We have a board book that I wish I could shout from the rooftops every Father's Day. A new mom excursion to T.J.Maxx, this treasure my newborn and I discovered became the perfect first Father's Day present four years ago:
I Love My Daddy Because by Laurel Porter Gaylord. This book shows animals (easily a favorite for the youngest of either gender) in nature, as verified by wildlife biologists, in a manner that parallels the role each dad plays in their child's life. Admittedly I am more likely to get sappy about a book than my husband is. Yet the words are ones to cherish: "He keeps me safe and warm." "He makes me laugh." "He teaches me to be brave." The pictures are bright, attractive and realistic with helpful cues as to the dad and baby names (reindeer and calf, jaguar and kitten, bald eagle and chick, ect). It is one book we have been able to read together from three months to three years and beyond. I'm excited to see they have a second book, too, called
I Love My Mommy Because. I can picture myself getting that one should we have another baby. Today, though, we are celebrating just dads, so I have another great recommendation for those who have outgrown board books:
Dad Can Do Anything.
This book allows your children to illustrate all the pages in a story, describing their father on remarkable adventures, such as lifting cars and speaking to bears. I purchased it this year, as our son has become very interested in drawing (taking a huge step in his pre-writing skills). He'll draw alphabet letters with chalk for the neighbors, coat his belly with markers when we aren't looking, and just completely surprise us with all sorts of interesting artwork- from heffalumps to spiders and so much more. As the current primary caregiver, my husband can't resist keeping whatever makes it to paper. With this book, we captured C.A. "California" Lobdell's creative, early artistic stage, making it another great Father's Day success. What a keepsake! You can also find other fun Story Lines Illustrate Your Own Books with titles such as
Our Crazy Dinner and
Grandma is a Superhero. While it would be great to create your own story, too, I do see great value in getting these hardcover options for their added longevity. And thus I'll wrap up my post, to those we wish to keep in our company for years to come, Happy Father's Day!
)
and added a "Fizz Boom Read" shirt to our preschool clothing stash. While we do have four summer specific book recommendations, we by no means limit ourselves to a few books! In fact we we created a Pinterest board "100 Books for Boys" if you need more ideas for your summer reading list: http://www.pinterest.com/ladylobdell/cuddled-up-in-casper-100-books-for-boys/
Now to conclude the second half of my summer book post... These last two books transport you into the lazy days of summer. Canoe Days
is a picture book that you appreciate for its illustrator Ruth Wright Paulsen. Her artwork shows realistic images surrounding the quiet lake. You feel the calm, see the fish in the water and watch for the animals that come to this vital life center. It is the shavasana of bedtime books. You take in the surroundings and feel at peace once the book has closed. Read before your own canoe trip and your tot is sure to sit quieter in an attempt to see wildlife.
Such a quiet day on the lake also brings the opportunity to cast a fishing pole! If your family enjoys fishing, you MUST read Sam's First Fish
. This one hands down made our 100 Books for Boys list. The story follows a young boy who wants to have a fishing pole and makes it his goal to catch the giant fish he sees jumping out of a stream. It teaches responsibility as Sam saves his money and then must replace a lost lure he borrowed from his big brother. You will cheer as he gets help from his uncle, a skilled fisherman, and again, when he plays a key role in landing the big fish. Every little guy will be able to relate to Sam and share in his victory. It is worth finding! Enjoy your summer reading and please share with us the titles of your favorite reads!
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
