Some dads by Nick Bland

Scholastic Press, 2011. ISBN 9781741697933.
(Age 2-6) Recommended. Picture book. Humour.
'There are some dads who worry
And some dads who hurry
And some dads who get lost on the way. '
And so the book continues with a huge variety of dads who do different things, some good, some bad but all ones that young children will be able to recognise in their own fathers and the fathers of their friends. They will also have fun identifying traits in the fathers that they know.
The rhythm and rhymes of this lovely story will make it a favourite read aloud and I feel sure that it will be one that is regularly asked for when it is time for Dad to read a story. What is particularly engaging is that the dads aren't perfect. They worry, they go too fast, they play silly jokes, but the child is reminded that dads are proud of their children and that children don't forget their fathers.
The illustrations are vivid and compelling. With the use of humour and cartoon like animal characters, Bland creates some stunning images. I particularly love the ones of the sporty dad, a green spotted frog, complete with sweatband, playing tennis with his child on the Wii.
A good book to use in a classroom unit on the family, or for Father's Day, it is also a perfect present for families.
Pat Pledger