"Remembering Doo-Dad" offers readers a playful and poignant story
celebrating the enduring power of a father's love and
the strength found in honoring his memory.
Bara Swain's debut children's book, illustrated by Judith Caseley,
is available now through:
Amazon.com
Bookshop.org
... as well as other online retailers, and coming to book stores soon!
celebrating the enduring power of a father's love and
the strength found in honoring his memory.
Bara Swain's debut children's book, illustrated by Judith Caseley,
is available now through:
Amazon.com
Bookshop.org
... as well as other online retailers, and coming to book stores soon!
Bara Swain's Remembering Doo-Dad is a heartfelt story of a young girl's memories of her beloved father, Doo-Dad. Through a series of tender moments and simple acts of love and care, the girl recalls the special bond they shared, from his thoughtful gestures and playful antics to his unwavering support. As she grows, she learns valuable lessons from Doo-Dad's kindness, creativity, and bravery, and continues to honor his memory, hoping to embody his loving spirit in her own life. This celebration of life is lovingly illustrated by the author's sister, combining papercraft with hand-colored imagery.
"My children's book, Remembering Doo-Dad, is inspired by my daughter’s resilience after losing her father--my husband J.D. Swain--at a young age. I am grateful to take this journey with my sister, who has graced the story with her beautiful illustrations. Our mutual goal is to create a conversational space for young readers, one that spans early development, explores familial bonds, and—most importantly—help those who have experienced loss feel like part of their community."
--Bara Swain, author
Please remember to leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads!
"My children's book, Remembering Doo-Dad, is inspired by my daughter’s resilience after losing her father--my husband J.D. Swain--at a young age. I am grateful to take this journey with my sister, who has graced the story with her beautiful illustrations. Our mutual goal is to create a conversational space for young readers, one that spans early development, explores familial bonds, and—most importantly—help those who have experienced loss feel like part of their community."
--Bara Swain, author
Please remember to leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads!
ENDORSEMENTS
“With playful energy, Remembering Doo-Dad explores the special bond between father and daughter, from making baked goods to making memories. Swain's heartfelt words commingled with Caseley's vibrant artwork portray the kind of Dad who can fix everything and fill every day with spontaneity. What a wonderful testament to the strength of one little girl as she navigates childhood with the greatest role model of all: a father's sweet and strong heart.”
--MC Crosby, educator and playwright
“Remembering Doo-Dad is a truly special book that speaks to both children and adults. Through remarkable text and beautiful illustrations, it fearlessly and tenderly explores the loss of a beloved father. As the growing girl narrates her memories of Doo-Dad, each page is filled with deep feelings of love and loss, revealing how the strength of the father-daughter bond empowers her resilience. Reading this book together offers a healing, shared experience, uniquely valuable for children and the adults in their lives.”
--Efrat Ginot, PhD
“Remembering Doo-Dad, written by Bara Swain and illustrated by her sister, Judith Caseley, is a true labor of love. What a gift to readers that these sisters chose to collaborate on such a touching tale! The result is magic. The book’s dedication reads, ‘For my resilient daughter, Jess, and in memory of her father, J.D. Swain.’ This sweet, poignant story of childhood with a dear parent, who was lost too soon, is told from the little girl’s point of view. At each stage we get a delightful glimpse of the deep devotion she and her father have for each other and their unbreakable bond, which transcends his passing. Swain sets exactly the right tone, light and gentle, as we move scene by scene and year by year through her daughter’s early life. Caseley’s enchanting, whimsical illustrations perfectly capture the child’s innocence and strength, and her abiding love for her “Doo-Dad,” and his for her. I was utterly charmed by this book and am sure that readers of all ages will be too!”
--Roselee Blooston, award-winning author of Dying in Dubai, Trial by Family, and Including
the Periphery
“A touching, heart-felt story of love and loss told from a child’s point of view, lovingly conceived and written by award-winning author Bara Swain, and beautifully illustrated by renowned artist Judith Caseley.”
--Lisa Feldman, mixed media artist and medical illustrator
“A sweet ode to the enduring bond between a father and his little girl with charming illustrations that depict those everyday moments that really mean everything.”
--Danielle Bourgeois, writer and actor
“Remembering Doo-Dad is a charming portrayal of life, death, and family. I felt joy and sadness while turning the pages. The text is a reminder that even in death there is a lesson to be learned: hope, love, and joy is everlasting! I recommend this book quite heartily.”
