Ooko
Written and Illustrated by Esmé Shapiro
2016 – Tundra Books
I absolutely loved this book! Ooko is as entertaining for kids as it is for Dads. Don’t be surprised if referring to every dog owner you see as Debbie becomes an inside joke between you and the kids. The artwork in this book is fantastic. I really like the color palette and the balance between looking dilettante yet deliberate. The humor is smart, and you will be as entertained as your children. The story follows a lonely fox named Ooko-don’t ask me the proper pronunciation-as they go to incredible lengths in an attempt to find a friend. The book is silly, but not ridiculous. Read it now to find out if Ooko finds a Debbie!
This is My Dad
Written by Dimity Powell
Illustrated by Nicky Johnston
2022 – EK Books
Not going to lie; I picked up this book because it had the word Dad in the title. Fear not, this book was an excellent read and my three and a half year old still enjoyed my reading it to her. If you are a single mom that reads Winning at Dadding, then this is the book for you, my friend!! Jokes aside, you may have a friend that is a single mom, or you may just want your kids to understand how diverse families can be, and that is where this book recommendation would come in handy. Nothing can be more humbling as a dad than the reminder that some moms do this all on their own.
Those Darn Squirrels!
Written by Adam Rubin
Illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
2008 – Clarion Books
Those Darn Squirrels! is a cute little story about a grumpy and lonely old man who loves one thing in life. And loving only one thing in life is usually the cause of being lonely and grumpy. Thankfully, the squirrels in this book are very kind and forgiving and the old man softens up a little bit. This is the book you want to read if you are looking for humor. The illustrations remind a little of The Farside by Gary Larson but you need to read it like you are a narrator for a Wes Anderson film. My toddler thought it was boring the first read through, but I read it one more with feeling and she enjoyed the silliness of it all.
No, Silly
Written and Illustrated by Ken Krug
2015 – Beach Lane Books
If you want a silly book to get your toddler to participate in, No, Silly is the book for you! The book follows a pattern of three situations that are normal followed by a similar situation that is silly. For example, the situation will be sleeping in four locations-a bed, dad’s chair, mama’s lap, and a big pile of cookies-and kids identify which one is silly. My daughter thought sleeping in dad’s chair was silly, but most of the situations are obviously silly. I encouraged her to yell, ‘No, Silly!’ when we come to a silly situation. This is a really fun book to read again and again with the kids, and I highly recommend it.
If You Give a Cat a Cupcake
Written by Laura Numeroff
Illustrated by Felicia Bond
2008 – HarperCollins Children’s Books
We continue the theme of silly books with If You Give a Cat a Cupcake. The illustrations are really fun with nice linework and great use of white space. Although, the cat looks a little creepy at times with his wide open circular eyes. Giving a cat a cupcake unleashes a chain of events that take us on a wild ride. Kids will think the story is funny, but Dads may relate to the chaos through the daily chaos of having a toddler. Hmmm. It gives me an idea for a new book; If You Give a Toddler a Cupcake.
Thanks for reading! I hope this post helped you find some books to enjoy with your kiddos this week! Please subscribe and share to show your support or purchase the recommended books through IndieBound.org which also supports booksellers in your neighborhood.
Winning at Dadding 