Mighty Dads by Joan Holub, illustrated by James Dean (New York, Scholastic) $18.99
Aimed at young fans of big construction vehicles, this oversized picture book is illustrated by the artist who created the very popular Pete the Cat series.
Jaunty dad machines demonstrate their skills to their admiring and identical small offspring. Holub provides readers with lots of opportunities to make appropriate noises as the dad machines and their helpers swing into action. Who wouldn't love to belt out "Boom Truck Tall helps Boomer crash a wall. They go crash, bang, boom!" The text dramatically increases in size towards the end of each phrase to encourage the reader to heights of vocal exuberance. The dads express pride in the abilities of their kids and on the last page a little truck says "I heart my dad." A nice bonding experience all around. The illustrations are bright, cheerful and exuberant.
My Dinosaur Dad by Ruth Paul (Toronto, Scholastic) $7.99 paperback
First published in New Zealand, My Dinosaur Dad lists in verse the various attributes dad dinosaurs might have and concludes that the best dad is the one that is "mine!" The dinosaurs are of the chubby and benign variety and are mostly shown snuggling or frolicking with their children. Towards the end of the story, a tyrannosaurus dad who is described as hungry races after smaller, frightened dinosaurs who are astounded to discover he is also gentle and kind. No realism here but lots of humour as daddy T-rex is found to be just a big old pussycat. Appropriate for the very young picture book crowd.
Shh! My Brother's Napping by Ruth Ohi (Toronto, North Winds Press) $14.99
Another offering from a very popular Canadian writer and illustrator. An adorable big brother finds it impossible to refrain from making a racket when his mother tells him to be quiet during his brother's naptime. The reader is sometimes left to guess a final word or phrase. "So I will just play quietly and build my little town. The blocks and books will sit so still, unless they all. . ." At this point the warm watercolour illustrations fill in the blanks. After several episodes of mischief, the small brother wakes only to find that big brother has collapsed from his strenuous activities. Ohi has been nominated for many awards for her books and here is another potential award-winner.
The Good-Pie Party by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton (New York, Arthur A. Levine Books) $18.99
Canada's answer to Maurice Sendak teams up with an award-winning author to produce a bittersweet tale of a little girl who is moving away and parting from her best friends. The trio discuss how to deal with their sadness, decide to bake a pie and the idea of a good-pie party is born. After a wonderful neighbourhood gathering the three girls lie together under a full moon which, like memories, they realize they can always share. Lovely illustrations show the warmth and love of family and friends. For ages four to eight.
Fran Ashdown was the children's librarian at the Capilano branch of the North Vancouver District Public Library. As a child she moved nine times. For more information about these books and more, check your local libraries.
