Father's Day, 2005

   The following reviews were presented in our 2005 Father's Day feature.

Reviews

And Tango Makes Three
Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Illustrated by Henry Cole
   Here is a book that will be controversial even though it is based on fact. Two male penguins, Roy and Silo, become a couple at the Central Park Zoo. They spend time together, build a nest and try to incubate a rock when they see other penguin couples incubating eggs. They were unhappy until one day the zookeeper found a fertilized egg and put it in their nest. Roy and Silo knew just what to do; and one fine day a little chick emerged from the egg. They fed her, snuggled up with her at night and did everything any penguin couple would do. Their little girl was named Tango by the zookeeper "because it takes two to make a Tango." For kids who live in homes with same sex partners, this book will be welcome, for those who are willing to accept homosexuality this book will be welcome, for those who believe that such behavior is abnormal, they will probably want the book banned from schools and libraries. Too bad, it is a true story; and it is well told and well illustrated. How Henry Cole manages to give the penguins personality and expression is a testament to his skill as an artist. Kids will enjoy the book, and I doubt that they will be concerned that Tango has two daddies. 2005, Simon & Schuster, Ages 4 to 8, $14.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-689-87845-1

The Best Father of All
Peter Horn
Illustrations by Cristina Kadmon
   Irrepressible Sebastian, the little turtle, asks his own father "What do fathers do?" In the series of guessing game questions that follows, father turtle reveals all sort of things loving fathers from the animal kingdom "do." Sebastian quickly guesses which father shows his children how to hop from stalk to stalk. "That's a father grasshopper!" "That must be a father bat," is his reply to the question about which father puts his children to sleep in the middle of the day. The softly-defined illustrations are simple but perfectly suited to the text and give visual reinforcement to Sebastian and his father's discussion on the merits of different things fathers share with their children. Human children will be quick to recognize the analogies to their own experiences: "my dad encourages me when I try things-like the father bird chirping when his babies try to fly," and all of the other situations so sweetly brought to light in this lovely lap-time read aloud. I think that teachers will find this a wonderful reading experience to share with a group, as well. The children will be eager to guess what kind of father will be next and to assign the characteristics described to the proper dear old dad before the picture is revealed. Love and guidance abound in this charming addition to literature about fathers and their offspring. 2005 (orig. 2002), North-South Books, Ages 2 to 5, $6.95. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7358-1977-7

Dad, Are You the Tooth Fairy?
Jason Alexander
Illustrated by Ron Spears
   Gaby had always received notes from the tooth fairy as well as money. He was surprised to hear from his friends that there was no tooth fairy, that it was really moms and dads. When Gaby confronted his father, he told Gaby "The only honest answer I can give." As people turned away from magic, the creatures of magic, such as dragons, unicorns and fairies began to fade. While it is parents who take the teeth, the notes they write come from a voice inside their heads. Children must trust that it is the voice of the fairies or they, too, will vanish just as the unicorns did. Based on the actual conversation the actor had with his son, this is a heartfelt way to respond to that inevitable question without destroying the magic and the belief in something intangible. Primary grade children, the audience for this book, will find humor and sophistication in the illustrations which have a resemblance to today's animated cartoons. 2005, Orchard Books, Ages 6 to 9, $16.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-66745-3

Dad, Aren't You Glad?
Lynn Plourde
Iillustrated by Amy Wummer
   A young boy says it is his turn to do his dad's "stuff" so dad can rest, perhaps for Father's Day. He cheerfully proceeds to help out, with predictably disastrous results. Poured milk goes everywhere but in the cereal, the garbage spills out of the bag as he carries it out, bathing the dog involves the entire bathroom, his paint decorations are not what his dad would like for the house, and so it goes, while good-natured Dad goes along with it all. He finally has to admit that he needs his dad's help to set up the tent in the yard, but the hug he gives in the end is as good as his dad's hug for sure. The miniscule text is hardly needed as the double-page scenes portray how easy it is for a well-meaning youngster to mess up things. Colored drawings retain the improvisational character of these minor disasters. They also show the assorted reactions of the adults, mostly of Dad. The visual and the verbal play off each other with broadly-comic youthful irony. 2005, Dutton Children's Books/Penguin Young Readers Group, $12.99. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-525-47362-9

