrations with so many little details to discover in repeated readings. Lovely!

[Andi Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello all caregivers of young kids: this book is for you! Girardi takes the sting out of the eternal “why?” questions by supplying creative, loving responses that work for both child and adult. An excellent, relatable gift for new or seasoned parents.

[Jocelyn Watkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This adorable book captures the very special time in a toddler's life when they constantly ask "WHY?" With carefully crafted answers to every instance of "why" the Daddy in the book finds ways to show his little toddler that he has the patience to answer all they "why's" in the world. Very cute!

[Julie Koon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this sweet look at the love and bond between this little bear and dad. I was the kid who always asked why to my dad growing up, and this reminds me of those sweet memories. The illustrations are beautiful as well! A must read and the perfect gift for a father to be!

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little bear questions his dad with the perpetual inquiry of early childhood: Why? And the little bear's wise parent answers every question thoughtfully and lovingly.

A lovely story for all our little questioners out there, brimming over with insight and love.

[Jessica Speer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caregivers and little ones will love this sweet book! Bear cub peppers his dad with non-stop questions, receiving love and validation in response. A great gift for new dads. It is sure to be a bedtime favorite!

[Kate M. Colby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack borrowed this book from the Ashland Public Library, and Dada read it to him.

It has a sweet take on a dad answering his kid’s endless questions. And they are bears like us. Super cute illustrations too.

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who's been around little ones for any amount of time knows that most kids are SO curious and constantly asking, "Why?" Adorable illustrations accompany a sweet text that's a conversation between child and Daddy. This book is perfect for homes, schools, and libraries!

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why, Daddy, Why? is such a sweet board book tailored to show the tenderness and love between little ones and their daddy while answering the important question, “why?”. An adorable story with great art!

[Jill S · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHY DADDY WHY is an adorable book that is a perfect gift for new dads, for Father’s Day, baby gifts, and more… The illustrations are creative, warm, and cuddly and so is the text. They pair together so well. A lovely book!