Father's Day
This year we will celebrate our wonderful fathers on June 21, 2008
Father's Day is first believed to have been commemorated way back in July, 1908. Dr. Robert Webb, a West Virginian, observed the holiday at the Central United Methodist Church of Fairmont. The idea for a large-scale commemoration, however, didn't really take off until the following year, when Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd of Washington State was inspired to pay respect to her father after hearing a sermon given on Mother's Day. On June 19, 1910, Mrs. Dodd held a tribute to her father. Despite the support of the YMCA, YWCA, and many churches, the idea of Father's Day was not taken seriously for a number of years. While Mother's Day had become an accepted notion, people merely laughed at the idea of an occasion to celebrate fathers. It wasn't until President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a bill that would create Father's Day in 1924 that the idea began to take root.
In 1926, a national committee was formed to gather attention for a nationwide day of celebrating fathers, and finally, in 1956, a joint resolution of Congress recognized Father's Day as the third Sunday in June. Today Father's Day is celebrated the world over, everywhere from Iran to Guatemala to Taiwan. Celebrate this acknowledgement of the special role that fathers play in all our lives with some books from the following selection.
Visit: http://www.loveyoufather.com/fathers-day-history/index.html and http://www.fathersdaycelebration.com/ for more information and great ideas for making gifts/cards/decorations, etc.
Reviews
Angel Island: Conversations with my Father
Laurence Yep and Dr. Kathleen S. Yep
Newbery Honor winner Laurence Yep is legendary for his Chinese American narratives; he breathes life and depth into stories many readers only experience in history books. In The Dragons Child, Yep teams up with his niece, Dr. Kathleen Yep, to tell the story of ten-year-old Gim Lew, who must leave China and move to America with his father. Will he pass the difficult tests administered by the officials of Angel Island? Will he find a new home and friends in America? The Dragons Child is partly autobiographical. Yep based the novel on conversations with his father and research relating to his family's immigration history conducted by his niece. Readers who have enjoyed Yep's previous novels will find this new work fascinating. The Dragons Child is a wonderful addition to the Yep canon, as well as to the field of children's literature. 2008, HarperCollins Publishers, $15.99 and $16.89. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Suzanna E. Henshon, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-0602-7692-8
ISBN: 0-0602-7692-4
Bertie: Just Like Daddy
Marcus Pfister
Bertie is a charming anthropomorphic hippo who wants to do what his dad does, "Just like you." Amiable Daddy tells him he needs to be bigger to drink coffee, or shave, but thinks up imaginative ways for Bertie to share the experiences. He can have the foam on the top of the coffee, or a shaving cream beard. In the supermarket, Bertie can help push and fill the cart. He's too young for a credit card but he can hold on to the receipt. When Daddy cooks, Bertie can be the taster, and can help set the table. After lunch and his nap, when Bertie plays with his train, Daddy asks to play too. Now it's Bertie's turn to say, "You're too grown up" while Daddy wants to be a kid, "Just like you." So Bertie agrees, as long as he can be the engineer. The innocence of the story is visualized in vignettes and simple full-page scenes. Minimum details and settings are dominated by the actions drawn in thick black outline. Bertie wears flowered shorts, in a lively pattern repeated in varying colors throughout the book and even on the end pages and in frames. Warm humor permeates the delight generated by this psychologically savvy dad and his energetic son. 2009, NorthSouth Books, Ages 3 to 6, $16.95. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7358-2224-5
Daddy, Pappa, and Me
Leslea Newman
Illustrated by Carol Thompson
The premise is simple, but the message is loaded and some people will be protesting the inclusion of this book in school and public libraries. This family consists of two dads and what appears to be a cute young toddler. They do all the things any pair of parents would do—they play games indoors and outdoors, they paint pictures and bake a pie and they make music both on a guitar and by banging on pots. Daddy knows how to sew while Papa teaches the toddler how to throw. Daddy fixes tea, and they all have a tea party which includes a toy bear. By the end of the day, two worn out parents are sitting back to back against a tree while this toddler is still going strong. A very cheerful and engaging book that will find a home with a special group of parents. 2009 Tricycle Press/Ten Speed Press, Ages 1 to 4, $7.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 978-1-58246-262-2
The Dads' Book for the Dad Who's Best at Everything
Michael Heatley
This compendium of parental information covers a wide range of ages and stages, from changing diapers to teaching a child how to ride a bicycle, to how to drive a car. The lighthearted approach is a good reminder that dads need to keep a sense of humor while raising children. For the father who needs suggestions on what to do with children, the author presents how to build and fly a kite, tips on camping, finding the appropriate pet and musical instrument, the perils and pitfalls of cell phones, and what to do when mom is away. There are games to play while riding in the car and the top ten classic board games and why they are better than playing computer games. This seems to follow the same pattern as other "Best at Everything" books. If you know a father-to-be, this would be a nice little gift to help calm the jitters. 2007, Scholastic, Ages Adult, $9.99.
Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-545-04219-2
ISBN: 0-545-04219-4
The Day we Danced in Underpants
Sarah Wilson
Illustrated by Catherine Stock
One summer day a family receives an invitation to picnic with the King of France. After his Papa has bought "sunny, dappled, dancing pants," our young narrator, his three "wild aunts," Papa, and two big dogs dance their way through France for the occasion. The jaunty verse describes how they dress up in the hot, fancy clothes of two or three centuries ago, arriving at the palace already overheated. The palace is impressive--the table in a glade is laden with food--but when Papa sits down, his tight pants split, showing his underwear. No one can keep from laughing. The king declares that everyone must strip down to underwear. It is a relief for them all, leading to a "splendid day" indeed. From the jacket scene of the gaily-dancing characters, including dogs, Stock visualizes a jolly adventure. Her black line pen and ink drawings radiate vitality as the many characters refuse to stay still. Bits of collage add to the masses of interactive watercolors. We even see a properly costumed Puss in Boots with the king, adding to the fun. Wildly decorative floral end pages heighten emotion. 2008, Tricycle Press/Ten Speed Press, $14.95. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewers: Ken and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-5824-6205-9
ISBN: 1-5824-6205-4
Drive
Nathan Clement
Drive is a book designed for young children fascinated with everything automotive. The text is minimal with only a single line per page. A young boy recounts how his father leaves early in the morning to get his large rig truck filled with goods and then is busy all day driving his goods to their destination. However at the end of the day and the book, the father returns to be at home with his son. Clement's career as a graphic artist is very evident in the illustrations. The father's large red truck dominates each spread, though at times the perspective almost creates an abstract design. The strong colors may hold the attention of a very young child. In a preschool classroom, this book might be used to talk about careers, or perhaps it might simply provide a positive picture of the father-son relationship. 2008, Front Street/Boyds Mills Press, $16.95. Ages 2 to 8. Reviewer: Mary Hynes-Berry (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-5907-8517-1
ISBN: 1-5907-8517-7
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 show 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 askes 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 when 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 its amusing conclusion, but looking 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, Ages 4 to 7, $16.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot(Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-385-75173-5
ISBN: 978-0-385-75174-2
The House of Dance
Beth Kephart
A teenage girl reaches out to her dying grandfather, learning about his life and, in turn, her own. Told from the point of view of fifteen-year-old Rosie, a girl whose father has run off, and whose mother is distant and seemingly self-absorbed. With insights that are surprisingly and somewhat unrealistically adult, it can be somewhat difficult to fully relate to Rosie as a believable teenage girl who has such a difficult life. The supporting characters are interesting though underdeveloped, as there are many side stories, causing all to be glossed over and never fully explored. The title of the novel is derived from the name of a dance studio in Rosie's town, where she takes lessons in order to surprise her grandfather, theirs being the relationship in the book that does manage to be fully developed. Kephart's writing style is beautiful and elegant, with strong opening and closing lines to each chapter that can be quite poignant (even overly so, at times), and is pleasant to read. Though Rosie's relationships with everyone other than her grandfather seem unresolved, the love between a girl and her grandfather still makes for an interesting story with plenty of sweet and touching moments that warm the heart. 2008, HarperTeen/HarperCollins, $16.99. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Carly Reagan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-0614-2928-6
ISBN: 0-0614-2928-7
I Love Grandpa
Lizi Boyd
This is a delightful tale of Grandpa and grandson, depicted as two lively and likeable frogs, who spend the day together working on the farm and having some fun. Their day begins when they ride together on the tractor doing farm work and Grandpa hints at an adventure after they get their work done. But first they have to tidy up the barn, and build a stone wall. Between those jobs, Grandpa tries to make a whistle from grass but his grandson cheerfully recognizes the sound as a screech. When the rock work is completed, they get lunch at the diner and then set off on the promised adventure. The adventure is a boat ride to a little island where they can explore, look for buried treasure, and build an elf house. Before they go home, Grandpa scratches a note to the birds in the sand on the beach. The grandson believes the birds read the note when they fly around the rowboat as the frogs make their way home. As a perfect ending to the day Grandpa makes up a story about their adventure and grandson realizes it is about them. This book is one from the "Super Sturdy Picture Book" series. Pages are thick to stand up to wear and the illustrations add humor to the simple text that very young children can relate to. 2009, Candlewick, Ages 2 to 4, $8.99. Reviewer: Nancy Attebury (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 9780763637279
If: A Father's Advice to His Son
Rudyard Kipling
Photographs by Charles R. Smith, Jr.