Dad, Jackie, and Me
Myron Uhlberg
Illustrated by Colin Bootman
   On Opening Day of the 1947 baseball season, the narrator was glued to his radio, listening to the play by play of his beloved Brooklyn Dodgers and their amazing new player, Jackie Robinson. How excited he was when his father came home from work and announced, or rather signed, "We're going to Ebbets Field." His father wanted to meet Robinson. Throughout the summer, they attended games and he taught his father to play catch. Because he was deaf, his father had never played baseball. The narrator's embarrassment was turned to joy when his father's presence at Ebbets Field was acknowledged in a most interesting way by Jackie Robinson. This is much more than just another book about the first African-American to play in the Major Leagues. It combines a nostalgic look at the Brooklyn Dodgers with an uplifting story about overcoming prejudice, whether it is the color of one's skin or a physical disability. The author's note at the end of the book explains that this is a work of fiction that is based on his own childhood. Bootman's watercolor illustrations work beautifully in conjunction with the text to bring to life the 1940s neighborhood and Ebbets Field. He has successfully captured the emotions of the story and the action on the baseball diamond. This is a fine book for fathers and sons to share together, and a thought-provoking piece for a middle school or a high school class to share together. Readers can glean an interesting perspective on history from the newspaper clippings and the photographs that comprise the scrapbook end papers. 2005, Peachtree, Ages 5 up, $16.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 1-56145-329-3

Daddy's a Busy Beaver
Bruno St-Aubin
   Do you know a parent that is too busy to play? Someone who has too much to do before they take a break to just hang out with their kids? This book is as much for them as it is for kids. The daddy in this book is a good daddy. He builds tree houses and igloos for his children and makes repairs around the house. His kids, however, just want some time with him. This book is part of the "Read-it! Readers" series designed for early readers. Each page has a humorous picture of Daddy's latest project above a single sentence. The sentence structure is complex with a variety of vocabulary words for readers to learn. While adults may find the story a little boring, kids will find it very funny. The visuals are what will attract young readers. The daddy in this story even looks like a beaver. This is a good book for readers who are beginning to master the basics and are now looking for an interesting story. REVIEWER: Heather Robertson
ISBN: 1-4048-1025-0

Daddy's a Dinosaur
Bruno St-Aubin
Illustrations by Bruno St-Aubin
   A child's father takes on larger-than-life proportions as he interacts with his family in the daily activities of the house. As he stomps, snores, scares and tells stories, the father looks more and more like a dinosaur until his human features are completely transformed into the large, green dinosaur that romps across the pages of the book. A "Read-It! Readers" Green-Level book, the story is told in simple but expanded vocabulary and sentence structures to facilitate the reading mastery of early readers. The lively and colorful illustrations do more than enliven the story--they encourage readers to interact with and compare the meanings of the pictures and the text. While the text describes the actions of an everyday human father, the pictures tell another story, that of a gargantuan dinosaur, and where these two versions of the story intersect-in dinosaur daddy-readers will find a subtle and humorous introduction to the concept of metaphor. 2005 (orig. 1999), Picture Window Books, Ages 4 to 7, $18.60. Reviewer: Meredith Ackroyd (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-4048-1028-5

Daddy's An Alien
Giles Tibo
Illustrated by Bruno St. Aubin
   Young readers will enjoy this outrageous story about a boy whose father goes away on a trip and returns home quite a different person, an alien actually. Dad now loves to grocery shop and he enjoys eating really gross food, like French fries and really hot candy. Dad loves to listen to space music too. He cannot help his son with his homework and makes a mess of house cleaning. He even bought an extra sporty super flying saucer. The bright whimsical and gross out pictures will engage the young readers and add interest and humor to the bizarre story. Dad visits school and it is so embarrassing, but the young boy's classmates loved his dad. One in a series of leveled reading books, this green level presents readers with more complex reading, extended vocabulary range and expanded language structures. This volume is a great addition to elementary libraries. Part of the "Read-It Readers" series-Green Level. REVIEWER: Sue Reichard
ISBN: 1-4048-1067-6

