My own daddy
Patakis Publications | 2017 | Illustrations: Lila Kalogeri
“All dads are good. If you ask their children, they will tell you. But my own daddy is the best! And what I’m saying is true, make no mistake about it.”
Thus begins the narration of the little heroine of this tender tale. She talks about her father, who is a simple, ordinary man, yet, to her eyes, seems strong, invincible, accomplished, multitalented, handsome, and intelligent.
This book is distinguished by its originality, while its great sense of humor, which it contains in large amounts, is underscored by contrasts between the text and the illustrations (or from the juxtaposition between the two). Hence, we read one thing and see another. The book My Own Daddy reveals the creative collaboration between the author and the illustrator, as well as the playful mood of both.
It is a book that daughters, sons, and fathers will most definitely love.
Series: Little Crabs (Ages: 5-6)
Critical Reviews
The father in this story should be an example worthy of emulating by all parents today!
Efstathia Tobouloglou, The Contemporary Fairy Tale and the system of socio-cultural value that characterizes it, May 2019
“We’re talking about yet another adorable book, which spreads joy through the funny events it contains and through the delightful and fitting illustrations that accompany it. And it is a book that benefits the reader as well, for as the little heroine plays around with words and images and gambles away her own weakness, which is none other than the love she has for her father, the readers will feel encouraged, on the one hand, to participate as players in this beautiful and entertaining game, while, on the other, they will also understand that even when perceived from a distance, reality is not always what it seems.”
Eleni Choreanthi, fractalart.gr, 29/11/17
“My Own Daddy is the title of Makis Tsitas’s excellent new book, which has found the perfect balance between text and imagery, a necessary prerequisite for all books addressed to small children. Makis Tsitas always surprises us pleasantly with his inventive topics, his well-targeted, spare, and timely prose, as well as his messages that focus on the internal workings of a child’s psyche, all of which aim at forging of psychologically and spiritually balanced adults.”
Niki Salpadimou, literature.gr, 11/11/17
“The ingenious and original device this book employs is none other than the continuous juxtaposition between narrative and image, since the two are engaged in a subversive dialogue, which they both enter with an unhesitatingly cheerful mood. Without overdone sentimentalities, lecturing and big words, this dialectic highlights the indissoluble bonds of love, admiration and trust that develop between a child and a parent.”
Marion Choreanthi, fractalart.gr, 30/08/17
“This little book is a special pleasure for the small children who read it in the loving arms of their father, while receiving his sweet kisses. By paying attention to both the text and the illustrations, we too enjoy the subversive elements inherent in every relationship, but without shaking a little girl’s faith in her father’s abilities.”
Anthoula Daniil, Parathemata Logou, 06/07/17
“Makis Tsitas enjoys writing for young readers and this is reflected in his works. Generally speaking, he uses his humor as a medium to effortlessly convey messages to children without trying to traumatize them, but also without instilling in them the erroneous impression that everything in life is sugar-coated and dream-like.”
Asimina Xirogianni, fractalart.gr, 28/06/17
“It is a brilliant read, particularly (yet not exclusively) suitable for Father’s Day.”
happyparenting.gr, 14/06/17
“I deem this book a little diamond, because Makis Tsitas, the master of the short form (his stories usually have a relatively short text), measures his words so meticulously, creating, thus, with a great sense of humor, with realism and sensitivity, a typical father, yet one who is so distant that you keep wondering how a father avoids being like that.”
Apostolos Pappos, elniplex, 12/06/17
“This is an entertaining book, full of beautiful illustrations and creative activities that will help children pass their time pleasantly.”
Litsa Psarafti, Diadromes magazine, Issue 124, Winter 2017