Rudyard Kipling's poem begins: "If you can keep your head/ when all about you/ Are losing theirs/ and blaming it on you/ If you can trust yourself/ when all men doubt you, / But make allowance for their doubting too" and continues to describe a series of common conflicts that most people face at some point in their lives. The poem then concludes, "Yours is the Earth/ and everything that's in it,/ And--which is more--/ you'll be a Man, my son!" Accompanying this motivational poem is Charles R. Smith's photographic images of boys and young men playing popular sports like soccer, baseball, and football, but also less familiar ones such as archery, fencing, and pole vaulting. Unlike the sharp images in some other of Smith's photographic picture books, such as Brown Sugar Babies and Perfect Harmony: A Musical Journey with the Boys' Choir of Harlem, these images are intentionally muted, not clearly depicting any of the faces of the athletes. This technique, along with the final illustration's focus only on the shadow of a man touching the shoulder of his son, suggests that regardless of sport, ability, ethnic identity or age, this poem is for the everyman. Though girls might enjoy this Kipling/Smith collaboration, it is firmly a "boy book," concentrating visually on tense calf muscles, flying feet, and twisting torsos of young male athletes. An excellent companion for books like Denize Lauture and Jonathan Green's Father and Son, Natasha Anastasia Tarpley and E.B. Lewis's Bippity Bop Barber Shop, and Will Smith and Kadir Nelson's Just the Two of Us, this title could offer an excellent avenue into literature for young male reluctant readers. 2007, Atheneum/Simon & Schuster, $14.99. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Michelle H. Martin, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-6898-7799-5
ISBN: 0-6898-7799-4
In Grandpa's Hands: a Child's Celebration of Family
Marlena E. Uhrik
Illustrated by Barbara Cervone
This lovely, gentle book celebrates family and simple pleasures. Written after the author's elderly father underwent serious surgery, it encourages readers to appreciate the elderly members of their own families. Barbara Cervone uses black-and-white sketches to show Grandpa's hands holding a variety of simple things that may have had an importance during his life--a journal, a feather, a flower, even a trowel--each on a separate page. The book's smoky blue pages next to each illustration accentuate the calm, peaceful intent. The hands hold a cup as delicately as a small bird, but in order to grasp a baseball Grandpa must support one hand with the other. We can see how weathered his hands are and imagine the face and even the soul that accompany these hands. At last, "In Grandpa's hands there is….mine," and a small, unwrinkled hand is cradled on Grandpa's leathery palm. In Grandpa's Hands will certainly generate conversations at home, but as a classroom read-aloud it could also inspire art, poetry or other writing projects. 2008, White Stag Press, $13.95. Ages 3 up. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-9792-5835-0
ISBN: 0-9792-5835-9
Molly and Her Dad
Jan Ormerod
Illustrated by Carol Thompson
Molly, like many youngsters, hasn't seen her dad in a long time, since he lives "a whole plane ride away." Her classmates' dads come to school often, but Molly can only tell stories about hers. Finally one day her mom has to go away for a week, and her dad comes to take care of her. Molly doesn't know what to think about him; he is so very different from her mom. But when he comes to school with her and tells great stories, they begin to bond. They have a really good time together until mom comes home and dad has to leave. But they have established a relationship that will warm Molly's heart long after. The emotional climate of the story is established on the front of the cover, where Molly gazes lovingly at her wildly dancing father. Thompson uses black pastels applied with lively abandon and loosely brushed transparent paints; even the book's title swings in three colors as written in a cursive flourish. The front end pages show Molly's face drawn many times seemingly with her own crayon or pastel; on the back end pages are vignettes of her fun with her dad. The pages of the story bounce with vignettes and frequent speech balloons, producing a vital visual tale of a non-traditional father and the daughter who learns to love him. 2008, A Neal Porter Book/Roaring Brook Press, $17.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-5964-3285-7
ISBN: 1-5964-3285-3
My Dad and Me
Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Susan Mitchell
A sturdy board book offers a glimpse into a daily activity of four dads and their children throughout the four seasons. Tri-fold pages open to reveal and the extended scene of a father and daughter raking leaves in fall, a father and son playing on the ice in winter, a dad and daughter hiking through a meadow in spring, and a dad and his son frolicking on the beach in summer. Each father and child is of a different ethnic background from the American Dad, the Spanish Papi, and the Hebrew Aba to the Mandarin Babi although from the illustration it is clear all these families live in America. The text is minimal allowing the focus to be on the children and their relationship to their fathers. This would be a perfect share for Father's Day or for use in a multi-lingual preschool or primary classroom 2009, LittleSimon/Simon & Schuster, Ages 3 to 6, $7.99. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4169-5828
ISBN: 1-14169-5828-2
My Dad, John McCain
Meghan McCain
Illustrated by Dan Andreasen
