Everyday Heroes, Bound In Paper And Love
Emdad Rahman
Some books arrive quietly and still manage to change the temperature of a room. These are the ones that don’t demand attention, yet somehow earn it — through warmth, wit and a deep understanding of everyday life. That’s exactly what I felt opening The Magic of Mums and The Dictionary of Dads.
What struck me first was joy. Not the loud, performative kind, but the steady joy found in routine love: packed lunches, late nights, awkward jokes, and unspoken reassurance. These books celebrate parents not as ideals, but as humans, wonderfully imperfect and endlessly giving. They capture the heroism hidden in ordinary moments, where care shows up quietly and consistently.
The Magic of Mums reads like a thank-you letter written in colour. It honours emotional labour, resilience and the invisible problem solving that keeps families moving. There’s humour here, but also recognition. You feel seen, even if you’re only reading on behalf of someone you love.
The Dictionary of Dads balances this beautifully. It’s playful, self-aware and affectionate, turning familiar dad phrases and behaviours into something celebratory rather than clichéd. It made me laugh, but it also reminded me how often love is expressed through action rather than words – fixing, advising, turning up.
The illustrations by Steve Wells elevate both books beyond the page. They carry motion, expression and timing, amplifying the humour while anchoring the emotion. The visuals don’t explain the text; they extend it, inviting readers of all ages to linger.
Justin Coe’s writing is deceptively simple. Beneath the lightness sits a deep respect for language and for people. His words feel generous, offered, not imposed, and that generosity stays with you long after closing the book.
These aren’t books you rush through. They’re books you share, revisit, and smile at unexpectedly. I
n a world that moves too fast, they remind us that love is built slowly, patiently, and often without applause.
And that, to me, is real magic!
