Tell Me a Tattoo Story - Alison McGhee (Author) and Eliza Wheeler (Illustrator)


A bestselling author-illustrator duo join forces to create a modern father-son love story. The father tells his little son the story behind each of his tattoos, and together they go on a beautiful journey through family history. There's a tattoo from a favorite book his mother used to read him, one from something his father used to tell him, and one from the longest trip he ever took. And there is a little heart with numbers inside—which might be the best tattoo of them all. Tender pictures by New York Times bestselling illustrator Eliza Wheeler complement this lovely ode to all that's indelible—ink and love.


This book is so lovely, and one that does not treat tattoos as indicative of rebellion or gang life. The father has some beautiful tattoos, illustrated in colourful and intricate detail by Eliza Wheeler. The images magnificently enhance Alison McGhee's story, highlighting the story behind each of the various tattoos. The little boy asks his father to explain the various images and words, including the father and mother first meeting at a cafe, and serving in the military overseas, and even the little boy's birthday. It's a great family story, really, and one that is still different and will stand out in the marketplace. The little boy's curiosity is infectious and younger readers will hopefully be just as curious about each tattoo as the story continues. I simply love it!

Highly Recommended

(NOTE: This review is from an Advance Reading Copy - Out April 2016)

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