“My Father is Taller than a Tree” by Joseph Bruchac and illustrated by Wendy Halperin is a charming children’s book depicting fathers and sons and their interactions. The 13 different father son pairs are from different ethnic backgrounds and different places each doing a wide range of activities together.
The simple rhyming text is a minor feature of “My Father is Taller than a Tree”. It’s the illustrations that really make this book stand out. Each page spread pictures a father and son doing the main activity but then four smaller illustrations show additional activities the fathers and sons share. One example the text is "Pa waits for me when I go slow / because the streets are deep with snow" pictures the dad pulling his son on a sled, the boy making snow angels and then tasting the snow, and the two of them drinking hot chocolate.
“My Father is Taller than a Tree” is a perfect celebration of fathers and sons and the importance of their relationships. Sharing simple things like raking leaves, learning to ride bikes, the time together is what is important to children. The only problem I found with “My Father is Taller than a Tree” is the argument that ensued between my four year old grand-daughter and seven year old grandson. He insisted the book was just for boys but she argued she could do those things with their dad (and/or mom) too.
You can find “My Father is Taller than a Tree” at the Foster, Haslett, Holt, Lansing, Leslie, Okemos, and South Lansing branches of the Capital Area District Library in Lansing, Barnes & Noble and Schuler book stores or online at Amazon here: My Father Is Taller than a Tree
Added Note: The illustrator of “My Father is Taller than a Tree”, Wendy Anderson Halperin, lives in South Haven, Michigan.
Don’t forget June 20, 2010: Father's Day [3rd Sunday in June]
Book Details:
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Dial (March 18, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0803731736
ISBN-13: 978-0803731738
You may also like to check out these other 'Father's Day' children's book reviews:
Mighty Acts of God a Family Bible Story Book
A Father Like That
Madagascar Escape 2 Africa
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Schuler Books & Music - Eastwood Towne Center
2820 Towne Center Blvd., Lansing, Michigan
Barnes & Noble - Lansing Mall
5132 W. Saginaw Hwy 245, Lansing, Michigan
Barnes & Noble - Jacobson's Building
333 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, Michigan
Comments
Looks like a cute book!
:) Btw I linked loved you today to look for ideas for books to read for your summer reading program.
What a great book for upcoming Fathers Day!
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