Today is my father's birthday. I always remembered the date because it is the "Ides of March"... of course I never knew what that meant until I read Julius Caesar in school. I know so many people say this but in my case it is so true....my Dad was the best Dad in the world. He was....really. He was kind and understanding but never failed to teach us to do the right thing. We always knew where we stood with him and that more than anything he loved us. He taught me that no matter what I did he would support me even if he didn't agree with me. He only wanted what was best for his children.
Every Friday
by Dan Yaccarino reminds me of my Dad. I was reminded of the book last week when I wrote about Mr Yaccarino's new book
All the Way to America. Just looking at the cover for
Every Friday evokes strong memories of going to work with my Dad. He dressed just like the father on the cover---right down to the hat. His briefcase was not really a briefcase but an art bag. But the idea is the same. I loved to go to my Dad's studio, he was a commercial artist and did photographic retouching (think photoshop by hand). I loved to sit at his desk and play with paints and watch the other artists ply their trade. I learned about mechanicals and story boards which always amazed me. The best part was going to lunch. We would go to the diner across the street (just like in the book) and have tuna sandwiches and milkshakes although he would have coffee. This sweet book of a father and son doing a similar ritual evokes such wonderful memories. Even though it is not exactly my story it is a wonderful story to read with your child and maybe help you start your own traditions with them.
I miss my Dad every day but know that he would be happy knowing the little things he did for me still mean alot. Happy Birthday Daddy...I love you!
by Kate Feiffer and illustrated by Jules Feiffer is a wonderful new book that should become a classic. I love how it is written and illustrated by a true father and daughter team and that it is based on something that really happened in their lives. I have always been a fan of Jules Feiffer's illustrations and books but this one seems even more special. The love the father has for his daughter is evident and sweet as is the optimism of the little girl. I couldn't help but while reading it to myself. This is a perfect book for any father to read to their child. It would also make a great new Daddy kind of gift....a must have book.
by Rosanne Parry and illustrated by David Leonard is a really sweet board book that illustrates completely a joyous ritual of childhood. It is the perfect book for a father to read to his child. The rhyming is so easy to read and the illustrations are a perfect match. This is the kind of book to be read again and again.
