My Dad Is Awesome (My Relative Series) [Paperback]

Nick Butterworth (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1992 | Age Level: 2 and up | Series: My Relative Series

A young boy extols the virtues of his father.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Kids who idolize their dads just may recognize him in this slight but breezy portrait of one terrific father. Butterworth's humorously hyperbolic illustrations depict a friendly looking father living up to the narrator's description of all the ways in which his dad is "awesome": five kids and a dog are piled on his back to prove "He's as strong as a gorilla"; he becomes a one-man band--with drum on back, guitar in hand and accordion strung between his knees--to show that "he can play any instrument"; and he throws six items into the air (including a bag of tomatoes) to demonstrate that "he can juggle with anything." Though not truly "awesome" (Kristy Parker's My Dad the Magnificent , illustrated by Lillian Hoban, is a more substantial treatment of the theme), this book may inspire youngsters to consider the little--and not so little--things that make their own dads special. Ages 2-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-- This modern-day father can and will do anything. He can cook, roller skate, and is not afraid of the dark. He has a sense of humor, and he can ``. . . sing like a rock star''--if one can judge by the look on the face of the rubber duck he bathes with. He's perfectly ordinary-looking, but his personality shines through. The short, repetitive phrases coupled with the bright watercolors show this fabulous guy as a one-man band, and he's sure to delight readers who see a little of their own parent springing from the pages. --Joyce Richards, Prairie Grove Elem . School, AR
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (May 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564020339
• ISBN-13: 978-1564020338
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 6.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,751,170 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hero Worship!, May 17, 2001

By 

Donald Mitchell "Jesus Loves You!" (Thanks for Providing My Reviews over 110,000 Helpful Votes Globally) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: My Dad Is Awesome (My Relative Series) (Paperback)

Every father would like to receive this book for father's day, and read it his 2-4 year-old children.

One of the best ways to be a good role model as a father is to be encouraged to be one. This book will make any father sit up straight, stick out his chest, and be the best he can be.

"Awesome" is a wonderful word to use in describing another family member. I call our youngest child, the "awesome daughter." I enjoy saying it, and she loves hearing me say it.

This book is for age two and up, so the reinforcement for dads to be terrific comes at just the right age. The children are just becoming clear at two that adults are separate from them, and can do all kinds of wonderful things. Enjoy basking in that glow!

"My dad is awesome."

"He is as strong as a gorilla." Five children are on his back while dad has on a happy smile.

" . . . and he can run like a cheetah . . ." Imagine how fast our movements are to a small child.

" . . . and he can play any instrument . . ." Now, it doesn't say that dads play them well. You can probably get a sound out, can't you?

" . . . and he's a great cook . . ." Yes, there must be something you can make well. Frozen burritos in the microwave were my specialty when the children were young.

" . . . and he's fantastic on roller skates . . . " Yes, I did manage to get on them and stay up as each child learned. You can do it, too!

" . . . and he can sing like a rock star . . . " Well, if Bob Dylan is considered a rock star . . . maybe.

" . . . and he can juggle with anything . . . " Here, you have an illustration of toys and food flying in all directions. Now, here's where I have to draw the line. Three things is the most I can juggle. I'll bet you can do better than that.

" . . . and he's not at all scared of the dark . . . " Now, that's not so tough.

" . . . and he tells the funniest jokes in the world." Remember, there are joke books out there aimed at 2 year-old humor.

"It's great to have a dad like mine. He's awesome!" Wow!!!! If that doesn't get your heart pounding, I don't know what will.

As much as I liked the text and title, I enjoyed the illustrations even more. They exude happiness and good humor in a way that would cheer anyone up. Lost your job? Read this book. Lost your best friend? Read this book. You get the idea.

After you read this book with your child, and your ability to converse is pretty good, ask your child what awesome things you can do for her or him. You'll be astonished by the answers you will get. Taking an item off the top of the refrigerator, where it cannot be seen by the child, will seem like a magic trick. By asking, you'll extend your own mind and senses both into your child's world . . . and also back into your own childhood. I also suggest that if one or both of your parents are alive, ask them what they did that fascinated you at this age.

Be proud of who you are for your children! Happy father's day!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars ack!! "my dad is not awesome", April 10, 2010

By 

SF mom (San Francisco CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: My Dad is Awesome (My Relative Series) (Hardcover)

I bought this as a surprise for my husband to read with my daughter b/c he is awesome! but instead my daughter's conclusion and statement was "my dad is not awesome"

ack!! b/c this guy can juggle more and play more instruments than my husband. etc etc.

oh no! so beware!

3.0 out of 5 stars Same book as My Dad is Brilliant, July 12, 2011

By 

olivegrove (Wimberley, TX USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: My Dad is Awesome (My Relative Series) (Hardcover)

I was hoping these were different, but they are the the SAME book if you replace awesome with brilliant. My Dad Is Brilliant

Otherwise, we love this series of books.