Father’s Day is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate “dear old dad” than with some cool picture books for ages 4 through 8? The last two books are activity books that are especially good for scouts and their dads. Let’s begin with books from two different and funny viewpoints.
If I Were You: a Daddy-Daughter Story, by Richard Hamilton, and illustrated by Babette Cole, is a hilarious story about a role reversal in rhyme with dad and daughter. Dad contemplates, “If you were me - now let me see - while you washed up, I’d watch TV!” And the daughter stares, “I’d make you wash your face and hair, behind your ears…everywhere!” The pictures are so funny with dad running around in a tutu while the child imagines becoming a grownup for a day. Kids and dads will get a kick out of this!
When I Grow Up,by Leonid Gore, is a bright and cheery book full of die-cuts of small animals and objects that change after turning the page. A chick becomes a rooster and a small plant becomes a tall tree. What does a young boy want to become when he grows up? Because of the great love of his dad, he wants to become just like him!
Because Your Daddy Loves You, by Andrew Clements, and illustrated by R. W. Alley, shows dad playing, enjoying and caring for his young child. What I like best about this reflective tale is what dad could do or say if the moment of togetherness is about to flee away because of pressures of time or energy needed to be exerted. That part is written in blue. But every time he makes the right decision – instead of the rash decision – and plays, comforts or cleans up messes all because he loves his child so much! When the child wakes from a nightmare, dad could say, (this next part is written in blue), “Shh! Just go back to sleep.” Instead he comforts his youngster.
Anytime, Anywhere: A Little Boy’s Prayer,by Marcus Humm, and illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher, is a thoughtful look at blessings and prayer. A young boy asks his father for whom he should pray. As he goes through the long list of who and what should be included, it becomes evident that there is no end to appreciate all of God’s gifts to mankind.
My Love will be with You,by Laura Krauss Melmed, and illustrated by Henri Sorensen, showcases fathers of many different species poetically guiding their young through life, culminating in a young father lovingly telling his young child “From now until always I want you to know My love will be with you wherever you go.” The painted pictures are beautiful.
Daddy Hug,by Tim Warnes, and illustrated by Jane Chapman, is a bouncy, fun-loving celebration of dad’s noisy adoration to his young offspring. From “spiky” daddy porcupines to “fluffy” daddy ostriches, daddy’s love to “hug” their young.
When Papa Comes Home Tonight,by Eileen Spinelli, and illustrated by David McPhail, celebrates the homecoming of each day when dad comes home from work. The great anticipation of father is illustrated on the book’s frontpiece as he heads out of his work. The young boy waiting at the gate demonstrates his anticipation as well. The time both spend during the rest of the evening makes a great impression on the reader of the bond between father and son. Both the author and artist are two of my favorites, and this book is sure to become a favorite to read at bedtime! Don’t forget to check out both inside covers.
My Dad and Me, by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, and illustrated by Susan Mitchell, is a clever fold-out book with panels that show many activities enjoyed by both dad and child. Each page uses the word “dad” in a different language, helping children understand that fathers are enjoyed and loved the world over.
A Day With Papa, by Kitty Richards, and illustrated by Lori Tyminski and Valeria Turati, is a recreation of Thumper and his relationship with his father. The pictures are digitally colorful and the storyline about what Thumper learns from his father will surely leave a good message with youngsters.
Scholastic has another of the “Best of Everything” series called The Dads’ Book and it’s packed with activities, great quotes and facts, camping and scout ideas and even jokes and stories. The latest in this retro-series is Things to do with Dad: Lots of Fun for Everyone. There’s a chapter on creating your own Solar System, another on creating a magic show and another working with fossils. This book is actually a great family activity book.
