This heartfelt picture book from Today show co-anchor Craig Melvin is a tribute to fathers, sons, and the childhood milestones that inspire pride in every parent. Perfect for Father's Day!
I'm proud of you when you try.
I'll be cheering you on.
Always aim for the sky.
Through life's ups and downs, a parent's love is a reassuring constant. Complemented with lively illustrations by Sawyer Cloud, I'm Proud of You is an uplifting depiction of the special bond between dads and sons.
April 1, 2024
Today co-anchor Melvin pens an ode to the father-son bond. A dad lists all the things he admires about his son, including the boy's willingness to face his fears (such as diving into the swimming pool) and his ability to "make people laugh, / bring joy to folks." The child shows "kindness and grace" when apologizing for a mistake, and he perseveres in the face of failure ("They can't all be wins"). The boy has an inquisitive mind ("You ask questions and investigate. / Who knows what you'll find?"), and he's a caring big brother who loves building sand castles with his younger sibling. Ultimately, the father salutes his son for the person he is "through good times and bad, / no matter what." Melvin conveys the joy of watching a child grow into a strong, capable adult while maintaining a sense of childlike wonder. Rather than focusing on traditionally masculine activities or attitudes, he celebrates qualities such as emotional intelligence and a nurturing spirit. While the text on occasion dips into sentimentality, overall Melvin delivers a sound message. Cloud's digital illustrations depict the family and their diverse community with expressive faces, capturing their myriad emotions and lending the book an exuberant tone. The father presents Black, his partner appears white, and the tan-skinned children are biracial; all are unnamed. Affectionate and affirming. (Picture book. 4-7)
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April 8, 2024
A speaker outlines all the ways they’re proud of their child in this greeting-card-style picture book, told from the perspective of a father. The titular refrain opens each spread, offering encouragement and advice: “I’m proud of you when you try./ I’ll be cheering you on./ Always aim for the sky.” Rhyming lines proceed to highlight character traits including bravery, curiosity, humor, kindness, and more, while underscoring the speaker’s unconditional appreciation and love (“Through good times and bad, no matter what...// I’m proud to be your dad”). Cloud’s slick digital artwork adds a degree of storytelling to the generalized text, depicting a “big brother” engaging in common youthful activities such as swimming, learning to tie shoes, studying
science at school, and so on. Oddly, the lines never address the child’s apparent sibling, and the artwork features a secondary caregiver more frequently than the speaker. Still, a closing bedtime snuggle between Dad and child drives home the caring relationship behind this simple work. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4–8.