⭑ A Kirkus Reviews' Best Book of 2022
⭑ A Publishers Weekly 2022 Children's Book for Father's Day Pick
⭑ From the same creators of the internationally acclaimed picture book "What Makes Us Human" (a 2023 White Ravens + 2025 BRAW Amazing Bookshelf Sustainability + 2025 USBBY Outstanding International Books selection, already translated into 39 languages). Victor D.O. Santos is also the author of "People are Weird" (2025), illustrated by Catarina Sobral, and of "FINITO", illustrated by world-renowned Polish illustrator Iwona Chmielewska.

"A beautifully illustrated, touching tale of love." – Kirkus Reviews (starred review and Editor's pick for April 15, 2022 magazine issue) ⭐

"A heartfelt and moving ode to the father-son bond. A genuine delight." – Publishers Weekly (Booklife), starred review and Editor’s Pick ⭐

"Santos offers a poignant picture of multigenerational fatherhood in this tender tribute. Forlati’s artfully textural illustrations soothe, aptly matching the story’s emotional acuity." – Publishers Weekly

"Such a heartwarming story. Beautiful written and illustrated." – acclaimed author/illustrator Eric Fan (from The Fan Brothers)

SUMMARY:

Oliver never met his grandpa. He wonders what he would tell Grandpa if the two of them could meet, even once. Oliver decides that he would tell him about an amazing man that Grandpa never met: Oliver's dad, Grandpa's own son. In this touching and heartfelt story, you will be taken on a journey of what it means to be a dad and to be the master of your own destiny.

MORE REVIEWS:

"A touching title for good fathers everywhere." – Betsy Bird, children's author and librarian extraordinaire (A Fuse#8 Production)

“A heartwarming picture book about father-son love that carries from one generation to the next. The illustrations are gorgeous and charming.” – Foreword Reviews (Starred Review)

"Many picture books explore love between fathers and sons but few are so specific, engaging, and realistically reflective as My Dad, My Rock. An exceptional read that is highly recommended." – Midwest Book Review

"An extremely heartwarming and soul-touching story. It is hard to describe the wonderful feelings you will get reading this book." – Reedsy Review

"A beautiful, touching story that will melt your heart in the same way that Robert Munsch's book, Love You Forever, touched generations of young readers." – Reader's Favorite Review

“A moving story to remind us that love is a form of deep noticing and that loving can very much be made up of new choices we make.” – Kate Hoefler, author of "Nothing in Common", "Rabbit and the Motorbike", and "Real Cowboys"

“A heartwarming ode to fatherhood. Lovely, muted pencil illustrations in soft shades add a dream-like quality to the story. A delightful book for sharing, and perfect for Father’s Day.” – The Children’s Book Review

“A touching multigenerational ode to fathers with illustrations as sweet as the love between this dad and son." – Jessie Oliveros, author of 'The Remember Balloons'