Celebrate Father's Day
This year, June 19th, 2011 is the special day we celebrate fathers.
The story behind Father's Day dates back to 1909, when Sonora Dodd of Spokane, Washington first proposed the idea of a day to acknowledge fathers. She wanted to honor her own father, William Smart, who after becoming a widower raised his six children by himself. The first celebration happened on June 19th, 1910—the month of Smart's birthday. Officially, the first presidential proclamation honor Father's Day was in 1966 and in 1972 President Richard Nixon signed a law that made the holiday permanent.
President Obama has made a big push for fathers to have a big role in their children's lives. His Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative is an "effort to encourage individuals, especially fathers, to be involved in the lives of their children, and to be positive role models and mentors for the children in their lives and communities." To learn more visit http://www.fatherhood.gov/dads.
Did you know that there are over 70 million fathers in the United States? And that last year over 25 million of those had children under the age of 18? Do you know a stay-at-home dad? Last year an estimated 154,000 dads were their children's primary care giver and 53% to 71% of children under 6 ate breakfast and dinner with their dads every day. Find more fun facts at http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/cb11-ff11.html.
The selections below are stories that feature different kinds of fathers. When searching for Father's Day books in the CLCD database try using some of the many different names we have for fathers such as papa and dad—this will broaden the scope of your search.
Contributor: Emily Griffin
Reviews
Crow Call
Lois Lowry
Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
The story opens with a young girl heading out on a hunting trip with a father she has not seen for some time. He has been off fighting a war and now he is home. Previously when in town, Lizzie had spied a hunting shirt in a store window. It was a beautiful rainbow plaid, but way to big for such a young girl. No matter, her father made the purchase noting that she would never outgrow the shirt. They stop at a diner and have cherry pie for breakfast--Lizzie's favorite thing to eat. They discuss the war and his fears--as well as her fears, in particular going hunting. They discuss the cycle of life and how crows eat the crops to survive. In spite of that Lizzie just doesn't have it in her heart to hunt them. She uses her crow call and they flock to her and surround her. Lizzie says "They think I'm their friend!" Her father refrains from shooting the crows and leaves that for another day or another hunter. Today, he and his daughter walk hand--in-hand and head back home. The illustration by Ibatoulline are evocative of a frosty autumn morning--soft browns with a sky that is just beginning to light up. The trees bare of leaves and mist rising from the hills add a sense of mystery and fear as the two wait to see if the crows will respond to Lizzie's call. They are a perfect match for the story. Lowry's story will resonate today as it did back in 1945 when she went through the experience of reacquainting herself with a father who had recently returned from World War II. Today's children are separated not only from fathers but mothers who head off to places like Afghanistan and Iraq, risking their lives and then having to come home and try to re-establish relationships with family and life in general. As Lois Lowry says on the closing page "And so this story is not really just my story, but everyone's." 2009, Scholastic, $16.99. Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780545030359
Daddy Adventure Day
Dave Keane
Illustrated by Sue Rama
An excited youngster is up very early for a day with his dad. They are going to his or her first baseball game. He/she is sure to remind tired dad that there is no calling work allowed on Daddy Adventure Day. And surely no one will notice the coffee spilled by accident on dad's pants. The stadium is impressive. It takes time to get used to it all. Singing the national anthem and cheering the team are fun. Adding to the thrill of the "great stuff" always acquired on a Daddy Adventure Day is the foul ball caught by a man ahead of our fan and presented to him/her. The day ends with a special dessert at a fancy restaurant. Mommy has to hear all about everything. As they watch scenes from the game on TV that night, it's just not as good as having been there. "You never forget a Daddy Adventure Day." The textured illustrations, combining watercolors and digital collage, design impressionistic narrative images to make efficient use of the vertical double pages to convey the emotions of father and child and the visual impact of the stadium crowds. The happy story is told through the eyes of the child, with humorous response from the adults. The fact that the sex of the child is unclear adds to the universality of the tale. 2011, Philomel Books/Penguin Young Readers Group, $15.99. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780399246272
Dad and Pop: An Ode to Fathers and Stepfathers
Kelly Bennett
Illustrated by Paul Meisel
