Written by Ross Watkins
Illustrated by Liz Anelli
Candlewick Press, 2018. Picture book.
Grief can be difficult to explain to children. “Dad’s Camera” by Ross Watkins is a realistic portrayal of how painful it can be to watch a loved one slip away slowly. The narrator deals with watching their father become less and less like himself, and the uncharted territory of loss. All this is told through the father’s purchase of an old film camera which he uses to take pictures of everyday objects, much to the confusion of his family.
The subject matter is heavy in this book, but the beautifully done illustrations feel nostalgic and warm, which helps remind the reader that through the confusion and grief, this is a family filled with a lot of love. The writing might be a little too abstract for very young readers, but for older readers, or kids who are reading with an adult, the story should make sense. This book would be an excellent jumping of point for questions about losing a loved one.
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