Do You Remember by Helen Docherty and Mark Beech (Faber and Faber)

Becoming a parent was life changing, no doubt about it. I'd never shown much interest in having kids but wondered if I would if the right person came along...
"Do You Remember" was like a delicious picture-book reminiscence of the first few years of Charlotte's life, as my wife and I experienced all the "firsts" that parents will undoubtedly remember very well themselves.

Her first words (Duck Duck!), her first few teetering steps (completely unexpectedly while we were on holiday - after what seemed like years of anxiety as she was a late walker and showed no interest in pulling herself up on things). Her first smile (well I remember her first yowl more - a big gaping black hole of a yowl when she first arrived and I remember being given my first parental duty of trying to wrestle this tiny little being into a baby-gro!)

It's beautifully written to switch the focus on reminding the child of those moments, and why they're so special.

Coupled with gorgeous Quentin-Blake-Esque illustrations as well, it's the perfect book for a mum or dad birthday or with father's day coming up, a far better bet than some lame rock music compilation or foul-smelling aftershave.

Charlotte's favourite bit: Remembering her first muddy welly walk, and nearly going up to her middle  in one deep puddle.

Daddy's favourite bit: A beautiful little book full of memories that's destined to become a bit of a favourite around Mother's Day / Father's Day.

(Kindly sent to us for review by Faber and Faber)

"Do You Remember?"

Written by Helen Docherty

Illustrated by Mark Beech

Published by Faber and Faber

Publication Date: 4th February 2016