"Dad is here now.
Dad had to go away.
Dad holds on tight.
Dad needs lots of space."
I love that Christian Robinson dedicates this new book to 'caregivers who gave what they never got'. It is a perfect way to honor those fathers who do their best to be there for their young ones ... animals and humans. He begins with a flamingo on the title page, looking down from above to the little one standing between his legs. Love radiates between the two. The gorilla father is 'strong', the fox dad sweetly cuddles three kits, and the frog dad piggybacks his tadpole offspring.
Each pair that follows shows all that dads do to make life better, while also letting their children down occasionally, or making mistakes. It's not always easy. When he switches to human dads, he follows the same format, allowing readers to see dads who wipe tears, and worry about their children. Even when they are away, the love lingers and keeps them front of mind. A dad's dreams are filled with wishes for their children to grow, and grow, and grow even more.
Christian Robinson is adept at conveying his positive message in a simple narrative that is accompanied by telling paint and paper-collage illustrations that pay homage to fathers. They are not perfect, and this is an honest look at that. Taking time for children to really listen, and then talk about some of their own experiences will enhance the reading and offers a safe place for discussion.
A collection of the included animals and additional father-child facts about each provides help with understanding more about them.
"PORCUPINE
Some porcupine dads
share babysitting duties
with moms and other
adults to care for their
porcupettes."
If you are looking for a book to share for Father's Day, you cannot go wrong with this one.
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