Hold

Sometimes the best stories arise from everyday life. Moments that at the time seem frustrating or exasperating often become the most precious memories. They evolve into family stories told again and again: “When you were little, you used to . . .” They’re also a reminder that the toddler before us will far too soon become a teen. 

And as far as frustrating, what’s more fraught in daily life with a young child than getting out the door in the morning? 

That’s the premise of Randy Ribay’s wonderful, zany picture book, Hold, which follows a dad and his spirited preschooler as they set out for the day. Cartoonist Zeke Peña (whose bio describes him as a “professional diaper changer and toddler chaser”) uses strong lines and bright colors in a palette of greens and blues to capture the humor and emotion of the pair’s interactions. 

It all begins with a simple request. The dad holds out a water bottle and says, “Hold, please.” The boy repeats, “Hold?” He then runs off with unstoppable energy, thrilled to be making a game out of the command. He immediately asks to hold other things, including stuffed animals and their somewhat apprehensive looking gato. 

Juggling everything, and buoyed by his success, the boy is just getting started! Once outside, he asks to hold a tree, a truck, a plane—even a passing baby in a stroller. At that moment, the dad is struck by inspiration. He steps back inside and offers his son toy versions of the requested objects. Children will giggle to see the boy weighed down by everything. At long last, they’re ready to set off once again. Or are they? For there’s someone this little boy wants to hold onto more than anything else. 

Peña’s bright artwork, which focuses on the emotional connection between father and son, brings to life Ribay’s spare text, which contains a smattering of Spanish vocabulary. Hold is a perfect book for Father’s Day, and one sure to be enjoyed by kids and parents any time of the year.