Seattle Press on Line - Fathers' Day Tales

Books for Kids

Fathers' Day Tales

By Nicole Jones

Jun 06, 2002 -- Tickle Tickle
By Dakari Hru, illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max, Roaring Book Press, 2002, 32 pages, ages 2 - 4 (****)

First published in the collection, In Daddy's Arms I am Tall (1997), this rhythmic poem describes the play of a toddler and his father. Papa's fingers tickle the child's feet and tummy while Mom watches. Not only does the father physically interact with his son, he verbally praises him, "Me papa say he love me/me papa look so proud/he say "Sonny, what a joy to see you laugh out loud." Even though the continued play exhausts the narrator, he doesn't want to stop and begs for more.

The catchy Jamaican rhythm and wordplay is just one of the highlights of this book. Readers will want to jump up and dance while the book is read! The illustrations also reinforce the multiculturalism portrayed by the poem. Each page is enhanced with bright purple, green, and red tones. The memorable line, "Me papa tickle my feet/he call it 'finger treat'" is repeated for emphasis. The number of books about children and their relationship with their father is far fewer than those written about mothers, so it is a special book. It is a timely read as Father's Day approaches.

Fribbity Ribbit!
By Suzanne C. Johnson, illustrated by Debbie Tilley, Alfred A. Knopf, 2001, 40 pages, ages 4 - 8, (****)

There's a frog on the loose and it's getting into everything! Each family member is affected, from Grandma in the office to Dad in the garage, by the frog that refuses to be caught by his owner. He leads the boy on a chase through the house and neighborhood and just when it appears that the frog is exhausted, ready to be trapped, he continues to bounce his way around until he settles in the backyard on a swing.

This action packed book is a fun read for young readers. Not only is "Fribbity Ribbit" an enjoyable mini tongue twister, Johnson adds plenty more onomatopoeic words: "Ribbity-tap-tap-tap" and "Ribbity-bing-bang-boom." As each new family member is introduced into the hijinks, young readers will laugh at their reactions and how the family unites to try and catch the frog.

Koala and the Flower
Written and illustrated by Mary Murphy, Roaring Book Press, 2001, 32 pages, ages 4 - 8, (***)

Koala's friends, Badger and Raccoon, believe that everything is black and white since those are the only colors that they can see. In fact, they think they're experts on everything. When Koala finds a flower, Badger and Raccoon are too busy to look at it and later don't know what to do with it. It wilts and so Koala tries to make another flower. When trying to bake up a flower fails, Koala goes on an expedition to find out how to get more flowers. A friendly donkey takes him to a library. There are hundreds of animals there reading books! Badger and Raccoon laugh at Koala as he plants seeds, as the book that he checked out instructs. But the laugh is on them when flowers bloom all over the yard.

The bright flower colors are a stark contrast to the opening black and white illustrations. However, the black and white reinforces the fact that Badger and Raccoon, as well as many other animals, are capable of only seeing those color gradations. What also makes the flowers stand out is that the flowers are not illustrated; they are photos. Almost every child can relate to Koala's sadness as his first flower wilts. The most positive message of the book is Donkey taking Koala to the library, "There is a place I go when I want to find out things...The Library." It demonstrates to children that they don't just have to take the word of whoever tells them something. They can investigate by reading and researching for themselves!

Kids, have a wonderful summer! Don't forget to read! Parents, don't forget to read to and with your children!

Nicole Jones' book reviews will return in November.

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Karen Hagle-Berry	Jan 15, 2004