Daddy's Girl
Garrison KeillorM
Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
   Here are four separate little ditties created by Keillor to celebrate the delight that his own dear little daughter has brought to him. Parents will recognize the joys of parenthood in the big and small events depicted here. It is written from the adult perspective and will therefore appeal more to Keillor fans than to a child audience. There are four songs on the CD which have been taken from the his Definitely Above Average audio recording. His upbeat style will be familiar to his fans: "B-A-N-A-N-A-S" has a jazzy beat, while "Won't You Dance With Me?" is more rock and roll. Some of the text has been changed from the CD to the book. The first selection on the CD is not in the book, and vice versa. As illustrated by Glasser, this toddler has attitude! 2005, Hyperion, Ages 3 to 5, $16.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7868-1986-3

Daddy Hugs 1 2 3
Karen Katz
   It is gratifying to see a Dad spending time with a little one. Here Daddy is reenacting typical events during a day and as he does so, baby gets a hug. There is one when it is wake up time to show how happy he is to be with his little baby. Then on to three hugs to help with the burping after a presumed feeding, five to kiss a boo-boo and make it all better, seven for pajama time, nine for don't be afraid of the dark, and then 10 big hugs to say goodnight "I love you!" While the text may not scan really well for a read aloud, the sentiment is nice and the pictures are engaging for a one-on-one with a child on your lap. 2005, McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, Ages 1 to 5, $12.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-87771-4

Daniel and His Walking Stick
Wendy McCormick
Illustrations by Constance R. Bergum
   Endearing stories like this one run the risk of becoming too sentimental but Ms McCormick tells this lovely story with admirable straightforwardness and grace. Jesses' parents try to fill the gap she feels from not having grandfathers by telling her stories about her Grandpa Jack ("who died before I was born.") and her Grandpa Ray (who "gave me a bath and tickled my earlobes and sang me songs about the sea"). The gentle watercolor illustrations tell us more of their stories through the pictures on the dresser and those decorating the walls. As the story line unfolds, Jesse and her parents travel to the lakeside vacation spot of her mother's youth. There they meet Mr. Daniel Stockton, an elderly gentleman who had actually known Grandpa Ray. Daniel begins to share his close observance of nature with Jesse as they walk around the lake. She responds to his subtle lessons and soon inquires if a person can "have three grandpas?" Daniel assures her that that would be just fine and the reader instantly understands the bond between the generations is a deep one built on trust and shared experiences that will serve as treasured memories. Jesse has admired Daniel's walking stick from the moment of their first meeting and before she returns to the city he helps her to find one to take home for herself. Jesse's use of the walking stick in the city setting reflects how Daniel used his in the countryside: to measure the depth of the water in the gutter (Daniel had measured the creek's depth), to point out details of the walk, and things observed (like a passing airplane). The series of illustrations that depict these passages are beautiful extensions of the text. The reader can predict that Daniel and Jesse will have many more wonderful experiences together and the happy smiles on her parents' faces tell us that they are delighted that Jesse has found a "third grandfather." 2005, Peachtree, Ages 3 to 6, $15.95. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-56145-330-7

A Day With Daddy
Louise A. Gikow
Illustrated by Gustavo Mazali
   In this charming book, two young children excitedly embark on an adventurous day with their father, which includes an exciting trip to the zoo and a visit to the playground. During their day of fun, the trio explores a variety of experiences including riding on a bus, watching monkeys hang by their feet, eating yummy hot dogs, swinging on the swings, sliding down the tall slide, and playing hide and seek. When their day finally wraps up and they head home, the father sleepily sits down on a chair for some much needed rest and relaxation. However, before he can get a respite, the kids eagerly jump on his lap and exclaim how he's the best daddy in the world. Bright, colorful illustrations and simple, oversized text fill the pages of this delightful romp. Perfect for beginning readers, this book contains 48 words that are repeated throughout the story, and once readers recognize and learn these words, they will be able to read this book in its entirety. The author includes a note to parents and teachers, as well as a list of the 48 featured words. This is a great book for fathers to share with their young children. The book is part of the "My First Reader" series. 2004, Children's Press/Scholastic, $17.50. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-516-24410-8

