Fly-in Fly-out Dad (Sally Murphy, illus by Janine Dawson, The Five Mile Press)

Many little boys worship their dads, but some children don’t get to see much of their fathers as long work hours or commutes prevent them from being more involved in family life. This book highlights a family affected by the vast distances some people travel in Australia for work. The small boy in the story lives with his mother and his sister. His father works in mining in Western Australia and is away for weeks at a time. The story focuses on one glorious week when he’s at home: they have adventures, they eat together, read together, hang out the washing and go to the footy. Dad is there for meal-time, story-time, bath-time and bedtime. Finally he has to return to work and the boy bravely hides his disappointment. This is a warmly written glimpse of a loving family overcoming regular separations. The watercolour illustrations extend the feeling of closeness and quality family life. Dad is even depicted in a Superdad suit. This is a good family book to read and share at bedtime.

Margaret Hamilton is a former children’s book publisher. She now provides freelance publishing services and runs Pinerolo, the Children’s Book Cottage in Blackheath