I'd just finished writing and illustrating Animal Friends of West Texas, when Maryland author Amanda Hodges told me she had a book idea. She asked me to read through a short story about a little boy named Tucker and the way the child spent time with his dad. I fell in love. It's not often in a world centering around the relentless pursuit of productivity that we find stories that challenge dominant capitalist narratives and instead celebrates the intrinsic value of connection. As a Millennial, I grew up in a household where my father was often away from home working. I know many other people my age with shared experiences. I love the way that Amanda, disillusioned with the ceaseless demands of the market-driven society, invites young readers on a journey of discovery, where the true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the precious moments spent with a loved one - a dad.
At its heart, the book revolves around a tender relationship between a parent and child, highlighting the joy and fulfillment that come from shared experiences and quality time together. I especially loved the way a child's imagination might depict an adult's career (like musician bear). Through sweet prose and enchanting illustrations, Amanda and I create a portrait of a world where the hustle and bustle of the outside world and its many demands fade into the background, leaving space for laughter, imagination, and genuine connection to flourish.
Rather than glorifying the exhaustive rat race of consumerism, the book subverts traditional narratives by celebrating the simple joys of life—spending time with a parent, deeply connecting through day to day activities, and enjoying being present with one another. These moments, often dismissed in a society obsessed with productivity and profit, take center stage, reminding readers of any age of the inherent worth of slowing down and savoring the present. There is so much value in creating memories with our kids. The little bear, Tucker, in this book doesn't know what his dad does for work; he knows he importance of spending time with a beloved parent.
At its heart, the book revolves around a tender relationship between a parent and child, highlighting the joy and fulfillment that come from shared experiences and quality time together. I especially loved the way a child's imagination might depict an adult's career (like musician bear). Through sweet prose and enchanting illustrations, Amanda and I create a portrait of a world where the hustle and bustle of the outside world and its many demands fade into the background, leaving space for laughter, imagination, and genuine connection to flourish.
Rather than glorifying the exhaustive rat race of consumerism, the book subverts traditional narratives by celebrating the simple joys of life—spending time with a parent, deeply connecting through day to day activities, and enjoying being present with one another. These moments, often dismissed in a society obsessed with productivity and profit, take center stage, reminding readers of any age of the inherent worth of slowing down and savoring the present. There is so much value in creating memories with our kids. The little bear, Tucker, in this book doesn't know what his dad does for work; he knows he importance of spending time with a beloved parent.
Photo of illustration by Heather Wylie
Embedded within the narrative is a subtle critique of capitalism and its relentless commodification of time and relationships. How many of us only identified a parent by the job they did outside of the home? By foregrounding the bond between parent and child over the demands of work, the book challenges the notion that one's value is determined solely by their economic productivity. Instead, it offers a vision of a more equitable and compassionate society, where individuals are valued and deep connection with them is the important aspect of relationship - rather than their ability to generate profit.
Throughout the book, the Amanda encourages young readers to envision a world built on connection rather than competition and profit. In crafting this anticapitalist narrative, Amanda draws upon her own experiences as a parent, the observations from the interactions with her children, and infuses the story with beautiful authenticity. I decided to take on this project after enjoying the way Amanda invites readers to critically examine the systems that shape their lives and imagine alternatives rooted in connection.
Throughout the book, the Amanda encourages young readers to envision a world built on connection rather than competition and profit. In crafting this anticapitalist narrative, Amanda draws upon her own experiences as a parent, the observations from the interactions with her children, and infuses the story with beautiful authenticity. I decided to take on this project after enjoying the way Amanda invites readers to critically examine the systems that shape their lives and imagine alternatives rooted in connection.
Photo of illustration by Heather Wylie
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Perhaps the most powerful aspect of the book is its ability to spark conversations in an age-appropriate way. Through engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations, it invites children and adults alike to explore why connection is so important, paving the way for meaningful dialogue and reflection. I loved working on the illustrations for this story - from the daddy bear making pizza, to playing with blocks, to fixing the sink - each work of art centered around a dad in a domestic sphere connecting with his child instead of an office space. As readers turn the final page of the book, they are left with a profound sense of hope and possibility—a vision of a world where love, connection, and collective well-being take precedence over profit and individual gain. And as they carry these ideals forward into their own lives, they become agents of change, working to build a more connected and compassionate society for generations to come. |