Father's Day
Anne Rockwell
Illustrations by Lizzy Rockwell
   Using the same format as the other popular "Mrs. Madoff" books the Rockwell team tackles Father's Day with their usual deft touch. The first spread shows three of the class's students busily writing. If the reader turns the book upside down it is easy to read the essays to discover that they are writing about their fathers. The first person narration is from a boy who is proud of his father's strength. Each student tells something about his or her own dad and the illustrations show what has been described. Several different family situations are part of the storyline and each of the fathers has different skills for the children to write about. Mrs. Madoff keeps the children on task and they go to the publishing center where the stories are printed and bound into "books" to be shared with the dads for Father's Day. The dads come to school on a day in June and they all share a picnic to celebrate the special relationship of fathers and children. Simple but satisfactory in its tribute to fathers, this book is a good addition to pre-school and primary grade libraries. It will be an inspiration for projects for any students who are already doing some writing on their own. Others can give voice to their own stories about their dads to be recorded by a helping adult. 2005, HarperCollins, Ages 3 to 6, $14.99. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-051377-2

Froggy's Day With Dad
Jonathan London
Illlustrated by Frank Remkiewicz
   It's Father's Day, and Froggy is making breakfast for his Dad. He flops to the kitchen and splat, drops an egg on the floor. But, Dad loves his breakfast, eggshells and all. Froggy and Dad flop, flop, flop all the way to the park. They ride the bumper boats, but Froggy bumps the boats too hard. At the bating cage, the bat flies out of Froggy's hand and hits Dad in the foot, thunk! When Froggy and Dad play miniature golf, Froggy hits Dad in the head with a golf ball, and even dives into the pond and comes up with seven balls. The day ends with Froggy's gift to Dad: A cup with lettering he made himself. All is forgiven, and Dad declares it the best Father's Day gift. The book is a perfect story for a child to share with a father on Father's Day, or any day of the year. 2004, Viking, $15.99. Ages 4 to 6. Reviewer: Mindy Hardwick (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-670-03596-3

Gus and Grandpa and the Piano Lesson
Claudia Mills
Pictures by Catherine Stock
   This is another charming story about Gus and Grandpa, and this time it's about Gus's dreaded piano lessons and daily practices that last for a long half hour. He can't seem to get his piece right, "The Horse Race;" his horse keeps "stopping, and tripping and falling down." Grandpa sympathizes because he had to practice his violin when he was younger, too. When the recital arrives, Gus does well until he blanks out on the end, and his teacher quietly hands him his sheet music and Gus's horse limps to the finish line. But back home, his grandfather and father get out their old instruments and begin to play "The Horse Race," and by the end of several go-arounds, this family band even sounds pretty good. And the horse wins every time. The next-door neighbor, Ryan, hears the music and asks them to play it again. Stock's watercolors enhance the drama. The telling details in the text (Gus's tie is too long on the recital day), and Mills's gently humorous and metaphoric way with words make this a winner. It has both a positive message about practicing an instrument and about making music for fun, at least some of the time. It's the tenth story about Gus and his wonderful Grandpa. 2004, Farrar Straus Giroux, $15.00. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 0-374-32814-5

Henry and Mudge and the Great Grandpas
Cynthia Rylant
Illustrated by Suçie Stevenson
   Henry, Mudge and Henry's parents went to visit Great-Grandpa Bill on a sunny summer day. Henry and Mudge liked to visit Great-Grandpa Bill who lived with several other grandpas because they enjoyed the checker games, rocking chairs and the little mints they carried. While visiting on this day, Henry and Mudge went exploring and discovered a swimming pond. Henry asked his father if he would take him swimming. Much to his surprise, all the grandpas wanted to go. It took extra time to get there, and sometimes the grandpas rested on Mudge, but they enjoyed their swim as well as the spaghetti dinner Henry's mother made. Rylant has created a wonderfully warm and inviting house of grandpas. Readers lucky enough to have a great-grandpa will recognize the zest for life these seniors have. Stevenson's illustrations are full of warmth and humor, too. Each grandpa is an individual, and Mudge and Henry are as endearing as ever. This "Ready-to-Read " beginning reader is a Level 2, for children who are reading independently, and part of "The Henry and Mudge Books." It puts the elderly in a positive light. For some children, this will help alleviate any fears they may have about the elderly, show them what kinds of things they can do together and learn from them, and lets them know that when they are physically able, seniors love to be active. 2005, Simon & Schuster, Ages 5 to 8, $14.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 0-689-81170-5

