Kid's Book Blog

PreSchool-Grade 2—In this heartwarming picture book, a grandmother shares stories with her grandson about his dad, who listens and watches with a smile. Once she opens the photo album, readers are engaged in a tender trip down memory lane. Grandma points out the similarities in appearance and behavior between father and son. Both are "puny and red-faced" when they are born. They begin school with trepidation, but with practice learning becomes easier. Some days, Dad could be "sweet," "wild," bossy, or raise a "ruckus," just like his son. Walker's use of layers of acrylic paints creates soft, gentle illustrations. Small details, such as black corners on the photos, provide authenticity to the time span. Characters' facial expressions and body language successfully capture emotions, actions, and reactions. Children will laugh at the spreads of Dad as a baby joyously singing in a bubble bath; pretending to be a race car, a gorilla, a cowboy, or a masked bandit; moping through a time-out; and coping with the disappointment of losing a baseball game.

a softly illustrated read aloud that's perfect for little ones or to share with the family! Also would make a special gift or a great story to share with a new father or even a grandparent!

by Katharina Grossmann-Hensel
Grades: Kindergarten-2

Here is another great book to go along with our summer reading program theme: Make a Splash!

 A stubbly chinned father claims to spend his days not at the office, but rather taming sea monsters, putting on pirate shows for cruise ships, and talking to his parakeet named Petey (in Petey's little bird heart, Petey is a parrot). This gentle, oversize man tells his skeptical son stories of his life at sea and how he rescued the boy's princess mother.

The illustrations are colorful and detailed. Surprises pop up in the painterly pictures, such as a treasure chest on a sea monster's tail and an electric toothbrush on an island. Children will enjoy examining the artwork to catch the little details.

It's a fun story that is great for Dad to read to the kids!