This ode to fathers and stepfathers is a funny and sweet book. The illustrations were done in watercolor, acrylic and pastel. The text and drawings go so well together that few words are needed to tell the story. Illustrations explain graphically how fathers can be different and yet have something in common. The small girl telling the story appears happy with both fathers. This unpaged, book will interest many children, especially those with two fathers. Kelly Bennett, author, has written many children's books and Paul Meisel, has illustrated a number of books for children. The mystery of how two fathers, described as so different, have one important thing in common is explained at the end of the book. The author was inspired to write this book because of the loving relationship her two sons have with their fathers. Some children, hearing this story, may wonder why they can't have two fathers. 2010, Candlewick Press, $20.00. Ages 1 to 4. Reviewer: Jennie DeGenaro (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780763633790
Dear Dragon's Day with Father/Querido Dragon Pasa el Dia Con Papa
Margaret Hillert
Illustrated by David Schimmell
What would you do if you had a pet dragon? The "Dear Dragon" series follows the adventures of a little boy and his pet dragon as they go through daily life. In this story, the little boy and Dear Dragon get to spend the day with Father. They drive with him into the city to see where he works, ride the elevator and look out of his office window, have some time to fish in the afternoon, and finish the day cooking dinner with Mom. This book is a great example of the importance of spending quality time with family. It begins with the little boy giving his father a tie as a gift, so it is also a good model of giving to others. Full of common sight words and bright pictures that help tell the story, this series is perfect for a child who is just beginning to read. This picture book is fully bilingual in English and Spanish. 2010, Norwood House Press, $19.93. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Traci Avalos (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781599533605
Father Abraham: Lincoln and His Sons
Harold Holzer
As President during the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln stands out as a great leader confronted with the gravest challenges in the history of the United States. However, as Harold Holzer points out in this wonderful book, Abraham Lincoln was also a father confronted by great challenges on the homefront as well. In Father Abraham, readers are provided an up close and personal look behind the curtain of Lincoln's family life with a particular focus on the "Great Emancipator's" functionality as a father. Through a combination of a keen eye for a story, wonderful photographs and illustrations, and the inclusion of anecdotes that are enlightening, Harold Holzer brings to life Abraham Lincoln as a leader and a parent. Readers of this fine book will see Lincoln as he struggles to remain close to his eldest son, Robert, a man whose personality was perhaps the most closely aligned to Mary Todd Lincoln of the four sons. Conversely, readers will discover that with Eddie, Willie, and Tad, the younger sons, Lincoln was uniformly available, doting, and close. In every family the dynamic of parent to child varies based upon an almost incalculable number of variables. After reading Father Abraham one comes away with a sense that Abraham Lincoln was no exception to this rule. Through births and deaths, high points and low in the Lincoln family, Harold Holzer has accomplished a very surprising thing in this book and that is to unearth a new perspective on perhaps the most written about American of all time. 2011, Calkins Creek, Ages 12 up, $17.95. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-59078-303-0
Flying
Kevin Kuthardt
The age-old question of "Why" is the theme of this delightful book. A young and curious boy asks his father why he cannot fly. Of course his father tells him that he cannot fly because he does not have wings. You guessed it--the next question is why he does not have wings. This book brought back so many memories of when my children were little. I wish I had had a book like this one to read to them. The illustrations are excellent and truly express the emotions on each page. His father tries to interact with his son's dreams using words and actions that can help his son understand. From both the story line and the illustrations, the reader can feel the strong relationship between the father and son. The last page is absolutely a perfect way to end the story. This would be an ideal gift for any parent with a young child. Some books are meant to be read aloud and shared. This is one of them. It will definitely be one of the books pulled from the shelf at bedtime. 2009, Peachtree Publishers, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Kathie M. Josephs (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781561454303
Grizzly Dad
Joanna Harrison
