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Father Song!—The Book
Owen Lee, Illustrated by Daniella Sam
Independently Published

A devoted dad of two sons and triplet daughters, musician Owen “O’Sound” Lee regales readers with his captivating children’s book, Father Song! The 36-page volume was inspired by Lee’s hit single of the same title for which he received the 2022 Songwriter of the Year award from the African Nova Scotian Music Association.

Daniella Sam, a Ghanaian born, Nova Scotia-based artist has illustrated the release in a soothing palette of earth tones with a periodic “pop” of primary colours. The winning collaboration showcases a multi-racial group of fathers in a variety of activities with their children. 

“Through the joy and through the pain, that’s forever and always” notes the text above an image of a dad poised for a pillow fight with his son. The lines “I won’t always get it right, but I’m trying my best,” grace a drawing of a father who appears to have “topsy-turvyed” his infant’s diaper.

An image of a child hoisted on his dad’s shoulders bears the message “I’m your protection, I’m your support.” A youth who’s taken a tumble during a track race finds his father (in a bright orange t-shirt) cheering him on with the words “But there’s no shame in failing. You can give it one more try!”

Head bowed and with her hands covering her (teary) eyes, a girl is comforted by her dad. The poignant picture bears the text “I’ll be there for you, Whenever you call.”

The dulcet voice of a young Michael Jackson performing “I’ll Be There” (as a member of The Jackson Five) wafted through my head as I studied Sam’s drawing of a father straightening the tie of his son. A close look at the image reveals a striking resemblance between the youth and the late King of Pop at the height of his “Thriller” success. 

“You’re still my joy. You’re my purpose. You’re my pride.” Thus reads the text that accompanies the drawing of a uniformed soldier saluting an older member of the armed forces. 

Sam’s portrait of a beaming Owen Lee with his children—Ayden, Ethan, Imani, Aria and Nylah—exudes the jubilation that Al Green delivers in his soul classic “Love and Happiness”: “Walkin’ together, Talkin’ together, Singin’ together, Prayin’ together … power.”