LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Landmark Elementary School welcomed back a familiar face this week as alum Kyzyl Tenpenny returned to share his newly published children’s book, Daddy Daddy, Son Son.
Tenpenny, who attended Landmark from 2000 to 2005, reunited with former teachers and classmates while reading his book to current students. The story reflects Tenpenny’s personal journey of finding comfort after the loss of his father.
Each of the school's more than 230 students received a signed copy of the book. During the visit, several children bravely became an open book to Tenpenny, sharing their own experiences with loss.
“When I wrote this book, it opened up a lot of wounds for me,” he shared. “It meant going back into the past and reliving things I didn’t necessarily have closure about. But being here today, hearing students say, ‘I dealt with something similar — my dad, my uncle, my grandfather passed away,’ that means everything to me.”
He admitted he was not sure what to expect before stepping into his first-ever book reading. But the impact was immediate.
“The best part was seeing how much the students enjoyed it. They told me they wanted to share it with their friends. That’s when I knew it was making a difference," Tenpenny said.
The former Cardinal's return to Landmark carried special significance. “This is the school where I learned to read, write, and do math — literally kindergarten through fifth grade,” he said. “I never thought I’d write a book. And yet, my very first book reading happened right here, where it all started. That’s powerful.”
He also credited Landmark with instilling the habit of writing that shaped his journey as an author.
“What I learned here wasn’t just the writing in class assignments. It was journaling — writing down my thoughts, my feelings, what made me happy or sad. Over the last ten years, I journaled about my father’s passing. That journaling became the foundation for this book," Tenpenny stated.
Tenpenny’s visit not only celebrated his success as an author but also reinforced the values of resilience, creativity, and community that Landmark Elementary continues to instill in its students. His story serves as a reminder that the lessons learned in Pulaski County School District classrooms extend far beyond academics—they shape futures.
About the Book
Daddy Daddy, Son Son is a heartfelt story inspired by the enduring love between a father and son. Written for children and families navigating the loss of a father, father figure, or role model, the book offers a gentle message of hope and resilience. Through lyrical rhymes, a father reminds his son that his love, wisdom, and guidance will always remain, helping him face life’s challenges with strength and determination.
The book is available for purchase through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Tenpenny said this is just the start of his journey as an author.