It's You, Daddy
John Wallace
   Little One and her father return home from a day at the circus and she asks her father, "Can you guess who my favorite person in the whole wide world is?" Her father asks for some clues. She says it is someone who is "big," "strong," "kind and gentle," and can make her laugh. It is someone "who gives the best piggyback rides." These and other clues certainly indicate that it is, of course, her father. The illustrations for each of the clues show this special person as a performer in the circus who wears glasses, just like Daddy. For example, when Little One says her favorite person can reach the top shelf where the cookies are hidden, the illustration shows "Uncle Sam" on stilts reaching for the cookie jar. Wallace has used the double-page spread to show the height, making the reader turn the book for the full effect. The simplicity of the text underscores the unconditional love between father and daughter. This is a good title to add to a "Father's Day" storytime. 2005, Hyperion, Ages 3 to 5, $12.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7868-0958-2

Just the Thing!
Damian Harvey
Illustrations by Lynne Chapman
   All of the jungle animals offer Big Gorilla remedies for his terrible itch, the one right in the middle of his back where even gorilla arms can't reach. First his wife suggests a scratching tree and Big Gorilla tries to subdue that pesky itch "scritching and scratching" up against Mama Gorilla's favorite scratching spot. "He rubbed and he scraped. He scrunched and he scootched" but his "itch was worse than before." So the pattern of this hilarious book is established with each additional animal suggesting "just the thing" to tame the annoying itch. Each idea seems perfect to the creature offering the sure fire cure, but each time Big Gorilla is disappointed that the itch is "worse than before." He tries warthog's method of wallowing in the mud, lion's plan for rolling in the grass, and elephant's prescription of rubbing up against an old ant hill. Too bad for Big Gorilla that the one he picks is still occupied by an army of biting ants! After all of his efforts Big Gorilla is still plagued by the unending itch; and, giving up, he flops upon his bed in abject misery. Up until this point Baby Gorilla has been napping but now he is ready to play. He jumps gleefully upon Big Gorilla's back and begins to wiggle and wriggle and scirtch and scratch until Big Gorilla groans with relief. "Son, you're just the thing for a gorilla with an itch!" The wonderful alliteration and playful language of this "monkey business" story is perfectly suited to the fabulously expressive illustrations. Big Gorilla goes cross-eyed with delight as his son provides the relief he has been seeking. This is a perfect story for Father's Day and, of course, anyone who has ever experienced "a pesky itch." REVIEWER: Sheilah Egan
ISBN: 0-7696-4300-0

A Little Bit Of Trouble
Sally Grindley
Illustrated by Eleanor Taylor
   It's another set of three bears from Britain, this time a genial grandfather and two giddy cubs that set off for a picnic on a sunny day. Grandfather has packed sandwiches, chocolates, and cupcakes; they take the cat; the countryside teems with bees and butterflies. As cupcakes spill from the picnic basket and the cubs swing on a pasture gate, Grandfather is oblivious to a huge gray bull hovering in the background, while the mischievous cubs end up feeding cakes and sandwiches to a family of ducks. It's so warm and peaceful Grandfather dozes off until the bull charges through the picnic, scattering food and plates. Grandfather is, of course, equal to the challenge and the cubs can take care of themselves. What a perfect day, Grandfather decides, except for "our little bit of trouble." A large format and big, round, furry Grandfather make the cheerful watercolors perfect for a read-aloud; the abundance of detail allows young bear fanciers to explore each picture while browsing or reading one-on-one with an adult. Checking out details of Grandfather's kitchen, watching the cubs drop acorns from a tree, and tracking the bull as he comes ever nearer make for good fun and a satisfying ending as the weary trio climb the hill to their cabin after the day's adventure. Both silly cubs and unflappable Grandfather will add their slightly eccentric English charm to any collection of bear books for young readers. 2004, Bloomsbury, $16.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).

