The Daddy Book

This book really got me thinking about fatherhood. The stresses as well as the joys. There are few things in life that I think can only be experienced to be understood. I try to stay out of the trap of believing one can only be empathic if they've walked in the same shoes, lived through the same trials and tribulations. But with parenting I make an exception. You can imagine it, but you really have to experience it to understand how radically it alters your world view, your priorities, and your emotional balance. Franz Joseph Haydn is said to have once sat down Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's father, Leopold, and told him "I tell you before God and as an honest man, that your son is the greatest composer known to me either in person or in reputation. He has taste and, more importantly, the most profound knowledge of composition." I bet that was a genuinely nice moment. The great Dr. Stuart Goldman, of Children's Hospital, once told me that you could create narcissistic traits in a child by either over-praising them or under-praising them. That's a lot of pressure. Today, I glance through the Boston Metro (it's free and I promise I was just digging for the Sudoku) and saw this headline from Charlestown: "Father, son OxyContin ring busted." That must have been a not so nice moment. And yet I bet there is something poignant and tender somewhere beneath the surface there if we knew the whole story. As with all Todd Parr books, it is minimalist yet rendered with surprising insight and elegance. As with all Todd Parr books, he comes precariously close to being syrupy, but has enough silly humor and good enough timing to avoid sermonizing. And, as always, we have the very bright, engaging illustrations. Your kids will dig it but more importantly, it'll make you proud to be a Daddy, warts and all.

Every book Todd Parr has done should be on a must-read list for parents and kids. He brightly colored illustrations are hilarious and are a big hit with kids. If you ever get the chance to meet Todd at a book signing, make sure you take the kid, he is wonderful! All of his books give very positive messages to kids and are lots of fun! This book, in particular, makes a great gift for any dad or granddad.

We are huge Todd Parr fans in our house and The Daddy Book, which we bought for Father's Day last year, did not disappoint. Number one reason we like this book: the illustrations. Number two: Todd Parr is super-inclusive! Every kind of family and every kind of daddy is in this book! Simple but brilliant!

My 1-year old LOVES this book! Be prepared to read it more than once in a sitting! The illustrations are beautiful, and Todd Parr expresses that daddies can do anything, even stereotypical motherly duties!!!