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Books

For dads, too These pages help explain his huge roll. By Craig ReemPublished: March, 2007

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At the end of the day, family is all we have. So, at times, it's high time to applaud both mom and dad for the struggles, challenges and joys of being parents. This month's selection of books - mostly focusing on dad - blows a big kiss their way. Because without parents, where would the children be, how would they learn, and who would teach them? It is every day so much about them; sometimes, it has to be about you. (For ages newborn-4) Welcome Precious  Written by Nikki Grimes; illustrated by Bryan Collier  (Orchard Books, 32 pages, hardcover, $16.99)  Prize-winning poet-author Nikki Grimes beautifully captures the joy that a family feels upon the arrival of a new baby. In lilting prose, Grimes writes of all the wonders that the world holds in store for the precious new baby, from the "swish of leaves in the breeze" to the "cool delight of ice cream." Whether it's being held in the comforting circle of dad's arms or feeling the nuzzle of mom's nose, this baby is truly loved. The pictures, done in watercolor and collage, are expressive and imaginative. Up!  Written by Kristine O'Connell George; illustrated by Hiroe Nakata  (Clarion Books, 32 pages, hardcover, $15)  The boundless, bouncing energy of a young toddler practically jumps off the page in Kristine O'Connell George's book. From the time the sun rises, so does a pigtailed little girl, who is anxious to spend the day with her father. The simple joys of playing, running, jumping and swinging are beautifully captured in the prose and in Hiroe Nakata's vibrant watercolor paintings. My Daddy Is a Giant  Written by Carl Norac, illustrated by Ingrid Godon  (Clarion Books, 32 pages, hardcover, $16)  Dads are truly special guys who deserve a little hero worship. And for the little boy in this charming book, his dad is like his own personal giant. The man is so tall, the clouds come to rest on his shoulders. He can kick a soccer ball to the moon, and his sneezes are like powerful hurricanes. And there's no safer place to be than in dad's strong arms. The clever illustrations are done in pastel and paint on textured paper. (For ages 4-8) Wishes for One More Day  Written by Melanie Joy Pastor; illustrated by Jacqui Grantford  (Flashlight Press, 32 pages, hardcover, $15.95)  A young brother and sister are greeted with sad news from their parents one morning at breakfast: Their beloved grandfather, Poppy, had passed away peacefully in the night. In the children's sorrow, they make lists and drawings of all the wonderful things they would do with their grandfather if they had one more day to spend with him - eat matzah ball soup at the deli, play checkers, dance in the family room as he played piano. These simple memories - or wishes, as the young girl calls them - are the stuff of a book, their mother tells them. The text is lovingly written by Melanie Joy Pastor, a Tarzana teacher writing her first picture book, and the illustrations are rendered in gouache and watercolor pencil by Jacqui Grantford. Father and Son Read-Aloud Stories  Retold by Robert Gould; illustrated by Lara Gurin  (Big Guy Books, 56 pages, hardcover $12.95)  The special bond of father and son is celebrated in this retelling of five classic fairy tales designed to appeal to the males in the family. Jack and the Beanstalk and Puss in Boots are among the stories, illustrated in a lively manner by Lara Gurin and retold in dramatic narrative style by Robert Gould. Boys and their dads should enjoy the stories, which include lots of swashbuckling and adventures. Where Did Daddy's Hair Go?  Written by Joe O'Connor; illustrated by Henry Payne (Random House, 40 pages, hardcover, $14.95)  Young Jeremiah is out with his dad at the ballpark when his dad jumps up during an exciting play. "Sit down, Baldy," someone yells. Up until that point, Jeremiah had never noticed his dad's lack of hair. He begins a search for it - under a rock, in the trash, in the toilet. Where did dad's hair go? But after he and his father talk, Jeremiah realizes that people come in all shapes, sizes, colors - and length of hair, and that it's not what's on someone's head that matters, but rather what's inside their heart. Joe O'Connor called upon his own experience in writing this story. The illustrations are vivid and funny. Day Out With Daddy  By Stephen Cook  (Walker Books for Young Readers, 32 pages, hardcover, $16.95)  When mom's away, the kids will play - and that includes dad, too. Stephen Cook has created a funny, whimsical book about a dad and young son left together for a day and all the fun and mischief they get into. There's the outing at the zoo, at which dad is the wildest creature, the ballgame, the dinner that dad scorches, only to be saved by the pizza man. The illustrations, done in acrylics on canvas board, are hilarious. A good time will be had by all with this book. My Very Own Lighthouse  By Francisco Cunha  Winged Chariot (Press, 32 pages, hardcover)  Portuguese author-illustrator Francisco Cunha has created a lovely book about separation, the fear that children feel at being apart from their loved ones and the measures they take to feel safe and secure. In this tale, a little girl worries about her fisherman father when he is out to sea for days at a time. She is concerned about the storms and dangers he could face. So she builds a lighthouse out of her toys, one that is tall enough for her father to see, and to guide him safely back home. The text is poignant, and the colorful illustrations are whimsical and highly detailed. Goodnight Daddy  Written by Angela Seward; illustrated by Donna Ferreiro (Morning Glory Press, 32 pages, hardcover, $14.95)  Few things are more painful for a child than a promise broken. And few things are more painful for a child of divorce than for a parent who doesn't show up for visits when they are supposed to. Single mom Angela Seward has written a poignant story about a girl named Phoebe, who is incredibly excited to see her father after a long separation. She gets up early, dresses in her favorite shirt, and awaits his arrival. Except he doesn't show up - yet again. Phobe's disappointment is handled with sensitivity and care.

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