Product Description

As the boy in "My Daddy" watches his father leave and eagerly awaits his return, his anxiety and fear are transformed into comfort, security, and finally a joyful reunion. Lyrical lines and imaginative illustrations combine to illuminate the larger-than-life love of a child for his father. Full color.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1437085 in Books
• Published on: 1994-03-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

From Publishers Weekly
In this cleverly conceived picture book, everyday events in a father's routine take on a larger-than-life significance, thanks to a son's fertile imagination. As the boy proudly recounts his father's many feats (e.g., mowing the grass, going for a jog, even sneezing), the illustrations make it clear that where the reader sees a garden-variety, bespectacled dad, the boy sees a hero. "My daddy can cross the street alone," boasts the boy, for example, as the briefcase-toting papa steps into what seems to be an ordinary city night. On closer look, however, the dramatic embellishments of the boy's fantasies become visibleAa tiger prowls, an elephant lurks around the corner, a monkey clings to a lamppost. Paradis (Brass Button) combines spare text with thoughtful artwork to simulate the lens of a child's love and admiration. Realistic portraits use saturated color and dappled light, and the page design adds a further dimensionAthrough most of the scenes, the boy plays spectator, placed at the bottom or to one side of each black-bordered portrait, and watching with readers. In the end, when the father returns home to greet his son with a hug, the boy finally steps into the action himself. A peek at his bedroom reveals the inspiration behind his daydreams: it overflows with stuffed jungle toys. This firmly grounded book offers playful insights into the importance of a father's role in a child's life. Ages 2-6.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Ages 3^-6. This lovely picture book celebrates the relationship between father and son. From a little boy's point of view, it's a "jungle" out there--a world filled with dangers and the unknown, a world that the boy sees as populated by wild animals, and his father's actions and bravery are something to marvel at. The father confidently and fearlessly performs what to the young boy are amazing feats: crossing the street, riding a two-wheeler bicycle, finding his way home after work, reading a bedtime story, which charms and tames even the wild animals to sleep. Everyday endeavors are actions that fill the boy with admiration and instill in him feelings of trust and security. With his father at his side, the young boy can do anything--he, too, is fearless, secure in his father's love and trusting in his father's many capabilities. Very charmingly written and illustrated, the book shows that "superdads" are in the eyes of the beholder, a fine reminder that even the most mundane daily chores and experiences can set a fine example for younger ones. The fantastic and fantastical art combines a little boy's perspective and imagination with familiar objects and situations in lush, gorgeous pictures that are stories in themselves about the importance of trust, love, support, and learning to be brave and believe in oneself. Shelle Rosenfeld

From Kirkus Reviews
Paradis uses a young boy's narration to convey his awe and adulation of his father, a perspective echoed in the illustrations. The boy watches as his father engages in activities heroic to young eyes: ``My daddy can cross the street alone. He runs outside without a coat. He is brave enough to mow the lawn and ride a big two-wheeler.'' To enhance the notion of the father's fearlessness, and to evoke the power of imagination at work, Paradis salts her lush paintings with great, incongruous beasts--for example, elephants in the lawn--to which the man pays absolutely no heed. The effect is remote, for the boy appears to be watching his father through a huge picture window, or on a large TV screen framed in black; he is closer to readers than the father is, extending the feeling of remoteness. Preventing the father from remaining a great man at a distance are the last few scenes; as father and son hug and play, the black frame disappears from full-bleed illustrations, and awe is replaced by affection. Poignant and stimulating. (Picture book. 3-6) -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Customer Reviews

Fabulous, heartwarming, beautifully illustrated!
This book is now the new favorite of my 3 1/2 year old. The color and style is incredible. It would make a terrific father's day present!

AMAZING... Shows impact "Daddy's" have....Look for Cardinal
This childrens book is truly breath taking. Read it carefully and you'll see the impact a father can have on his child. Look for the Cardinal (male protector of their young...Nurturing). I remember what it was like to be that age, the stuffed animals were sometimes your only friends, and they made you feel secure in times of need.
Susan Paradis (Paradise) has created a work on genius! I'm impressed!

He just looks into my eyes!
Being the father for the first time can be a trying yet very very rewarding experience. My wife gave me this book for fathers day, yep the first, from our son and it has been heart touching. I read this to our son before bed every night and the way he looks into my eyes and really listens to my words just melts my heart. I recommend this to anyone wanting to convey the message of honesty, security, and love to the little one. The illustrations are great and the words make me proud to be a dad! I love you son! You make being a dad the best thing that has ever happened to me.