Ever had a day when you just felt grumpy and out of sorts? This Dad is having one of those; and after he "grrroaned and grrrizzled and grrrumped!" he went back to bed. The picture shows a kitchen in utter chaos --with a washing machine overflowing, toast burning, and the mess that three young kids can create. Dad just gives up and goes back to bed. Mom has to take the younger kids out and she asks her older son to check in on Dad. What a shock--after he pulls off the bedcovers, he discovers that his Dad has turned into a bear, a grizzly bear. But our hero is not scared--he helps his Dad. But then things get out of hand and he tells him that he is fed up with his mess. Then a strange thing happens--off they go in Dad's red convertible and what a day they have. A movie theater to themselves, relaxing in the park, returning home to eat honey sandwiches and watch soccer. "Dad...You're the Greatest, even if you are a bear," says his son. What do you think happens when Mon arrives home? The pictures tell the story and it is an amusing conclusion. But look carefully at the shadows in many of the scenes, which reveal even more. The ending will bring some squeals of delight from young readers who are bound to catch the little details in the closing scene. A delightful book for anytime and especially Father's Day. 2009, David Fickling Books/Random House, $16.99. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Parents' Choice Award, 2009 Recommended Picture Books United States
ISBN: 9780385751735
Hide-and-Squeak
Heather Vogel Frederick
Illustrated by C.F. Payne
Jolly rhymed couplets tell the story of a Daddy mouse chasing a Baby mouse who doesn't want to go to bed. As Daddy calls a repeated refrain ending with, "It's time for bed. It's time for sleep./ No more time for hide-and-squeak," Baby runs around the garden and the living room, up the clock, then splashes into the bathtub. Finally, "Daddy catches Baby by his mouse baby tail..." After a hug and kiss, lovingly displayed on the jacket, Baby is tucked into bed. Pen and ink, acrylic, and colored pencil illustrations across large double pages offer mainly close-up scenes of the two very animated mice and their immediate surroundings. Daddy's glasses may help explain his difficulties in catching his elusive son. The emotions of both mice are clearly conveyed; it's easy to be affected by the joy of the final embrace. Any father and son can identify with this bedtime routine. 2001, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $16.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780689855702
How to Talk to Dads
Alec Greven
Illustrated by Kei Acedera
Ten year old author, Alec Greven, offers hot advice and tips on how to get along with your dad in this book. A sample of a good tip is this: "If you tattletale, there is a seventy-five percent chance you will get in trouble too." The text consists of seven specific chapters including those titled "What Dads Like," "What Dads Don't Like," "How Dads Bug Their Kids," and "How Kids Bug Their Dads." The text helps readers understand how dads ideas differ from moms and what dads expect of their kids. Concise sentences hold logical information that kids probably know already; however, kids will enjoy seeing their own ideas reinforced in print, and they will identify with the information since it is written by an author their age. Simple line drawings of a young boy run throughout the book and add to the text. They clearly show the feelings the young boy is experiencing and also show how Dad feels in a given situation. The humorous illustrations are sure to grab the attention of readers. Alec's other books include How to Talk to Moms and How to Talk to Girls. Another of his books, How to Talk to Santas, will be released in the fall of 2009. While the suggested age is four to eight years old, children through age ten would most likely find the book entertaining. It works well to open up discussions with adults about relationships and expectations. 2009, HarperCollins Publishers, $9.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780061729300
Interrupting Chicken
David Ezra Stein
It is the young chicken's bedtime, and Papa has agreed to read a favorite story. And she has promised not to interrupt. But no sooner has Papa begun "Hansel and Gretel" when the little chicken jumps into the tale to warn of the witch. And that ends that. So Papa tries again, this time with "Little Red Riding Hood." In jumps the chicken again, warning about the wolf, to end that story. The chicken promises to be good for one more story. Tired Papa begins "Chicken Little," but is foiled when the little one tells everyone it is only an acorn and not the sky falling. Out of stories, Papa asks the little chicken to tell him a story. And so she does. And guess who falls asleep? The anthropomorphic pair of fowls sport elaborate red head appendages that add to the humorous effects. The loose illustrations of the parent and child at bedtime, done in water color, water-soluble crayon, china marker, pen, opaque white ink, and tea, contrast with the double-page illustrations in the books being read, done mainly in a black and white sketchy style set in oval frames. A further contrast is provided in the pages of the little chicken's original story book, Bedtime for Papa. Parents reading aloud will be very sympathetic; savvy listeners will be amused. 2010, Candlewick Press, $16.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Golden Kite Award, 2011 Honor Book Picture Book Text
Randolph Caldecott Medal, 2011 Honor Book United States
ISBN: 9780763641689
It's the Best Day Ever, Dad!
