Where’s My Wabby Dabby? is a sweet little tale about a young girl named Ava who adores her father, whom she affectionately calls her “wabby dabby.” One day, her Papa has to leave for a trip to ask “the man on the moon a question,” and Ava, confused and missing him, goes on a playful search around her yard. She asks the bird, the squirrel, the ant, her cat Daisy, and finally her dog Poppy Seed where her wabby dabby went. Each animal has a quirky way of responding, but it’s Poppy Seed who helps her remember what Papa told her, that he’d be back soon. By bedtime, she’s comforted by the thought of her father’s return and his loving words.

I loved how the book captures the world from a child’s point of view. Ava’s questions to the animals felt authentic, innocent, direct, and tinged with longing. I smiled at the scene with Mr. Ant, where Ava lays down on the ground just to talk to him. It’s such a small detail, but it really shows how children see no limits when they’re trying to make sense of their world. The repetition of “he’s my wabby dabby” made the story feel like a chant, almost like something a child would say over and over to reassure themselves.

At the same time, I found the character of Daisy, the cat, especially funny and surprising. Her silly answer about maybe eating Papa actually made me laugh out loud. It added a little spark of humor in the middle of Ava’s sadness, which gave the story a nice balance. Kids would probably love that absurd twist, and I can imagine them giggling as Ava rolls her eyes and walks away. It’s a reminder of how pets often act as comic relief in real family life.

What really stood out most to me, though, was the emotional thread running underneath the playfulness. Ava misses her father deeply, and even though the animals’ answers are silly or confusing, her sadness feels very real. I felt my heart tighten when she clutched her stuffed animal and whispered that her wabby dabby never leaves her. That moment gave the story some weight and made the joyful ending, when Poppy Seed reminds her of Papa’s words, all the more satisfying. It’s simple but it hits an emotional chord.

Where’s My Wabby Dabby? is a tender and whimsical story that would be perfect for young children who enjoy animal characters and a bit of silliness wrapped around a heartfelt message. It’s a story about love, memory, and reassurance, and I think it would be especially comforting for kids who deal with parents being away for work or travel. It made me smile, laugh, and feel a little tug in my chest, and that’s a lovely mix in a children’s book.

Pages: 22 | ASIN : B0F523T67G