Written by John McCain's oldest child from his second marriage, this tribute is predictably loving and glowing. Apart from the obvious devotion, the book could have been written by anyone since it tells the well-known facts of his life, such as the McCain family military background, McCain's own experience in the military, his election as senator of Arizona, his first unsuccessful run for his party's nomination, and finally his nomination by the Republican party in 2008. We are repeatedly told that he just does not give up and that he is a good man, but the book remains a little bland, falling short of the vibrancy and energy that some readers might like to see. The story quality would have benefited from some actual family experiences or humorous anecdotes, something that would make McCain, the man, stand out and give McCain, the author, a reason to write the book. The illustrations are very attractive, old-fashioned, and quiet, almost pensive, accurately reflecting the text. 2008, Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, $16.99. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Kathryn Erskine (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4169-7528-1
ISBN: 1-4169-7528-4
My Daddy Likes to Say
Denise Brennan-Nelson
Illustrated by Jane Monroe Donovan
While not strictly a Father's Day book, the idioms, and clichés are probably ones that kids have heard from their fathers and grandfathers. A young protagonist asks readers if their daddy ever says things that you think are amusing but don't understand. The commonly used expressions like "rat race," "don't bury your head in the sand" and "the buck stops here are part of rhymes accompanied by amusing illustrations which show a young child's literal interpretation of these sayings. I rally chucked at the kids standing near a stop sign while an antlered buck stop and looks out at them. What do all of these crazy idioms mean? The smaller text inserted on the pages explains many of the expressions and often gives the origin. At the end of the book there are even more idioms on a page entitled "Let's tie up the loose ends." There is a blank page for kids to write down some of the special things their dads say which will present some difficulty for schools and libraries who purchase the book. The author has a great time with all of these expressions, but I think the artist had even more fun, because her interpretations are sometimes hilarious. A book that could be a lot of fun to share with a dad on Father's Day or anytime. Note: even the author and illustrator bio blurbs are filled with clichés.
BIBLIO: 2009, Sleeping Bear Press, Ages 4 to 10, $15.95.
REVIEWER: Marilyn Courtot
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-1-58536-432-9
Papa and Me
Arthur Dorros
Illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez
A parent's love for their child is something that transcends all cultures. That is why this book, a simple story of a father and son enjoying the day together, is sure to appeal to all readers. The two main characters are Hispanic, and while most of the book is in English, the father speaks in short Spanish phrases. Most of the words are easily understood through contextual clues, so most independent readers will not be left behind. However, this is a book that is meant to be read aloud and shared; it is best with a child sitting on your lap. The young narrator has such joy in his voice that it would be a shame not to share that feeling during the reading. Another stellar feature of this book is its stunning illustrations. Colorful and lively, they are the perfect accompaniment to the text. Elementary teachers will love this book for the easy-to-follow text and its ability to subtly diversify the library collection. Parents will love the story and relate to the father. A wonderful book in every way. 2008, Rayo/Harper Collins, $16.99. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Heather Robertson Mason (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-0605-8156-5
ISBN: 0-0605-8157-3
Senior Year: a Father, a Son, and High School Baseball
Dan Shaughnessy
When sportswriter Dan Shaughnessy's son Sam reaches his senior year, his father is filled with pride and anxiety. While Sam is an exceptional athlete, there is a lot to contend with in his last year of high school. Clashes with his coach and brushes with drugs could endanger Sam's chances of college. Dan tries to use his own high school experiences as well has his familiarity with sports to help Sam, but the world has changed so much that often Dan is at a loss as to how to best help. Through senior year, Sam's father tries to guide him while allowing Sam to ultimately make his own choices. While this is a nice book for parents, teenagers picking up this book will be very disappointed. Told entirely from the father's point of view, Senior Year is full of advice that one can appreciate after high school, but it is far too preachy for teenagers. 2007, Houghton Mifflin Company, $24.00 and $13.95. Ages Adult. Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-6187-2905-0
ISBN: 0-6187-2905-4
Shopping With Dad
Matt Harvey and Miriam Latimer
