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A Double-Edged Sword
Just Like You, Papa follows a young boy who dreams of moving just like his father until he learns that even the strongest need time to rest. Did you draw from personal experiences when creating the father-child relationship?
Yes, this is the story of my son and his father. While we are an active family, and my son thrives in sports and looks up to his father, what he needs to learn is to take it easy sometimes. Ambition is a double-edged sword. I want to teach him balance in life.
How did you decide on the rhythmic, capitalized style for the book?
I love reading books to my kids, and I found I especially love those with rhythmic, simple text, and which use repetition. Kids love repetition. I explicitly aimed to achieve this effect myself. This book relies on the illustrations and bold text so that the energy jumps off the page.
What message do you hope both children and parents take away from the story?
To enjoy life to the fullest, dream big, but also to achieve a balanced outlook and enjoy the process. For example, if my son doesn’t manage a climbing route he wants to be able to do, his frustration and anger overwhelm him at times, and he needs reminding that he climbs because it is fun. He can sometimes then simply enjoy the process of learning, and take a break. He needs to learn to let go sometimes.
Was there a particular moment in the story that was especially meaningful to you?
There is no particular moment, but I like how the voice changes in the middle of the book from the perspective of the child to the perspective and wisdom of the father.
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Just Like You, Papa
Mila Winter’s Just Like You, Papa is a charming and heartfelt children’s book about the bond between a father and his child, celebrating adventure, movement, and shared experiences. The story follows a young boy who admires his father’s strength and abilities, aspiring to run, ride, swim, and climb just like him. With rhythmic and simple prose, the book encourages young readers to embrace physical activity while also recognizing the importance of rest and reflection.
What I loved most about this picture book is its sense of boundless energy and admiration. The child’s enthusiasm leaps off the page. He doesn’t just want to run, he wants to RUN like his father. The capitalized words add an extra punch, making the emotions feel larger than life. The boy’s desire to do everything his dad does, even dreaming of flying, captures that innocent yet fierce determination kids have. It’s a lovely tribute to the way children look up to their parents and see them as their ultimate role models.
The book also reminds kids that even the best athletes need to pause. “Did you know even the best take time to REST?” This shift in tone is beautifully done. After pages of movement, the story slows down, encouraging children to appreciate quiet moments. It’s a subtle but effective way to teach balance, something both kids and adults often forget.
The writing is beautifully simple yet impactful, with a rhythm that makes it delightful to read aloud. The light, playful language creates a joyful experience that children will love hearing again and again. The story itself is wonderful, and the perspective through the child’s eyes adds a heartfelt touch.
Just Like You, Papa is a warm and energetic read that is perfect for parents and children who love outdoor adventures. It’s a book that encourages movement, admiration, and the joy of simply being together. Young kids, especially those who look up to a parent or older sibling, will find it relatable and inspiring.
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