Brooke Shields
Illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld
A fun-loving Daddy spends the day with his little girls Frankie and Violet in this endearing book that presents a father- daughter relationship as something very special. The plot hinges on the fact that Daddy says Mommy needs a day to rest. This opens the opportunity for Daddy and his girls to enjoy many activities, which include making and eating pancakes, playing in the park, eating ice cream, playing hopscotch, teaching their dog Darla new things, and having a tea party in which Daddy dons a pink boa and sips tea. The first person narrative is from the perspective of Frankie, the oldest sister. It is easy to see that she is growing up and that little sister Violet is learning new things. Entertaining and colorful illustrations fill the pages and contain humor that adds to the text. These illustrations make reading the book over and over a pleasing activity. The book can help bring forth discussions about how children can spend fun times with their parents. It is good to see that children can be entertained with simple activities that do not cost anything. 2009, HarperCollins Publishers, $17.99. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780061724459
I Love My Dad
Anna Walker
Ollie loves his dad because of all the things they do together: making banana bread, playing, climbing trees in the park. Most of all he loves riding Dad piggyback to bed. Australian writer and illustrator Walker creates a simple story with a hand-lettered text that is very accessible to beginning readers. Her minimalist artwork and layouts-rendered in ink on watercolor paper-serve to highlight the gray on gray horizontally striped, antennae-eared, truly difficult to describe animal/people morphs that are Ollie and his dad and mom. They do, however, have a fairly normal-looking dog named Fred. And while their daily activities are universal, it is fun to see father and son climb what must be an Australian eucalyptus tree, because it is quite charmingly arrayed in exotic (for American readers) parrots. Yes, the end result does work. Properly shared between child reader and parents as doting as Ollie's, Walker's book could become one of those family keeper classics. It's great for Father's Day, too! 2010, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster, Ages 2 to 6, $9.99. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4169-8319-4
My Love Will Be With You
Laura Krauss Melmed
Illustrated by Henri Sorensen
Washington author Laura Krauss Melmed and illustrator Henri Sorensen team up once more on this lovely lullaby book, a companion to their bestselling I Love You as Much.... The earlier book focuses on the mother/child bond; this one gives fathers a voice. In lilting verse, father monkeys, eagles and pandas encourage their offspring to "climb," "soar," and "dream." Sorensen's realistic paintings sweep dramatically across the pages and portray fathers as nurturing, protective and supportive of risk. Each member of your family will probably have a favorite dad. Mine is the homely, gray pigeon who promises his fuzzy squab, "Someday you'll swagger and strut in the park." He provides an important example of a father who, while neither handsome like the featured lion nor majestic like the eagle, still makes a darn good papa. 2009, HarperCollins, $17.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780061552601
My Tattooed Dad
Daniel Nesquens
Translation by Elisa Amado
Illustrated by Magicomora (Sergio Mora)
Two award-winning Spanish artists combine their talents to create a magical story of a father who's seldom home, but exercises a spell over his son when he suddenly pops in, or even when he just sends a letter for a birthday. The boy (unnamed) loves the chicken samosas Dad can cook or sitting with him under the apple tree; Dad is full of tattoos and full of stories. Each tattoo evokes a memory of some fantastic adventure involving strange animals like a fierce two-tailed tiger, a huge pink elephant who snatches a chocolate ice cream cone, or a mythical green serpent with clinging coils. One tattoo labeled Stromboli (picturing a small red devil) reveals conflict between the boy's parents; frighteningly, Dad suddenly turns red and erupts like a volcano, showering rocks and lava. But usually, Dad is the intrepid hero of the tales; saving his son when the boy flies out a car window, vanquishing a horrible giant spider, bringing love and luck and memories of a circus. When he is older, the boy, thinking of Dad's