“I Can Do What Daddy Can Do” by Kitty Arceneaux

I Can Do What Daddy Can Do

Kitty Arceneaux (author) W. Smiley Isaac/SachiDesigns (illustrator)
Independently Published (2020)
ISBN: 979-8648723672
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Reader Views (09/2022)

“I Can Do What Daddy Can Do” by Kitty Arceneaux, illustrated by Sachi Designs, is a cute and entertaining book that will be highly relatable to any child who has wanted to help out a parent, or be just like them. Although the theme is role models and children learning from parents, this story is entertaining and would be a joy to read with a child who is exploring the world and wanting to copy adults.

The book begins with Proverbs 22:6, which counsels parents to lead children in good ways, so that they will remember them when they get older. Then we immediately jump into the story of Logan, who is four, and his father, who is reading the newspaper. This is the first example of how Logan wants to do whatever his father is doing, including the ability to read. It’s heartwarming and encouraging when Logan says, “If you can read the newspaper, I can read it too.”

Arceneaux then leads young readers, and adult readers too, on Logan’s interactions with his dad and how he wants to do whatever his dad does, from washing the truck and keeping it clean, to tying shoelaces. The artwork is adorable and engaging, showing the activities that Logan learns how to do from wanting to be like his dad. All along the way, Logan’s dad offers his son phrases of encouragement, like “I’m proud of you”, and “You’re a big boy”. You get the idea that parents can learn just as much from this book about what it means to be a good role model.

One of the most poignant parts is when Logan sees his parents praying together and wants to pray, too. This simple book with a profound message about children copying parents, and parents being positive role models, can have a big impact on anyone who reads it. It can also help strengthen parent-child relations as they read together. As a former social worker who worked with parents and children, I can tell you that books can sometimes be a bonding tool—sometimes the only (and perhaps best) teaching tool a parent has access to.

The easy language and inviting pictures make “I Can Do What Daddy Can Do”, by Kitty Arceneaux, a keeper for sure.