A Tale of Two Daddies [Hardcover]

Vanita Oelschlager (Author), Kristin Blackwood (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 28, 2010 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years

A Tale of Two Daddies

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Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In an affectionate story of adoption in a gay family, a small girl answers a friend's questions about what it is like to have two fathers. The boy asks: “Which dad would build your home in a tree? And which dad helps when you skin your knee?” And the girl answers: “Poppa's the one who builds in a tree. / Daddy's the one who fixes my knee.” The simple, immediate rhymes are illustrated with digitally touched linoleum prints in bright colors and thick black lines that show the friends at play, as well as cozy scenarios of the girl in her nurturing home; in one particularly warm scene, Poppa serves a plate of eggs and bacon that looks like a smiley face. Strangely, the adults' faces are never shown, just distant views of their legs and arms: one daddy is formally dressed, the other is in jeans and sneakers. The story's message is clear in her answer to the question, “Who is your dad when you're sad and need some love?” Both, of course. Preschool-Grade 2. --Hazel Rochman

About the Author

Vanita Oelschlager is a wife, mother, grandmother, philanthropist,

former teacher, current caregiver, author, and poet. She is a

graduate of Mt. Union College in Alliance, Ohio, where she

currently serves as a Trustee. Vanita is also Writer In Residence

for the Literacy Program at The University of Akron.

Her first book, My Grampy Can't Walk, was widely praised. It's

an uplifting story about the wonderful relationship between her

husband Jim, who has multiple sclerosis, and their grandchildren. Vanita has also supported Jim as he built Oak ssociates, ltd. into a highly respected investment management firm.

Kristin Blackwood is an experienced illustrator whose other VanitaBooks include: My Grampy Can't Walk, Let Me Bee, Big Blue, Made In China and What Pet Will I Get?

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Hardcover: 42 pages
• Publisher: Vanita Books (April 28, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0981971458
• ISBN-13: 978-0981971452
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #241,703 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The best 2 Dad Story - review from a 2 Dad family February 5, 2012

By Robert Scofield

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

We are a 2 dad household and have about four 2 dad books. This is by far the best one! This is cute and our daughter asks us to read it often. The illustrations are well done and the diologue is cute. The only complaint I would have is the little boy in the story is nameless and our little girl always asks what his name is. Highly recommended.

4.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful story to which almost any child can relate, regardless of family make up February 12, 2013

By Mary Lavers

Format:Hardcover

This is a simple story about a little girl with two daddies: Daddy and Poppa. When a boy on the playground asks her what it's like having two dads, he wants to know things like "Who tucks you in at night? Which one helps with homework? Which one braids your hair?" The little girl happily explains which of her day-to-day activities are best performed by Daddy, Poppa or both (or, in the case of staying up late or helping her match her socks, neither). The little girl's life is happy, secure and, of course, completely normal.

I particularly liked that the illustrations were very reminiscent of primers from the 1950's. Normally I'm not a fan of children's book illustrations that look too dated, but in this case I think it's good for the story. It references an idealistic vision of Americana with nuclear families and houses in the suburbs (both children look like they could have stepped right out of Family Circus or Dick and Jane) and subtly reinforces the message that families with same-sex parents fit in perfectly well with this ideal, thank-you very much. I also liked that it wasn't focusing on her not having a mommy, but on how great it was to have two parents who loved her and were each good at different things.

I read this book with my three-year-old daughter Magda, who lives with her mother and father (that's me! and her dad!) but who understands that different families have different dynamics. The thing she liked most about it? Thinking about which parent was best at which things. She liked that the little girl in the story was loved and had people looking out for her. Then she proceeded to rattle off all of the things that she needs help with and which parent usually helps her (Daddy takes me grocery shopping, Mommy takes me swimming, Daddy usually gives me a bath, Mommy makes my lunch, both Mommy and Daddy tuck me in at night, Mommy is better at braids...).

Ultimately, the appeal of this book isn't just the "message" that some kids have two dads (or two moms, or just a mom, or a dad and a stepmom, or whatever). The appeal of this book is that it lets children think about all the ways in which they are loved and cared for, by whomever is in their family. Well done!

Disclaimer: I received a digital galley of this book free from the publisher from NetGalley. I was not obliged to write a favourable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book to help with curiosity February 3, 2013

By K.

Format:Paperback

Such a cute story! A great book to help explain two daddies to kids. Cute illustrations and an easy read for the age range. Great for helping bridge understanding.

*ARC courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*