Picks of the Week: Dad and Pop & Fiesta Babies

Dad and Pop: an Ode to Fathers & Stepfathers by Kelly Bennett, illustrated by Paul Meisel (Candlewick Press, 2010)

It's Father's Day this coming Sunday, June 20th, which means it's a day for celebrating the wonderful and amazing men in the world, known to many as Daddy or Papa or Pop... There's that quote about fathers, that you may have heard before: "Any man can be a father, it takes someone special to be a dad." Author Kelly Bennett's website states that Dad and Pop is a "celebration of fathers - all kinds of fathers." Bennett goes on to state that her own children have two fathers - a biological father and a stepfather -  and even a great friend they fondly call uncle. Bennett notes that when she was reflecting on how lucky her kids were to have so many wonderful male figures in their lives, she found the idea for writing the book Dad and Pop. As she writes, "it really doesn’t matter how a man becomes a father, what matters is love." Happy Father's Day to all of the fathers! Don't forget to wish your father a Happy Father's Day this weekend!

Fiesta Babies by Carmen Tafolla, illustrated by Amy Cordova (Tricycle Press, 2010)

In this fun, brightly colored picture book, we follow happy babies enjoying a fiesta with dancing, kisses, singing, and hugs. And did you know? The Corvallis-Benton County Public Library is proud to host la Fiesta de su Biblioteca on the third Saturday of every month in the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, from 11:00 - Noon. Come and enjoy a fun bilingual English/Spanish program! Children of all ages are welcome. Crafts are made at many of the programs.

Father's Day Picks

In anticipation of Father's Day later this month, I wanted to share a few new titles about daddies and grandpas that just might bring a smile to the face of a father near you!

I Call My Grandpa Papa by Ashley Wolff (Tricycle Press, 2009)

Students respond, in rhyming text, to their teacher's question about what each calls his or her grandfather, offering examples of things they like to do together. Includes a list of "grandfather names from around the world." 

That's Papa's Way by Kate Banks, illustrated by Lauren Castillo (Farrar, Strauss, & Giroux, 2009) 

A girl goes fishing with her papa and watches intently, learning all of the special ways he fishes. The little girl finds that she has her own special way of doing things as well. Each way is different, but each way is special. And spending time together makes it a wonderful day!

    

My Father is Taller than a Tree by Joseph Bruchac, illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin ( Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Young Readers Group, 2010) 

This book describes, in rhyming text and soft colored-pencil illustrations, the many different ways that fathers and sons spend time together. Different and diverse father and son pairs are represented throughout the book. There is a great montage at the end depicting all of the fathers and sons doing all the things the boys will do with their children when they grow up.

Oh, Daddy! by Bob Shea (Harper Collins, 2010)

"Daddies can be...funny and loveable and really, really silly. Oh, Daddy!"

A young hippopotamus shows his father the right way to do things, such as getting dressed, watering the flowers, and especially giving big hugs. Bob Shea's illustrations are adorable. By the way, if you're a Bob Shea fan (you might also recognize him from his books New Socks and Dinosaur vs. Bedtime and his new one, Race You to Bed!), you should definitely check out his YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/newsocksrock.

Happy Father's Day!

Some of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library's youth services librarians' favorite stories about that special someone called Dad:

What Dads Can't Do by Douglas Wood, illustrated by Doug Cushman

Describes how dads show love by explaining all the things that they cannot do, such as sleeping late, keeping their ties clean, and reading books by themselves.




My Daddy is a Giant by Carl Norac

A little boy's father seems so large to him that he needs a ladder to cuddle him and birds nest in his father's hair.








Me and My Dad! by Alison Ritchie, illustrated by Alison Edgson

Rhyming text describes a day of fun and adventure that a bear shares with his father.







A Father's Song by Janet Lawler, illustrated by Lucy Corvino

In lyrical and charming verse, a father expresses his deep love for his child. With its warm text and lively illustrations that capture a fun day at the park, it's an ideal picture book for Father's Day sharing.

Celebrating Dads

Celebrate Father's Day today with these books:

Because Your Daddy Loves You by Andrew Clements (Clarion Books 2005)

When things go wrong during a day at the beach, like a ball that drifts away or a gooey ice cream mess, a father could do a lot of things but always picks the loving one.



Day Out With Daddy by Stephen Cook (Walker, 2006)

A humorous story about the fun to be had when dad's in charge for the day. A young boy tells his own version of the day he spends with Daddy while Mommy is out of town, and Mommy vows never to miss all the "fun" ever again.







My Father the Dog by Elizabeth Bluemle (Candlewick Press, 2006)

Sure to inspire a few laughs! A young girl suspects that her father is really a dog because he performs such acts as fetching the newspaper and chasing balls.






Tickle Tickle by Dakuri Hru (Roaring Book Press, 2002)

A baby boy has lots of fun when his father plays with him. A good book to share with babies and toddlers. Originally published in 1997 as In Daddy's Arms I am Tall (illustrated by Javaka Steptoe and published by Lee & Low) Ken Wilson-Max's bold, bright illustrations bring a playful version bursting with love and energy. This one is good for sharing one-on-one or with groups.