Below are some great books to celebrate Fatherhood along with a few more wonderful books to help with life. All books are picture books and good for all ages unless otherwise indicated.
Just Between Us: Father & Daughter, by Jonathan & Sofia Jacobs with Meredith Jacobs, is outlined in a journal form and reads much like the previous book I reviewed for Mother’s Day, (Just Between Us: Mother & Daughter). Throughout there are questions proposed for both father and daughter on each side of the open page with spaces provided to answer. Some of these questions include favorite things to do with each and special memories. This book is a wonderful way to express the great love and respect shared with father and daughter. This book is best suited for ages ten and up.
Dads Can Do It All!, by Ted Mass and glowingly illustrated by Ekaterina Trukjan, showcases through rhyming the many occupations of dads. Some of these jobs include builders, veterinarians and bakers. This smallish size board book is good for babies and toddlers.
Daddy Dressed Me, by Michael Gardner and Ava Gardner and nicely illustrated digitally by Nadia Fisher, is a book based on this father and daughter team. When young Ava has been selected to recite a poem for school, her worry about not remembering it has given her grave concern. Her father comes up with the idea to sew her a dress of her design to boost her confidence. Working together forms a wonderful bond and binds their love and ultimately ensures success in the outcome.
Beginning, by Shelley Moore Thomas and gorgeously painted with graphite and colored digitally by Melissa Castrillon, powerfully exemplifies that where one thing ends another begins. The end of a caterpillar is the beginning of a butterfly. A story ends where dreams begin. A father takes his young son through the glories of life where sadness brings joy, loss brings gain and journeys’ endings bring new beginnings.
Extraordinary, by Penny Harrison and wonderfully painted by Katie Wilson, is a rhyming tale of relishing the beauty of this earth and the changing seasons. The essence of this book is to enjoy the small things that happen all around you every day. This is the time you must listen and look. For it’s found in the branches, the puddle, the nook. Be sure to check out the end-pages which emphasize the passing seasons.
How to Make a Memory, by Elaine Vickers and vividly painted in watercolor, ink, gouache, colored pencils and watercolor pencils by Ana Aranda, emphasizes remembering the special times in our lives. Sometimes all you have to do to remember is sit quietly, breathe, maybe close your eyes. Listen. The many wonderful experiences that we all have will become memories we hold dear. This book celebrates and helps keep these special memories close to our heart.
Lovely Day, based on the lyrics by Bill Withers and Skip Scarborough and brightly illustrated by Olivia Duchess, is a most optimistic book that will surely bring smiles to all who read it. Wither’s 1977 hit song has become a favorite of mine because of the message and catchy tune. The book shows two siblings enjoying their companionship and bond. But the theme can be an anthem to make the most of every day by enjoying life.
In When You Take a Step, Bethanie Deeney Murguia, centers around all to discover once you take that first step. Once you’ve taken a first step, you may notice nature, make new friends, gain courage and follow your heart. You walk with all who walked before. You discover your power. You move towards hope. The lovely illustrations were made digitally with grays, however, the understated accents are the colorful shoes found throughout in a bright red.
Take a Chance, Sujean Rim, exhibits an adorable small red bird, Bob, who is afraid to try new things. Each time he meets a new bird friend who invites him to explore something familiar to the new friend but not to Bob, he makes an excuse. His attitude completely changes when he meets a new pal, Eagle. This is a perfect book to help youngsters be more willing to try new things. The darling illustrations were rendered in watercolor, pencil and digital. Check out Rim’s other book about Bob: Take a Breath.
The Best Kind of Mooncake, by Pearl AuYeung, reflects life on the streets of Hong Kong. A young girl is trying to get through her boring day as she helps her family sell in the marketplace. But she has been promised a mooncake at the end of the day with a double-yolk center. When a homeless man comes into the marketplace, it is evident he is greatly in need of food. What this young girl does and sacrifices will teach the power of charity. The wonderful illustrations were digitally done and be sure to check out the fore-telling end-pages.
