Full-Time Dads;
The E-Magazine for Caregiver Fathers
Issue 4, originally appeared in print - October 1991
Why Do You Love Me?
by Martin Baynton
Greenwillow Publishers, 1990
This gentle, loving story follows a father and son on a walk
through the woods. The child wants to know why his father loves
him. Is it strength, speed, kindness, bravery? The answer is yes
to all these qualities, and more. When the little boy falls out
of a tree, he wants to now if his father still loves him, even
when he is naughty. When assured he does, he wants to know why he
should be good. Dad comes up with just the right answer.
A Perfect Father's Day
by Eve Bunting
Clarion Books, 1991
Susie has the perfect Father's Day planned and the perfect father
to share it with. When she tells him she is taking him out to
lunch, he lets her pick the place, offers to drive, and pays for
their meal. To each offer she replies, " Certainly. "
They go on to the duck pond and park. Dad is a good sport about
every activity, even keeping the secret Susie confides in him
about his birthday cake. Will you love this book? Certainly.
Not Like That, Like This
by Tony Bradman
Oxford University Press, 1988
Dad takes Thomas for a walk. As they pass an iron fence he
cautions him not to get his head stuck and then proceeds to get
stuck himself. The story becomes a counting book as one old lady,
two men, three park keepers and so on try to help get dad out.
The Trouble With Dad
by Babette Cole
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1989
Dad doesn't enjoy his boring job so he spends his free time
inventing robots. The hilarious illustrations show Dad's unique
grass cutter, hush-a-bye baby improver, and one to help old
ladies across the street. When baby brother plays with the
multi-laser-twister-operator and turns them all on at once it
creates pandemonium.
Daddy Makes the Best Spaghetti
by Anna Grossnicle Hines
Clarion Books, 1986
A loving portrait of a dad who picks Corey up from daycare, takes
him along to do grocery shopping, even plays jokes on him by
asking the checker how much 'this sack of potatoes' cost. At
home, they prepare dinner and set the table. When Mom gets home
he makes antlers with his hands so she can say, " Hello,
Dears. " After dinner dad transforms into Bathman, swooping
Corey off to the tub. Filled with examples of loving interaction
between father and child.
Just Me and My Dad
by Mercer Mayer
Western Publications, 1977
This talented author/illustrator has created a delightful 'little
critter' in a series of books showing a loving family. In this
book, he goes camping with his dad who patiently lets him try to
pitch the tent, launch the canoe, and help with the dinner. Watch
for the spider and cricket included on every page.
Emma's Pet
by David McPhail
E.P. Dutton, 1990
Little bear Emma wants a pet of her own. Her cat is not cuddly,
neither is the bug she finds. A mouse is cuddly, but it wasn't
big, a bird was too busy and a snake was too cuddly. Emma is sad
until she spots the biggest, softest, cuddliest thing she has
ever seen, her father, who agrees to be hers always and they
share a hug.
The Daddies Boat
by Lucia Monfried
Dutton, 1990
Everyone on the island looks forward to the ferry on Friday
bringing mostly Daddies home for the weekend. The child telling
the story explains how during the week, the two of them play
cards, go on picnics and walk to the beach. When Friday arrives,
they plan a special dinner, put flowers on the table and go to
meet the boat and Mommy. Mommy on the boat is the surprise as the
illustrations don't show the adult faces until that point,
leading the reader to assume the figure at home with the child is
Mom.
Reading
by Jan Ormerod
Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books, 1985
The toddler on the cover starts to crawl across the end papers,
heading for daddy, who is reading a book. With just a few words
or text the toddler crawls over, under, around and through to dad
who ends up sharing his book.
Tom & Pippo Read a Story
by Helen Oxenbury
Macmillan, 1988
What a first line, " I like to look at a book, but best of
all I like to look at books with Daddy. " Daddy always sets
aside his newspaper and shares stories with Tom who then shares
them with his toy monkey, Pippo. The book ends with " I hope
one day Pippo can read on his own. " A sentiment that Daddy
shares, but until it happens, he lovingly reads to his child.
Daddy Has a Pair of Striped Shorts
by Mimi Otey
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1990
This little girl notices that her father dresses in poor taste,
which she finds embarrassing. But she also notices that he
supports the PTA, likes to know who her teacher is, and believes
in family night at the cafeteria. It's important to him to know
her friends and their parents and to help her with the butterfly
stroke. As a preacher, people seem to like him, and she realizes
that she does too.
My Dad, The Magnificent
by Kristy Parker
E.P. Dutton, 1987
A little boy makes a new friend and tries to impress him by
exaggerating what his father does. When the friend meets Dad, he
doesn't measure up until the boy explains that they do spend
Saturday together. From fixing pancakes for breakfast to washing
the car Dad makes every activity special. He inspects newly
brushed teeth at bedtime saying, " Close your mouth before
you hurt my eyes with those shiny teeth. " The child truly
feels his dad is magnificent.
I Love My Daddy Because
by Gaylord Porter-Gaylord
Dutton, 1991
Given from the point of view of a preschooler who lists all the
reasons why she loves her dad. The illustrations show animal dads
caring for their young. An Emperor penguin keeps his little
chicks warm and safe, a lion takes a nap with his cub, a giraffe
helps his child reach something.
On My Honor
by Marion Dane Bauer
Clarion Books, 1986
This award-winning novel packs a powerful punch in just 80 pages.
One tragic day, Joel and his best friend Tony are given
permission to go on a bike ride in the country but they are 'on
their honor' not to go near the river. Joel had hoped his father
would say no, relieving him of looking like a chicken. The boys
set off and Tony soon challenges Joel to swim to a sandbar. Once
again not wanting to look cowardly, Joel dives in. Tony is caught
in the current and drowns, despite Joel's effort to save him.
Terrified, Joel goes home after being unable to find Tony and
takes refuge in his room. It is his father's love, helping them
both cope with wrong choices that makes this book outstanding.
Winter Holding Spring
by Crescent Dragonwagon
Macmillan, 1990
A tender book showing how eleven-year-old Sarah and her father
get through their first year following her mother's death.
Together, they share their feelings, good and bad, as they tend
her garden, see that in all things there are endings and
beginnings.
Ramona and Her Father
by Beverly Cleary
Morrow, 1977
Children relate well to Romona Quimby, a child who has so many
experiences common to their own. In this book, Romona's Dad loses
his job quite suddenly. The story shows how the family copes with
the changes this brings, especially when Mom goes off to work.
Romona has also decided that Dad needs to stop smoking and
launches a campaign, causing more tension. But, throughout the
book, the deep love and concern shown for all family members
makes this a special book.
Alias Madame Doubt
by Anne Fine
Little, Brown, 1988
The three children in this story have figured out who their large
overdressed new baby-sitter really is: their father in disguise.
Their mom must not discover what her ex-husband is up to, so the
kids must pitch in and help 'her' keep up the household.
My Dearest Mouse: The Wind in the Willows Letters
by Kenneth Grahame
Pavilion Books, 1988
Dads could read this for their own pleasure. The Wind in the
Willows began as a series of letters written by the author to his
only child, seven-year-old Alistair, during the summer of 1907.
They had often shared animal stories a bedtime, and he used that
as the basis for his letters. It is a wonderful written example
of a father's love for his child.
Copyright 1991 Candace Lynch
Copyright Full-Time Dads. All rights reserved.