   "We're ready, my little bears," says amiable Grandfather Bear as he finishes packing lunch in his backpack and they set off for their picnic. Happily chatting, walking along, he is oblivious to the mischief the two little bears and the accompanying cat are into, or to what else is going on--in the illustrations--as he sets up the picnic by the water. After they eat, while he has "a little doze in the sun," an escaped bull charges the picnic basket. Grandpa bravely shoos away the bull, who has only come to take his calves back to the meadow, and praises the cubs for hiding in the tree, where they had been anyway. The "little bit of trouble" has not spoiled the perfect day. The lively double-page watercolor scenes are the action, the counterpoint to the text of Grandpa's mumblings. They are loaded with details of three simultaneous stories: the inattentive Grandpa, the playful cubs, and the bull. Taylor adds the whole bovine family and the cat to spice up the fun in the visual narrative. This is a sequel to the same team's No Trouble at All. 2004, Bloomsbury Children's Books, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-58234-882-0

Little Loon and Papa
Toni Buzzeo
Illustrated by Margaret Spengler
   Papa is trying to teach Little Loon to dive. Little Loon is afraid and tries to avoid the lessons. Papa shows Little Loon exactly how to get ready before diving, but Little Loon can't get the knack of it so he tries to swim away from papa and the diving lesson. When Little Loon encounters some large, ferocious-appearing animals and tries to find Papa, he finally tries to dive like Papa was teaching him. He must go under water to save himself. When his head comes up, he sees Papa nearby in the water. Little Loon is happy when Papa tucks him under his wing where he is safe at last. Spengler has done a terrific job illustrating the story. Illustrations take up two pages with words fitting perfectly with the pictures. 2004, Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Young Readers Group, $15.99. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Jennie DeGenaro (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 0-8037-2958-8

My Dad
Mary Auld
   What makes a father? What name do you call your father? When did he meet you? Some fathers know their children the minute after they are born. Some, such as those who have adopted children or are stepdads, become families later in a child's life. This book will make a lovely Father's Day companion for small children. The book's photographs illustrate various cultures, ages, physical abilities, and socioeconomic groups. Occupations are shown as the children interact with their fathers. Also, the book tells young children what a father can do with them. The words and pictures show things such as buckling up seatbelts, fishing, cooking, reading and brushing teeth. The final page of the text asks, "What is your dad like?" The book's focus is the various types of fathers. It does not address situations where a child does not have a father at home. 2004, Gareth Stevens Publishing, $19.93. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Nicole Peterson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8368-3925-0

My Dad Can Do Anything
Stephen Krensky
Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
   The pictures and the text are telling the same story but in very different ways. The text touts all the great things each dad can do: put his head in a lion' s mouth, hunt for buried treasure, cut his way through a jungle and so on. The pictures do not show a lion tamer or pirate or explorer hacking his way through a jungle. Rather we see a variety of ordinary dad's undertaking ordinary chores. The lion is the car and dad has his head under the hood trying to repair something; the hunt for buried treasure is spade work in the garden; and mowing the lawn is dad hacking his way through the jungle. There is humor in the art and the artist's interpretation of the story. The closing line is what will resonate with kids and dads--"But the thing that he does best of all...is spending time with me." The book even comes with stickers to place on the pages. A personal rather than library or classroom purchase and pleasant enough for anytime, but especially Father's Day. 2004, Random House, $3.99. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-375-82627-0

My Daddy and Me
Amy E. Sklansky
Illustrated by Ard Hoyt
   The watercolor and colored pencil drawing show kids and their fathers in a variety of activities. The message is one of love and shared experiences with a text that is simple but gets the message across. The first scene shows a young girl and her dad having an impromptu picnic lunch (he has a tie on so he must have slipped away from his office for this outing). The text states that "We go together like honey and bees, like peanut butter and jelly,..." Successive pages show Dads flying kites at the beach, sharing a hammock on a camping adventure, raking leaves and playing in the snow. No matter what it is always "My daddy and me, we go together." The dads are pretty ordinary guys and the kids are a pleasant mix. It may be a bit idyllic given today's families but for young kids it is a reassuring book and a nice one to share on Father's Day. 2005, Scholastic, Ages 2 to 5, $3.50. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-439-74046-0

