Houli’s story of fatherly love

Former football player and Altona resident Bachar Houli is releasing a new children's book. (Damjan Janevski) 289911_02

Altona resident and former premiership footballer Bachar Houli is hoping his new book can encourage parents to spend quality time with their children outdoors and away from social media.

His new children’s book ‘My Baba is the Best’ will be released on Tuesday, August 2 across bookstores and online.

Told from the perspective of a young girl based on one of his two daughters, the book explores the love between a father and his daughter and the value of actively participating in life with them.

Houli said the book is aimed at children aged four to eight and is ideal for fathers to read to their daughters.

“I think it’s important to be able to do things with your kids outdoors,” he said.

“There’s so many cultures that make up our community.”

Houli said he collaborated with Indonesian illustrator Debby Rahmalia to tell the story.

“The pictures tell a thousand words,” he said.

Houli said the book will also be a special part of his relationship with his daughters and reflecting on the positive memories.

“I am reminded of he blessings we have,” he said.

“You just remember special moments.”

Details: www.penguin.com.au/books/my-baba-is-the-best-9781761046568

Matthew Sims