--Vincent Scott, M.Ed., M.A. in Theatre
“Remembering Doo-Dad is an absolute joy to read. Whether you are a child or an adult, you will be delighted by the heart-warming story and the vibrant and whimsical illustrations that appear on every page, revealing the loving relationship between a young girl and her Dad, and the strong bonds she has with her mom and extended family. Doo-Dad has a “find-the-bright-side” way of living that is beautifully depicted throughout this book.”
--Joyce John
“Remembering Doo-Dad gently pulls the reader into its sensitive tale with rhythm and pattern, ideal for early elementary school readers and listeners. It approaches death and illness in a relatable and simple way, which many kids will connect with. This book will surely be enjoyed and used by families to start difficult conversations with young children. I loved how Swain and Caseley built the character of Doo-Dad through the experiences and perceptions of his growing daughter. A beautiful and heartfelt family story!”
--Elly Berke, EdM, Arts in Education
“Remembering Doo-Dad is a heartfelt, beautifully illustrated story that honors the lasting bond between a father and child. With tenderness, wit, and honesty, it guides readers through the complexities of grief while celebrating love and resilience.”
--Alana J. Goldberg, Psy.D.
“With playful energy, Remembering Doo-Dad explores the special bond between father and daughter, from making baked goods to making memories. Swain's heartfelt words commingled with Caseley's vibrant artwork portray the kind of Dad who can fix everything and fill every day with spontaneity. What a wonderful testament to the strength of one little girl as she navigates childhood with the greatest role model of all: a father's sweet and strong heart.”
--MC Crosby, educator and playwright
“Remembering Doo-Dad is a truly special book that speaks to both children and adults. Through remarkable text and beautiful illustrations, it fearlessly and tenderly explores the loss of a beloved father. As the growing girl narrates her memories of Doo-Dad, each page is filled with deep feelings of love and loss, revealing how the strength of the father-daughter bond empowers her resilience. Reading this book together offers a healing, shared experience, uniquely valuable for children and the adults in their lives.”
--Efrat Ginot, PhD
“Remembering Doo-Dad, written by Bara Swain and illustrated by her sister, Judith Caseley, is a true labor of love. What a gift to readers that these sisters chose to collaborate on such a touching tale! The result is magic. The book’s dedication reads, ‘For my resilient daughter, Jess, and in memory of her father, J.D. Swain.’ This sweet, poignant story of childhood with a dear parent, who was lost too soon, is told from the little girl’s point of view. At each stage we get a delightful glimpse of the deep devotion she and her father have for each other and their unbreakable bond, which transcends his passing. Swain sets exactly the right tone, light and gentle, as we move scene by scene and year by year through her daughter’s early life. Caseley’s enchanting, whimsical illustrations perfectly capture the child’s innocence and strength, and her abiding love for her “Doo-Dad,” and his for her. I was utterly charmed by this book and am sure that readers of all ages will be too!”
--Roselee Blooston, award-winning author of Dying in Dubai, Trial by Family, and Including
the Periphery
“A touching, heart-felt story of love and loss told from a child’s point of view, lovingly conceived and written by award-winning author Bara Swain, and beautifully illustrated by renowned artist Judith Caseley.”
--Lisa Feldman, mixed media artist and medical illustrator
“A sweet ode to the enduring bond between a father and his little girl with charming illustrations that depict those everyday moments that really mean everything.”
--Danielle Bourgeois, writer and actor
“Remembering Doo-Dad is a charming portrayal of life, death, and family. I felt joy and sadness while turning the pages. The text is a reminder that even in death there is a lesson to be learned: hope, love, and joy is everlasting! I recommend this book quite heartily.”
--Vincent Scott, M.Ed., M.A. in Theatre
“Remembering Doo-Dad is an absolute joy to read. Whether you are a child or an adult, you will be delighted by the heart-warming story and the vibrant and whimsical illustrations that appear on every page, revealing the loving relationship between a young girl and her Dad, and the strong bonds she has with her mom and extended family. Doo-Dad has a “find-the-bright-side” way of living that is beautifully depicted throughout this book.”
--Joyce John
“Remembering Doo-Dad gently pulls the reader into its sensitive tale with rhythm and pattern, ideal for early elementary school readers and listeners. It approaches death and illness in a relatable and simple way, which many kids will connect with. This book will surely be enjoyed and used by families to start difficult conversations with young children. I loved how Swain and Caseley built the character of Doo-Dad through the experiences and perceptions of his growing daughter. A beautiful and heartfelt family story!”
--Elly Berke, EdM, Arts in Education
“Remembering Doo-Dad is a heartfelt, beautifully illustrated story that honors the lasting bond between a father and child. With tenderness, wit, and honesty, it guides readers through the complexities of grief while celebrating love and resilience.”
--Alana J. Goldberg, Psy.D.