by Stephanie Stansbie (Author) Tatiana Kamshilina (Illustrator)
A heartwarming picture book about the unique bond between a stepfather and his stepchild.
I'd missed your first steps and your wobbly walk,
But you took my whole heart in your hand.
The special relationship of stepdads and stepkids is celebrated in this gentle and loving tribute to blended families. Showing joy-filled scenes of family life and milestones, this book is ideal for every child of a loving stepfather. It's the perfect way to say: "If I had been there on your very first day, I could never have treasured you more."
Also available: Always Your Stepmom
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"The first day we met,/ I was awkward and shy./ But your smile was/ so warm and so wise.// How could I have known/ how my life was to change/ when I looked in those bright,/ thoughtful eyes?" A scrapbook aesthetic punctuates this familial reminiscence by Stansbie, voiced by an adult narrator recalling a burgeoning relationship with a stepchild. Rhyming lines trace the duo's growing bond, time spent together solo and with the child's parent, and a moment "when I truly felt I was your.../ DAD." In desaturated blues, oranges, and reds, Kamshilina features childlike drawings, memorabilia (movie passes, train tickets), and snapshots, all collaged on the page with decorative elements, including patterned tape and stickers. As the adult muses on growing affection for the child, the recollections build to a self-referential image of the now-family of three peering into a photo album, and a promise: "I'll always be here." Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Publishing simultaneously: Always Your Stepmom. Ages 3-7. (Apr.)
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