Follow a child and their father through the changing seasons — bluebell woods in spring, steam trains in summer, leaf-piles in autumn, and sledding in winter. "Seasons with Dad" is a heartwarming rhyming picture book by Andrew Abel, illustrated by Graeme Holding, inspired by real childhood memories from Northwest England and North Wales.
A heartwarming poetic journey depicting a child's year spent with their father. Through the changing seasons, the narrative captures simple joys, nature's beauty, and the creation of lasting familial bonds through shared activities and exploration.
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Seasons with Dad
By Andrew Abel
Illustrations by Graeme Holding
Walking with Dad
where the wildflowers grow,
Seeing the crocuses pushing through snow,
Daffodils nod, and primroses glow,
Bluebells and buttercups starting to show.
Sitting with Dad by the old canal side,
Seeing the narrowboats painted with pride,
Tracing the wisps of the clouds in the sky,
Catching reflections as waves ripple by.
We run to the bridge
as the train nears the bend,
Waving at passengers
like they’re a friend!
Billows of smoke
with the sweet smell of coal,
Hearing the clattering carriages roll.
Reaching the hill where the old castle lies,
With drawbridge and turrets that reach to the skies.
Imagining hearing those old battle cries,
Eating lunch on the grass
where our history lies.
On a bench, by the sea wall,
eating ice cream,
Viewing cloud-covered hills —
feels like a dream.
Summer with Dad
where the sea meets the land:
Donkey rides, sandcastles, soft golden sand.
Looking at stars,
bedroom windows spread wide,
Seeing Orion and much more beside.
House lights go out,
silver moon upon silk;
A hedgehog is lapping
our saucer of milk!
Waiting with Dad
with the bait on the line.
Glimpsing shadows of fishes,
just give them time.
Watching the sticklebacks
dart through the grime.
As flittering dragonflies
catch the sunshine.
Feeding the ducks
at the village pond wide,
There’s a frenzy of feathers;
staying close to Dad’s side.
Bulrushes sway in the evening sunshine,
Watching the swans
gliding by in a line.
Autumn with Dad,
raking leaves in a pile,
Jumping right in
and seeing Dad smile.
Throwing leaves up,
so they tumble like snow,
And jumping again
for just one more go!
Standing with Dad,
getting smoke in my eyes,
Fireworks bursting and lighting the skies.
Burnt cinder toffee,
hot drinks by the fire,
Flickering flames reaching higher and higher.
Speeding downhill
on a sled that Dad made,
Holding tight to the rope,
it’s a little bit frayed.
Wind in our faces,
gliding over the snow,
We’re trudging back up
for just one more go!
Winter with family,
the Christmas cake made,
Holiday classics are constantly played,
Elderly relatives
tell us we’ve grown,
And sit telling stories
of people they’ve known.
Seasons with Dad,
taking walks, playing games,
Remembering faces, and places and names.
From the warmth of the summer
to cold winter’s rain.
Making memories fond
that will always remain.
