04/08/2024
A speaker outlines all the ways they’re proud of their child in this greeting-card-style picture book, told from the perspective of a father. The titular refrain opens each spread, offering encouragement and advice: “I’m proud of you when you try./ I’ll be cheering you on./ Always aim for the sky.” Rhyming lines proceed to highlight character traits including bravery, curiosity, humor, kindness, and more, while underscoring the speaker’s unconditional appreciation and love (“Through good times and bad, no matter what...// I’m proud to be your dad”). Cloud’s slick digital artwork adds a degree of storytelling to the generalized text, depicting a “big brother” engaging in common youthful activities such as swimming, learning to tie shoes, studying science at school, and so on. Oddly, the lines never address the child’s apparent sibling, and the artwork features a secondary caregiver more frequently than the speaker. Still, a closing bedtime snuggle between Dad and child drives home the caring relationship behind this simple work. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4–8. (May)
