Remembering Doo-Dad by Bara Swain
- Mission Point Press
- Aug 27
- 2 min read
Illustrated by Judith Caseley
Accomplished Writer Bara Swain Makes Tough Topics Digestible for Young Readers in Her Debut Children’s Book
Author and playwright Bara Swain has always been a “doer.” The award-winning writer of dozens of film, stage, and audio productions, Swain has more than forty publications to her name and has produced work in seven countries and thirty-three states across the U.S.
In her new book, Remembering Doo-Dad, featuring illustrations by her sister, artist Judith Caseley, Swain is adding “children’s author” to her list of titles. Inspired by her daughter’s resilience following the death of her father, Remembering Doo-Dad —named for the nickname her daughter once used— illustrates that there’s still life after a tragedy like losing a parent.
“I wanted to celebrate the joy they brought each other, not the fact that their time had ended,” said Swain.
Growing Up & Community
In it, readers follow a little girl from ages one-to-eight as she takes on the milestones of growing up, from baby blankets and baking cupcakes to falling off of her tricycle, all accompanied by the heart, support, and giggles only a dad can provide. As she grows, she develops skills and traits that are “just like” other family members, but in the end it’s Doo-Dad’s spirit she really hopes to emulate.
The goal of the book, said Swain, is to create a conversational space for young readers, one that spans early development (don’t forget to count all of the cane illustrations!), explores familial bonds, and—perhaps most importantly—helps those who have experienced loss feel like part of their community.
“I hope that children and adults feel less isolated by the choices they make after a death,” Swain added. “You can grieve and still experience joy. I think that’s important.”
The Author
Bara Swain’s award-winning stage, film, and audio plays have been presented across the U.S. in thirty-three states and seven countries. Inspired by her bereaved daughter’s resilience after losing her father at a young age, Bara is grateful to embark on her first journey in children’s book publishing with her beloved sister, esteemed illustrator Judith Caseley.
The Illustrator
Judith Caseley has written and illustrated more than forty books for children, middle readers, and young adults with publishers including Harper Collins, Farrar Straus & Giroux, Alfred A. Knopf, Greenwillow, and Frances Foster Books. Remembering Doo-Dad is her first collaboration with her sister, Bara Swain. They continue to make each other laugh.
The Book
Remembering Doo-Dad
Written by Bara Swain, illustrations by Judith Caseley
32 pages, 8.5 x 8.5, Color
Juvenile Fiction/Family/Fathers/Death, Grief & Bereavement
ISBN: 978-1-965278-78-9, $22.95 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 978-1-965278-79-6, $16.95 (Softcover)
Publication Date: January 8, 2026
Nightlight Stories, an imprint of Mission Point Press
Copies are available for preorder at Bookshop.org, Amazon, and other online retailers. On its January 8, 2026 publication date, it will be available for purchase wherever books are sold. For information or to arrange for signings and events, contact the author at baraswain@gmail.com.
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