tender is out. it’s harry baker’s latest book, a collection of poem’s of the first hundred days of being a dad. It is poignant, funny, moving and tender. if like me you are a parent who is older, you thought you had forgotten what being a parent in those early days was like with its rollercoaster of emotions but this brings it all flooding back. if you are a young or new parent this is perfect for you! but I think it’s for anyone who loves humanity in all its vulnerability, messy glory and wonder. and in a world where there are so many weird versions of what it might be to be a man, here is a version that is one to warm to – honest, raw, emotional, fun, vulnerable, present, full of adventure and tenderness. 

this time round the poems do the talking – there’s no harry commentary in-between as there has been in other books. his previous books have been published with burning eye, a wonderful publisher who have given a platform to many poets. but this time round it’s hardback with canongate so the distribution is much wider. harry has a 50 date tour that is nearly sold out. he gets excited quite easily so this week is going to be on the ceiling i think. fittingly today is world book day and the fun beghins in margate. we are at a launch in london on saturday. i think it’s one rollercoaster of a week. pre-sales are great. there is so much love for harry and i am sure he is going to smash it out of the park with this book and tour. 

you will forgive me a certain amount of bias here as this project involves both my son and grandson! but it is a gorgeous book. go harry – enjoy the ride. it’s going to be an epic one!