BONDING OVER BOOKS
Doing things together — or even reading about doing things together — is a great way for parents and their children to connect, Mia Geiger writes. As Father’s Day approaches, why not spend a little time reading these stories specifically about dads?
Dad and the Dinosaur Gennifer Choldenko; illustrated by Dan Santat Putnam
Nicholas is afraid of many things, from the darkness outside to what may be lurking under manhole covers. His dad, though doesn’t share those fears. To help himself be brave like his father, Nick begins carrying a toy dinosaur — because dinosaurs aren’t afraid of things. “When Little Nick had his dinosaur in his pocket, he was just as brave as Big Nick.” The boy brings the dinosaur rock-climbing, to soccer games and swimming, and when his parents comment on his achievements, Nick feels proud of himself. Multilayered, realistic illustrations combined with relatable text make the story not only about the inner turmoil of a little boy, but a deeper reflection on the bond between a father and son.
Daddy Honk Honk! Rosalinde Bonnet Dial Books
A young fox named Abut is savouring the last day of summer in the Arctic when he discovers an egg lying in the grass. “He looks and sniffs./He knocks and listens./He shakes it and…” Then, to his surprise, a baby blue goose pops out of its shell, exclaiming “Daddy Honk Honk!” Whatever Abut says, the baby bird responds the same way: “Daddy Honk Honk!” Abut thinks the baby bird is cute, but knows he has to find a family for him. He asks different forest animals if they would like to take the baby, but each one has a reason they can’t. They each offer a tip, though, such as the lemmings, who tell him he needs to keep the baby warm. Later, all the animals arrive at his house, to celebrate the new family. Winsome ink-and-watercolour illustrations complement the engaging story.
You and Me, Me and You Miguel Tanco Chronicle Books
A young boy shows how his perspective affects his dad in this charming book that features brief sentences and understated artwork. “I remind you to create … /and to do things you might forget./I give you the chance to tell stories …/and I help you choose words with care.” Whimsical sketches, in black and yellow set against ample white space, add subtle humour to the text, such as when the boy says “I show you how to talk to strangers” and the child is pictured chatting up a man on the subway as his dad looks on.
Things To Do With Dad Sam Zuppardi Candlewick Press
A smiling boy and his equally happy dad start out this tale, with one carrying a pan and bowl of eggs and the other holding additional cooking supplies. They make pancakes, then gleefully enjoy the fruits of their labour. Soon, though, the fun comes to a stop, as they both notice a to-do list of chores awaiting Dad. The boy gets an idea that turns the day around and enables them to do the activities together and to approach each chore as a playful event. “Make the beds” becomes “Sail a pirate ship.” Folding the wash and watering the garden get a fun treatment, too. The only words in the book are on the chore list, and it’s the perfect amount of text, as the characters’ faces and actions tell us what we need to know.
Nelly Gnu and Daddy Too Anna Dewdney Viking Books
Kids enamoured with the Llama Llama books will recognize Nelly Gnu, a character from the popular book series. The story, by Anna Dewdney, who died in September 2016, was originally published in 2014 in hardcover and is now available as a board book. Here, upbeat rhymes capture a youngster’s adoration for her father. “Nelly loves her Daddy Gnu./ He always knows just what to do./A great big box, some tape, and string — Daddy can make anything!”