Daddy Dressed Me - by Michael Gardner & Ava Gardner

Book Synopsis

Celebrate the creative and empowering bond between a father and his daughter in this picture book that "exudes creativity, joy, and daddy-daughter love" (Kirkus Reviews) from the real-life creators of the blog Daddy Dressed Me following a single dad's sewing journey as he makes clothes to inspire his daughter.

It's Move Up Day for Ava and her kindergarten class, and Ava is chosen to recite a poem! She worries about remembering the words, but her daddy reassures her he will help her practice until she's confident. But Daddy struggles with self-doubt himself when he decides to sew Ava a new dress for the occasion but isn't sure he knows the stitches and techniques to make her a one-of-a-kind creation.

Word by word and stitch by stitch, father and daughter work together, helping each other stand tall, proud, and confident, wrapped in love.

Review Quotes

A vibrant #girldad story of patience, determination, and love makes this an easy purchase --School Library Jounral, STARRED REVIEW "3/17/23"

Brightly patterned digital renderings showcase the strong bond between Daddy and Ava, echoing the text's positive emphasis on how a parent's care can support. --Publisher's Weekly "5/22/2023"

The simply written story rings true emotionally, and the attractive digital illustrations feature the warm relationship between a Black daughter and her father. A satisfying picture book.--Booklist Reviews "1/1/23"

About the Author

Michael Gardner is the creator of Daddy Dressed Me, a fashion content blog featuring designs by the thirty-seven-year-old father and modeled by his ten-year-old daughter, Ava. Gardner started creating designs for Ava when she was just three years old, refashioning thrifted women's clothing. He was looking for a new way to strengthen his relationship with his daughter and, after seeing his sister sew, decided to pick up the hobby. They live in Philadelphia.

Ava Giselle Gardner is an ambitious, confident, and thoughtful young lady. She enjoys learning, dancing, coloring, and spending quality time with family. The epitome of a princess, she loves pink, getting manicures and pedicures, wearing colorful accessories, and modeling her dad's unique creations.

Based in Washington, DC, Nadia Fisher is a self-taught artist and illustrator striving to normalize inclusion in children's books and the illustration world. She wants children from all backgrounds to be able to see themselves in the books they read, and she works to instill a sense of confidence and joy in them as well. When she is not drawing or painting, you can either find Nadia spending time with her husband and daughter (probably biking or roller skating) or binge-watching shows, documentaries, and movies on Netflix. She also loves to get away from the busyness of the city by visiting nearby state parks with her family.