With a list handed to them by Mom, Dad and a little girl go grocery shopping. Some strange things are on the list such as: "strong Anti-Grump Pills and a Bucket of Worms." When the little girl almost bumps into a pile of cans, she is put in the shopping cart and told to sit very still. Then she develops a sneeze that makes Dad jump. He bumps the woman beside him. The bump passes down a long line of people and ends by knocking over the pyramid display of cans. People look for a person to blame and point to Dad, but the little girl confesses to the sneeze that started it all. Dad then says to those giving them "hard looks," "Oops! Accidents happen, it's always a shame, But when push comes to shove, there's no one to blame." Then Dad starts to pick up the cans and everyone helps. Back at home Dad makes it all sound like fun as he tells Mom. Through poetry and rhymes, the story is told. The text is included within the stylized colored pictures. Children will enjoy the little girl's several blunders that have a happy outcome. 2008, Barefoot Books, $16.99. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Carlee Hallman (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-8468-6172-7
ISBN: 1-8468-6172-1
Spot Loves his Grandpa
Eric Hill
Spot has lots of fun with his Grandpa. He is a funny guy, and he makes Spot laugh when they are together. Whether they are watering flowers, sledding down hills, splashing in the pool, or enjoying piggyback rides, Spot enjoys the time they spend together. Eric Hill's bright, bold images make it clear that Grandpa enjoys the special time with his grandson, too. Hill has chosen to depict activities that many youngsters will relate to, thus stimulating their memories and sparking conversation about their own experiences. Parents of very young children can encourage them to form such connections with the text. Babies and toddlers will want to look at these engaging pages again and again, giggling and remembering good times. 2008, Putnam, $5.99. Ages 6 mo. to 2. Reviewer: Peg Glisson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-3992-4729-3
ISBN: 0-3992-4729-7
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 is the tall skyscrapers of Manhattan including 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. Now 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, the piers along the Hudson Rive--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, Ages 5 to 10, $16.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3855-9
When I Grow Up
Leonid Gore
What could be more flattering than to have your son want to emulate you. The jacket depicts a young boy riding on his dad's shoulders. The book is a bit unusual it has cut out sections on a page such as the opening spread where the boy and his dad are together and he is getting ready to paint some pictures. There are huge raindrops see through the cutout window. The boy asks "What will I be when I grow up?" Turning the page, he seems to be looking out the window and it is the raindrop that answers. It tells him that he could be a swift river. The text follows a similar pattern with a little plant stating that the boy could be a big strong tree, and a caterpillar announces that he could be like him—the most colorful butterfly in the meadow. After encounters with a baby chick and a shadow, we are once again back at the boys drawing table. Perhaps all of this was just his imagination at work since these same pictures are shown in a simpler more childlike form. No matter what really counts is his drawing of Daddy and the exclamation that he wants to be just like his Dad. Happy Father's Day indeed!
BIBLIO: 2009, Scholastic, Ages 2 to 5, $16.99.
REVIEWER: Marilyn Courtot
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0-545-08597-7
ISBN: 0-545-08597-7
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, Ages 1 to 5, $16.99. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature).
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-1-4169-1028-2
ISBN: 1-4169-1028-X
Why I Love My Dad
Klutz
The Klutz Kit team has put together the necessary materials to "BuildaBook." This title is perfect for youngsters eager to create a tribute to their own dads. The spiral bound book foundation already has some pages with titles such as "My Amazing Dad," which has room for a drawing or picture of the man in question. Between many of the blank or bordered pages there are inserted pages (to be removed after the book is completed) with suggestions for topics for the books: "My Dad's Favorites, My Dad Can, My Dad's Favorite Sayings, My Dad Helps Me With…, Things I Love to do With My Dad." The first of the removable pages has a listing of all of the things in the kit: "blankish book with a fun punch-out stencil, double-sided custom papers, chipboard letters, googly eyes, glue, double-tipped black marker, foam shapes." It also makes suggestions for others useful things such as scissors, markers, crayons, markers, etc. There are some real photographs of children and dads enjoying such activities as fishing together or examining a finished book. There are examples of how some of the pages could look but no strict formula for how the book "should" look, which leaves the creator free to use his/her own imagination. Some guidance and gentle help may be useful for younger "authors," while other slightly older ones will be happier all on their own. As a Father's Day present, this will be a real "keeper." Children will enjoy creating a present that will make a permanent memory and keepsake. Of course, this is a one time use book; but it could serve as a template/pattern for the creation of lots of other books—topics unlimited! 2009, Klutz, Ages 5 up, $12.95. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan
ISBN: 978-1-59174-656-0
ISBN: 1-59174-656-6
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 storyhour. 2009, Albert Whitman & Co, Ages 2 to 5, $16.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8075-2293-6
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Updated 05/27/09
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