Papa, Do You Love Me?
Barbara M. Joosse
Illustrated by Barbara Lavallee
   It is interesting that the companion book to Mama, Do You Love Me? (over one million copies sold in 15 languages) is set in a climate and culture that is so totally different from the cold land of the Inuit. Author and illustrator take us to the hot lands of Africa and the Maasai culture in particular. As with the other book, this one also captures the universal love between a parent and child; however, in this title it is the father. The beautiful endpapers with the Maasai shields on a stark blue background immediately draw attention. Lavallee has used a warm pallet to indicate the climate and also the bright colors of the clothing and jewelry that the Maasai wear. The young boy questions his father as he tests the lengths to which his parent would go to care for and protect him. His father always answers with a positive and encouraging message and refers to his son as his "Tender Heart." The closing pages provide a glossary which explain terms and a bit more about the Maasai culture. 2005, Chronicle, Ages 3 to 6, $15.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-8118-4265-7

Papa Pride
Kathy Mallat
   Three little wolf pups declaim that they are "Papa's pride and joy..." They explain how he teaches them to play, he protects them and is ever patient. The pups admire his skill swimming, hunting prey, and howling as the sun goes down. The closing scene shows papa protectively snuggled up with his pups who have contented smiles on their faces as they sleep and he watches over them. It is really every child's dream to have a father that they can look up to, who cares for them and who they want to be with. The playful pups and their dad will appeal to young readers and should make dads who are sharing the book with their own kids swell with pride. The illustrations are executed in oil pastels and colored pencil. They show the soft hairs of the pups who are presented in three distinctive colors as well as the blades of grass that provide the background in most of the spreads. Add this book to Kathy Mallat's previously published Mama Love to give parents equal time. REVIEWER: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-8027-8963-3
ISBN: 0-8027-8964-1

Piggy and Dad Go Fishing
David Martin
Illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz
   Piggy is very excited about his first fishing trip with his dad. They dig up the worms for bait and go to the river. Piggy could not get the worm on the hook. "The worm smiled at Dad" when he offered to bait the hook so they decided to use bread instead of worms. Martin captures the impatience of children, as well as their excitement when Piggy finally has a bite on his line. Their sense of compassion is awakened when Piggy decides the fish looks sad because he has been caught leading Piggy to invent a new way of fishing, called "feed-the-fish." The watercolor and pencil illustrations depict the fishing venue, complete with a dock from which Piggy and his dad cast their lines. Their expressive faces capture their emotions. This is a delightful addition to the storytime shelf. It is appropriate for so many subjects: Father's Day, fishing, and summertime, or even a storyhour based on worm stories. 2005, Candlewick, Ages 3 to 6, $14.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7636-2506-X

The Planet's Most Extreme Dads
Edited by Sherri Devaney
   Meet some very extreme dads. There is the jackal who has a "truly disgusting way of putting dinner on the table." He regurgitates whatever he has eaten for his pups to share. Or the Darwin frog of South America that protects his mate's newly laid eggs by eating them! The eggs develop in their dad's vocal sacs safe from hungry predators. Based on an Animal Planet television show, The Planet's Most Extreme series introduces readers to the top ten extreme fathers and compares each with human fathers. Some extremes, however, go way beyond what might be considered appropriate for a kid's book. It is interesting to learn that the emperor penguin feeds his hungry chick with a special stomach secretion that looks a bit like milk. But comparison with the human dad who produced breast milk (through the power of suggestion) and fed his own baby is just bizarre. A quick check of the facts on the Internet pulls up a short article (Milkmen: Fathers Who Breastfeed) by David's wife, Laura, who writes that although David lactated he did not "actually breastfeed our baby. First of all, there was no need for it....But more importantly, he simply had no desire to do it." Flip through the pages of this book before purchasing. 2005, Blackbirch Press/Thompson Gale, Ages 9 to 12, $23.70. Reviewer: Anita Barnes Lowen
ISBN: 1-4103-0391-8

Razzamadaddy
Linda Walvoord
Illustrations by Sachiko Yoshikawa
   Bubbly rhyme and colorful, whimsical illustrations follow a young boy and his father on a special day together at the beach. They swim, build sand castles, eat junk food, and generally get silly--"Race me and chase me, I'll run away! Tackle me, tickle me, Ho Daddy, hey." Seashells and seaweed convert daddy into a charging dragon to the boy's knight, armed with a sand shovel. At the end, daddy returns the boy home to his waiting mother--this illustration will resonate with children of divorced parents, whereas kids from two parent households will just assume they are both coming home. The book celebrates the bond between parent and child, and the different way dads relate to their children. 2004, Marshall Cavendish, $14.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7614-5158-7

