From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 1–A welcome companion to the Rockwells'
Mother's Day (HarperCollins, 2004). When the students in Mrs. Madoff's class are asked to write books about their dads, each child's work illustrates a distinctive aspect of the relationship with a pleasing variety of multicultural nuances. Lizzie Rockwell's cheery illustrations closely follow the text, with color and simplicity that will appeal to young children. In addition to honoring fatherhood, a very basic understanding of bookmaking is revealed as the students write and illustrate their work before taking it to the school's publishing center. Another noteworthy aspect to this seemingly straightforward book is the variety of family configurations included. Most children will be able to make a connection to the positive role models, even if their own fathers don't fit these ideals. Don't limit this book to Father's Day–it should be enjoyed year round. Also, teachers will find it useful for stimulating discussion about what makes a family.–
Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
PreS-Gr. 2. Mrs. Madoff's class is doing something special--making Father's Day gifts. Narrator Sam explains that each child will write a special book for his or her dad. Sam wants to write about how strong his father is. Eveline remembers how Papa sings to her while Maman is at work. Jessica has two fathers, one in Texas, and one at home. Which one should she write about? Mrs. Madoff suggests both. The narrative is a bit jerky, making it occasionally hard to tell who is speaking. And though the text considers divorce (both of Jessica's dads come to the Father's Day celebration), there is no mention of fatherless children. The best part of the book is the way it reflects the differences in dads; many kids will see their own fathers--men who play soccer, paint rooms, bake cookies, read books. The artwork, with rounded shapes and smooth colors, has a simple, friendly look that puts the focus on the characters. This has a shelf life past Father's Day.
Ilene CooperCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
