A Story About a Father & Son

Two Points of View. One Story.

Children - General
55 Pages
Reviewed on 07/23/2024
Buy on Amazon

Author Biography

Brendyn Zachary is a Gold Award winner in the 2022-2023 Reader Views Literary Awards, Shortlisted Nominee in the 2023 Whistler Independent Book Awards, and a Finalist in the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Over the past twenty years, his experiences as a backpacker and expatriate have taken him across all seven continents.

Brendyn now translates his global perspective and experiences as a father into literature for younger audiences. His work includes a series of imaginative children's books and creative coloring projects designed to engage the curiosity of young readers.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

A Story About a Father & Son by Sachiko Otohata and Brendyn Zachary is a charming picture book that takes readers on an emotional journey through the lens of a father and his young son. With its unique narrative style, the book presents a series of milestones in the child's life from two perspectives: the child's innocent, earnest viewpoint and the father's tender, often reflective observations. What makes this book truly special is the dual narrative. Sachiko Otohata and Brendyn Zachary beautifully capture the small yet significant growing-up moments that resonate universally. This format allows adults and children to see and empathize with each other’s feelings, bridging the often-unspoken gap between their experiences. The simplicity of the text and the honesty of the characters’ emotions make it an ideal read for children. The illustrations add a layer of warmth to the story, capturing the tender nuances of these shared moments.

The book does an excellent job of reminding us that the bond between parents and children, though occasionally tested by misunderstandings or different expectations, is ultimately defined by love and mutual growth. This book would be an excellent addition to any bookshelf, and it’s a perfect read-aloud for young schoolchildren at storytime. A Story About a Father & Son is an emotional and enjoyable story that gently encourages young readers and parents to cherish their moments together, understanding that each perspective is valid and deeply meaningful. The dual point of view can help children understand why parents and caregivers often respond the way they do, which is a good lesson in relationships.

Bruce Arrington

A Story About a Father & Son: Two Points of View, One Story by Sachiko Otohata and Brendyn Zachary is a powerful coming-of-age story, a grown-up story, and yes, partly a children’s tale as well. This unique book weaves together the perspectives of a father who loves his son, beginning at birth and continuing until the child has his own children. It then flips the story upside-down, giving the child's perspective and how he felt about his father during those formative years. A good word to sum this all up would be, “Wow.” I am a father and now a grandfather, so I have been on both sides of these tales. It reminds me of when my dad took me fishing, and then again when I went fishing with my son.

A book like this is essential because it explores the deep-rooted bonds between a father and son which last a lifetime and can continue for generations if done right. The artwork is superb, using the right colors and making every picture pop. The pictures convey the intended emotion of each page, carrying the story along with the words. This book will appeal to those who are looking for a children’s picture book, and also to those who are open to seeing how the relationship between a father and son can be constructive, productive, and supportive as well. A Story About a Father & Son by Sachiko Otohata and Brendyn Zachary reminds us how much we need each other, and how the bonds of family can last many lifetimes. Highly recommended.

Pikasho Deka

A Story About a Father & Son by Sachiko Otohata and Brendyn Zachary is a children's tale that follows two points of view -- one of a father and the other of his son. The picture book opens with the father's point of view. The father has been very close to his son since he was born. He was there when his son learned to walk for the very first time. He was also there when he first started school, and later, when his son grew up, graduated from college, and started his own family, his father supported him every step of the way. The son recounts how he always trusted his father to catch him if he fell and hoped he would become as good a father to his own son as his father was to him.

A Story About a Father & Son is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the special bond between a father and a son. Sachiko Otohata and Brendyn Zachary have crafted a captivating picture book with a moving story and colorful illustrations that are bound to engage young readers from start to finish. The two points of view beautifully capture the feelings of a father and a son. As a reader, you can't help but be moved by the storytelling, and the engaging illustrations make the characters even more endearing. The story is also humorous at times, particularly the part where the father serves milk and cookies when his son brings home his first date. This book is as much for children as it is for parents. I thoroughly enjoyed it and heartily recommend it.

Anne-Marie Reynolds

A Story About a Father & Son: Two Points of View. One Story by Sachiko Otohata and Brendyn Zachary is a fascinating tale for children. It tells the story of a child growing up, from birth to starting their own family, from two points of view – the father and the son. It illustrates that while parents and children may have differing points of view on some things, on many others they are the same. This is a tale of enduring love from both sides, a love that never fades and only grows stronger with time.

A Story About a Father & Son by Sachiko Otohata and Brendyn Zachary is one of the most unique children's books I've ever read. There are plenty of kids' books about family, but none that tell the same story from two sides. The illustrations help tell the story of the same life from two perspectives, two sides of the same coin. This is about the unbreakable bond between father and son, detailing all the milestones, not just in the son's life but also from the father's point of view. It is a touching, heartwarming story, a real light in the darkness that we all need at times. It would make a stunning gift from a father to a son and vice versa. It's also a great book to teach kids that there are always two perspectives and that they aren't so different sometimes. This lovely story could be made better in only one way – personalizing it for the father or son who receives it as a gift.

Philip Van Heusen

This book has two stories that arrive at the same undeniable conclusion: that the bond of love between a father and son is unbreakable. In A Story About a Father & Son: Two Points of View, Sachiko Otohata and Brendyn Zachary share the life of a father and son, comparing their points of view. From birth until adulthood and beyond, that sacred bond is built and repeated for the next generation. This bond starts while the baby is in the womb and grows through every stage of life. Both sides have times of doubt, fear, excitement, joy, and many other emotions. While the dad may wonder if he is a good enough parent, the child wonders if they can be as good as their dad. I highly recommend reading this book with your son and discussing how you both look at your relationship.

Sachiko Otohata and Brendyn Zachary wrote A Story About a Father & Son to highlight the fears and joys of family. Written in an easy-to-understand manner, sons will love reading this story with their fathers and then exploring how their experiences compare to those in the book. Emotional attachments are best when knowledge of them is shared. Never put your thoughts onto your child. Taking time to share emotions can help clarify what one is feeling. I loved the example where the dad tried not to embarrass his son at the high school graduation, but the son thought his dad could have yelled. Only through open communication can we know what someone else is thinking. Share this wonderful book with your son and start a lifetime of meaningful communication.

Luwi Nyakansaila

A Story About a Father and Son by Sachiko Otohata and Brendyn Zachary is a heartwarming story that portrays the perspectives of both an adult and a child as they journey through life. It is filled with love, fear, and pride from both generations. Every period of life—right from the tender caring of birth to the bittersweet graduation from college—illustrates how their relationship grows deeper over time. It shows how parents can feel both happy and anxious as they witness their child growing up, while children appreciate the love and support they receive. Ultimately, the child grows up and experiences the same emotions with their own children, continuing the cycle of love.

This emotional tale helps readers appreciate parental love, support, and comfort. Sachiko Otohata and Brendyn Zachary highlight the powerful cycle of love that forms when parents and children have a strong bond, which can help them navigate challenging situations and serve as a reminder that they are loved and never alone. It also nurtures empathy and compassion in children, not only for their loved ones but also for others. The narration is engaging and well-written for children to understand, and the simple language allows them to easily connect with the characters and the story. The colorful illustrations bring the book to life, complementing the story and enriching the narrative. The warmth and joy of shared moments can also be felt through the art. Overall, A Story About a Father and Son is a great read that fosters an understanding of the profound impact a nurtured parent-child relationship can have on a child's development.