Super Grandpa
David M. Schwartz
Art by Bert Dodson
   In 1951, 66-year-old Gustaf Hakansson really did ride his bicycle over 1,000 miles at the time of the official "Tour of Sweden" bicycle race. Although he did not follow the official rules, he became a national folk hero. The author details the facts in a note, but has added drama to those facts in the story he tells. Gustaf's family scoffs at his decision to ride in the race, and the judges refuse to register him for the official train. So he pedals 600 miles to the starting gate and begins the race. Riding day and night with only naps, he is encouraged and cheered all along the way. In Schwartz's story, he even comes in first. Dodson's visual version adds contextual details of landscape, town streets with buildings and spectators, along with many pictures of our hero. Watercolor paintings, mostly double-page scenes, provide a pleasant backdrop for the active rider, depicted in more intense colors--almost as if a spotlight were on him. Excitement is further generated by the points of view selected by the artist. This should raise respect for the accomplishments of the elderly. An accompanying CD has some lively Swedish folk music and Schwartz reading his text. 2005 (orig. 1991), Tortuga Press, Ages 4 to 8, $18.95. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-889910-33-3
ISBN: 1-889910-34-1

This is the Van that Dad Cleaned
Lisa Campell Ernst
   In sing-song cumulative rhyme, Ernst tells the tale of the family van. Dad had it cleaned-all shiny and bright. Then he loaded up with three kids and along the way stopped at a fast food drive-in. If you have ever had kids and fast food together in any vehicle you know that spills are bound to occur. In this case, there is food, ketchup and horsing around which brings even greater mess. What does seem a tad unrealistic is Dad's complete oblivion to what is going on inside the van until they arrive at their destination. The ending takes a nice twist as the kids spend the next day cleaning the family van to once again make it all shiny and bright. Kids will enjoy the humor and the repetition. 2005, Simon & Schuster, Ages 3 to 7, $16.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-86190-7

Up!
Kristine O'Connell George
Illustrated by Hiroe Nakata
   Toddlers are a busy bunch by nature and this charming book perfectly captures their high levels of energy and enthusiasm. In this tale, a young toddler rustles up her father from his cozy bed and gets him outside for a wonderful day of fun and adventure. After breakfast (and a few bounces on a chair and tosses in the air), this father-daughter duo heads to the park, where they find all kinds of enjoyable things to do. With her dad in tow, this young pig-tailed wonder excitedly jumps from one activity to another--she swings so high she almost touches the sky with her toes, she climbs up the slide's ladder only to quickly whoosh down the other side, and she runs to the top of the hill and tumbles down in a dizzying display. She is not the only one having fun during this action-packed jaunt to the park. Her father gets involved, too. He holds her upside down by her toes, he swings her around in circles, and he tosses her up into the sky like an airplane. After the pair tires from their activities, they head to the nearest tree, where they sit up high on a branch and take in all the beautiful sights of their sun-filled day at the park. The simple, rhyming text and humorous watercolor illustrations perfectly capture the magic of "toddlerhood" and the important role parents play in their young children's lives. 2005, Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Company, $15.00. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Booklist Book Review Stars , Mar. 1, 2005; United States
ISBN: 0-6180-6489-3

The Very Best Daddy of All
Marion Dane Bauer
Illustrated by Peter Elwell
   From morning to night animals and birds take care of their young. Some animal daddies "comb your hair," others "build you a house," and some "play with you too." There is a wonderful feeling of warmth and security in the combination of text and illustrations. They celebrate both the protectiveness and the gentleness of a good father. In using the words "some daddies," Bauer makes this a very inclusive book, for certainly each child will find some characteristic of his or her father. The luscious colors in Wu's palette show the golds of the prairie, the greens and blues of the sea and, yes, even purple mountain majesty, while presenting cozy scenes of a wide range of animals and their young. Humans appear in the last two spreads with the final words, "My daddy....the very best daddy of all." This is a very appealing Father's Day book, and one to use all year in story time themes of fathers and their children. A free greeting card of an illustration from the book is included. This is a lovely companion to Bauer's My Mother Is Mine. 2004, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $12.95. Ages 1 to 4. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-84178-7

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Updated 05/27/05

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