tangled, dreamlike stories, remembers once believing Dad could hang up the moon--even now he imagines him perched in its crescent, searching for a star to hang. Illustrator Mora, known as a "pop surrealist," is in his element here. Fanciful, retro images of dapper Dad with curled moustache and gold hoop earrings mix with violent creatures to be overcome (Dad as Hercules), red roses, cards, dice, and skulls evoking the Day of the Dead--one small reacting rabbit might stand for the reader. Though this exotic book may not be for everyone, some will find it spellbinding; others may find clues to understanding that not all fathers are alike—this one bestows the gift of imagination. 2011 (orig. 2009), Groundwood/House of Anansi, Ages 5 up, $18.95. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-55498-109-0
A Walk in New York
Salvatore Rubbino
A young boy and his dad have arrived in New York, and they are spending the day together taking in all of the major city sights. The arrive at Grand Central station, which we learn is the largest train station in the world, with more than 125,000 people passing through the terminal daily. The next wondrous sight includes the tall skyscrapers of Manhattan such as the famous Chrysler building and the Empire State building. The latter offers an opportunity to take an elevator up to the 86th floor to the observatory. There is a wonderful page that opens upward to show this tall building and provide additional details. Up at this height, our young boy and his dad can see the rivers, bridges, boroughs, and even the Statue of Liberty. The day continues with a yummy hot dog from a street vendor and a look at one of the oldest stores in New York--Macy's. Many other sights--parks, statues, the New York Public Library, Greenwich Village, and the piers along the Hudson River--entrance our duo, and then they take a taxi ride back to Grand Central Station where this trip all started. New York is a fabulous town, and this picture book will give kids a taste of what awaits them on their own visits. It is also a great choice for Father's Day because father and son are certainly enjoying this outing together. 2009, Candlewick Press, $16.99. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780763638559
When Papa Comes Home Tonight
Eileen Spinelli
Illustrated by David McPhail
This lovely book is a sequel, or perhaps a companion might be the better word, to the author's When Mama Comes Home Tonight. The heartwarming pictures by the illustrator, who himself is the author of many books including the touching story of The Teddy Bear, add an extra dimension to this story of a young boy who looks forward to Papa's returning home from work. The details in the drawings, of pets and homey touches in the kitchen scene, add realism. Interestingly, the story is told from the father's point of view. This is a beautiful aspect of the tale for a very young child, because it shows that Papa looks forward to the evening just as much as the child does. The gentle, rhyming text makes this a beautiful bedtime story as in, "The stars will shine, the moon will splash/its light across the lawn./We'll put on our pajamas./I'll be the first to yawn." This would be a thoughtful gift for the new father. 2009, Simon & Schuster, $16.99. Ages 1 to 5. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9781416910282
A Wild Father's Day
Sean Callahan
Illustrated by Daniel Howarth
When the kids give daddy a card that says, "Have a wild Father's Dad!" their father knows just what to do. He says, "Let's act like animals all day long." They hop on the bed like kangaroos, go to the park, and run like cheetahs and swing like monkeys. They go to the pool and swim like dolphins, eat special cookies at home, and then snuggle in their beds like "tired little puppies." Interspersed with the activities of dad and his two children are scenes of the animals in their natural habitats sporting caps, shoes, and eyeglasses like the humans. Cheerful, upbeat cartoon-style illustrations celebrate the exuberance of the day. Young children will enjoy the onomatopoetic words of the text and will recognize familiar activities. The short text and the design of the book make this a suitable and satisfying story for a preschool story hour. 2009, Albert Whitman & Co, $16.99. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780807522936
To view Fathers Day features from a previous year, click here
Click here to check out more books about Dads.
Updated 05/25/11
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