There’s Dad’s disgusting nettle soup and peculiar pancakes, horrible home haircuts, punishing press-ups and scum in the bath tub. BUT then there’s the joy of boxing lessons with Dad, fun family outings, jokes and pranks – and storytelling round the fire. Not to mention a homemade birthday cake like no other!

The author's real-life childhood – rough, tough but happy – is vividly depicted in this ground-breaking, debut story told in poems.

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"This is a fantastic book which shows strength, resilience and, most of all, the love of a family."

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"As the narrative follows the story of a single father raising a large family, this book is an excellent means of celebrating fathers and male role models. Similarly, it could help to spark reflection on different family makeups and dynamics – reminding us of the perfect imperfections that make our families uniquely special."

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"This is Oliver Sykes’ first poetry collection – a poetry adventure, as it appears on the cover. And what a remarkable first collection it is. With sustained energy and insight, and an apparently inexhaustible joy in rhyme, Oliver celebrates his childhood growing up poor in a family of six with a single dad."

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"A collection of powerful poems that remind us about imperfections that make our families special…. Oliver Sykes uses a range of poetic techniques with expressive illustrations from Ian Morris."