In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Fathers

I bought the book for me. I was in a bookstore just walking around when I ran into this book on one of the display tables and not in the African American section where it would normally be. I glanced through the book and knew that this book was something I wanted in my collection. Only problem I have with this book is I don't know whether to put it with my art books or with my poetry books. Hmmm, maybe I should buy a second copy. Excellent for the kids.

The original incredible 4' to 6' collages that illustrate this book are currently on display at the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester, NY. Inventive, inspiring, beautiful work. The poetry is moving; the messages are very honest. Fabulous book. He continues his father's legacy quite well.

I have several books that I leave sitting out to let people look at and react to if they choose. Lots of people respond to this book--people from a variety of cultural backgrounds, adults as well as children. Beautiful artwork. Evocative poetry. Useful as well as lovely.

I was eleven when I got the book. I didn't buy it because it was in my age bracket, I bought it because the art caught my attention, and then the title. It's time to celebrate the black father.

IN DADDY'S ARMS is a highly impressive collection of art and poetry. Javaka Steptoe's multimedia illustrations are as magnificent and varied as any Romare Bearden collage. The images will delight both children and adults, though some of the poetry may be too deep or symbolic for young children. However, poems like "Tickle, Tickle" and the title poem reach right to the target audience. This combination makes for a book that is just as at home on a child's bookshelf as it is on an adult's coffee table. Books like this one, including Tom Feelings's SOUL LOOKS BACK IN WONDER and Langston Hughes's THE BLOCK, are important representations of the African-American community and, as such, should be acquired and passed down from generation to generation. --Jan