Because Your Daddy Loves You [Paperback]

Andrew Clements (Author), R. W. Alley (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

A day spent with a young child at the beach is filled with many minor dramas—a lost shoe, a ball that floats too far out into the water, a drippy ice-cream cone. These can be frustrating events for both child and parent, but the daddy in this book finds a way to fix each problem, lovingly and patiently. Why? Because he loves his little girl, of course! This spot-on pairing of words and images is a warm, reassuring, and humorous tribute to dads everywhere.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2–This book pays tribute to a father's unconditional love and patience. Instead of hurrying along, scolding, or ignoring his daughter, this daddy takes time, understands, and pays attention. The two spend the day at the seashore, where the father rescues his child from a slew of mishaps. The repetition of the phrase your daddy could say...But he doesn't, as in your daddy could say,/We've read that old story/ over and over./But he doesn't, reinforces the theme, and the color cartoon illustrations echo the lighthearted mood. Some children may relate to this depiction of fatherhood, but many will know that real dads do not always live up to these idealized expectations. Unlike Clements's previous work, this book belongs to the genre of sentimental keepsakes.–Holly T. Sneeringer, University of Maryland, Baltimore
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

PreS-K. There aren't enough books that promote the father-child relationship, and that's what may make this one worth buying. A dad and his child (Son? Daughter? Unkempt hair and unisex clothes) spend time together. Common childhood experiences, such as a bad dream, are the focus of two-page spreads. The point of the text is that Daddy always knows the right thing to do or say, and that's the flaw. "Your daddy could say, 'Shh. Just go back to sleep.' But he doesn't. He . . . sits beside you until you fall asleep again." Yes, but there are plenty of dads (and moms) who would say words to that effect. And what's wrong with a dad telling a child not to play too close to the waves instead of just retrieving a beach ball? Kids whose father's words and behavior are more don'ts than do's may be confused or even disheartened. On the other hand, most children will recognize from their own lives the many kind things dads do, including rereading favorite stories or carrying a tired child inside. The cartoon-style art with its average-looking dad brings some much needed humor. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper; Reprint edition (May 4, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0547237642
• ISBN-13: 978-0547237640
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 10.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #42,426 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #33 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Holidays & Festivals > Non-religious
  • #51 in Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Celebrations > Non-religious
  • #66 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Family Life > Parents

More About the Author

Most of my characters are fairly normal people who are dealing with the basics of everyday life--getting along with others, finding a place in the world, discovering talents, overcoming challenges, trying to have some wholesome fun along the way, and getting into some scrapes and a little mischief now and then, too. I guess I hope my readers will be able to see bits and pieces of themselves in the stories, particularly the novels that take place in and around school. School is a rich setting because schools and education are at the heart of every community. The stories that are set in school seem to resonate with kids, teachers, parents, librarians--readers of all ages. Everyone's life has been touched by school experiences. And I also hope, of course, that kids and others will enjoy reading, enjoy the use of language, enjoy my storytelling.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a great book!, June 20, 2006

By 

J. Payton (Louisville, KY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Because Your Daddy Loves You (Hardcover)

My mom got this book for my husband right before our daughter was born... He loves it and it is exactly the way he is! The dad is so patient and understanding, and I cry every time I read it. It's such a sweet book to give a new dad!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of My 3yr Old's Favorites, July 19, 2007

By 

Ashlee "AshleeWith2Es" (Nashville, TN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Because Your Daddy Loves You (Hardcover)

We first checked this book out at the library, but after several times I just bought her a copy. It's a very sweet book with simple words and familiar scenes. She can basically recite it now. When her daddy is out of town she almost always chooses it as her bedtime story. Daddy approves and it's one of his favorites to read to her.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars sweet story, August 22, 2005

By 

Melissa Sack (georgia) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Because Your Daddy Loves You (Hardcover)

This good goes in to detail of the many jobs a father has. It tells that he's the one that comforts your when you have a bad dream, brings you in from the cat when you are asleep and lots more. Why does he do these things? Because of the love he had in his heart for his kids! Great father's day read!




What did you like or not like about the book?

The pictures were fun to look at. The story moved at a fast pace as well.


Would you recommend the book? Why or Why not?

Yes. Little children need to know that their fathers love them very much. This book reinforces the concept well.