Kevin and His Dad [Hardcover]

Irene Smalls (Author), Michael Hays (Illustrator)

Book Description

Grade Level: K and up

A simple, graceful text and illustrations infused with warmth and love make this story of a day a boy and his dad spend together a special reading experience. Young boys and their fathers will relish this book that celebrates the ordinary things dads and kids can do together. Full color.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1-While Mom's away one Saturday, Kevin and his dad spend a companionable day together. First, they clean the house, then they have a little batting practice in the park, and, finally, the guys enjoy an action movie followed by a snack and a walk home. The simple language and unobtrusive rhyme of the text is well matched by the soft, realistic illustrations in oils, which show an African-American father and son quietly savoring their time together. Good humor-and a bit of lighthearted silliness that transforms ordinary chores into something special and enjoyable-is shown in such recognizable bits of action as using a feather duster on the nose of their golden retriever, who manages to involve himself in every activity. Soft, sunny tones and large areas of color, applied thinly enough to show the texture of the canvas, convey the action, yet allow readers to focus on the affectionate interaction between father and son rather than only on the tasks being performed. With its easy, rhythmic language and readily recognizable activities, this is a good choice for storytime. And, of course, young dog lovers will follow everything that the golden retriever does.
Marian Drabkin, Richmond Public Library, CA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

There is something profoundly elemental going on in Smalls's book: the capturing of a moment of unmediated joy. It's not melodramatic, but just a Saturday in which an African-American father and son immerse themselves in each other's company when the woman of the house is away. Putting first things first, they tidy up the house, with an unheralded sense of purpose motivating their actions: ``Then we clean, clean, clean the windows,/wipe, wipe, wash them right./My dad shines in the windows' light.'' When their work is done, they head for the park for some batting practice, then to the movies where the boy gets to choose between films. After a snack, they work their way homeward, racing each other, doing a dance step or two, then ``Dad takes my hand and slows down./I understand, and we slow down./It's a long, long walk./We have a quiet talk and smile.'' Smalls treats the material without pretense, leaving it guileless and thus accessible to readers. Hays's artwork is wistful and idyllic, just as this day is for one small boy. (Picture book. 5-8) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; 1st edition (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316798991
• ISBN-13: 978-0316798990
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 0.4 x 10.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #919,214 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kevin and His Dad, December 4, 1999

By 

Britt Anderson (Massachusetts, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kevin and His Dad (Hardcover)

This book is terrific for any child who can never get enough of his/her dad. Kevin gets to spend an entire day just with his dad. I especially like the way they clean house together before they enjoy the rest of their day; a trip to the park and then, a movie. The illustrations are done with such tenderness and beauty that an adult will appreciate the reading experience as much as the child.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ya Gotta Work Before You Can Play!, June 2, 2003

By 

Gregory J. Nelson (Plano, TX USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Kevin and His Dad (Hardcover)

Sure, sure, this book provides a good African-American role model, shows an authentic big-city setting, yadda yadda yadda.

What my wife really enjoyed about this book is that Kevin and his dad spend the first 2/3rds of the book doing CHORES around the house together. So, ladies, if you want your man helping out more with the laundry, the dishes, the windows, etc., this is a good way to get your kids pestering Daddy to do just that.

This is a well-written, well-paced book, and is age-appropriate from 3 to 7-8. A very pleasant read. Highly recommended.

4.0 out of 5 stars Son loves it., May 7, 2011

By 

A. Towns "Buyer" (California) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kevin and His Dad (Hardcover)

My son absolutely loves this book. He thinks it looks like him and his Daddy. There aren't too many books about a son and his Dad.I don't really like how the writer repeats words on every page. IE "next we dunk,dunk,dunk the dishes.." but I just read it one time and its fine. Cute book.