Genres
Description
"Every night it's the same old thing, with dad refusing to go to bed. He wants to play, read stories, even sleep with me, and when he makes his pleading face, I always give in and read him another story. But that's it, since enough is enough. When it get's really tough, I tell myself, "Have courage. We're al- most there." A boy's playful account of trying to put has dad to sleep gives children a de- lightful heads up on what a pain they can be at bedtime, while affirming the tender bond between father and son. A joyful, sweet, laughter-inducing book that children will clamor to read again and again!"--
Publication
Enchanted Lion Books (2012), 32 pages
User reviews
LibraryThing member shookrl
In this twist on the classic child who does not want to go to bed theme, it is the father who does not want to go to sleep and the child who just wants anything to happen so that dad will sleep in his own bed. All the regular stalling factors exist - one more story, followed by another and needing
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the light on to sleep. This will amuse readers who struggle with this in their own households. Show Less
LibraryThing member Angie.Patterson
Saudo, Coralie. Illustrated by Kris DiGiacomo. My Dad is Big and Strong, But... New York: Enchanted Lion Books, 2012
Characters: Dad; Son
Setting: Home of Dad and Son
Theme: Bedtime story; reversal of parent and child roles
Genre: Children’s fiction; picturebook
Golden Quote: “The story trick works
Summary: A boy's playful account of trying to put his dad to sleep gives children a delightful heads up on what a pain they can be at bedtime, while affirming the tender bond between father and son. In the end, all his hard work pays off when his dad finally goes to sleep (with the light on).
Audience: Children ages 3-8
Curriculum ties: great for a story time read aloud with young children; get kids to think about the role reversal of parent and child; ask children if they or their siblings are difficult to put to bed; would they do the same for their parents if they acted like the dad does in this story; what are some ways they can make their parents’ lives a little easier when it is bedtime?
Awards: None
Personal response: This book is a delightful and charming bedtime story that turns the traditional bedtime story on its head. Originally, a French children’s picturebook and translated in English, My Dad is Big and Strong, But… gives young readers a glimpse into what their parents go through when they refuse to go to bed. Although there is a reversal in roles between father and son; there is still a sense of heart. The son still maintains all the attributes of being a son and his father maintains his as well. In other words, the role reversal is not dysfunctional, but rather a sweet play on the traditional parent-child relationship. The book itself is also aesthetically beautiful. The art is of mixed media containing both old fashioned photographic images and quirky graphite drawings. The text is all in different fonts as well; ranging from a child’s handwriting to big blocky bold lettering. Lastly, the book’s physical characteristics are quite unique. It is much bigger size wise than an average book; making it stand out above the other books on the bookshelf and the brown pages, thick like cardboard, are a nice touch; adding to the overall aesthetic of the story.
Characters: Dad; Son
Setting: Home of Dad and Son
Theme: Bedtime story; reversal of parent and child roles
Genre: Children’s fiction; picturebook
Golden Quote: “The story trick works
Show More
every time. Dad comes right over and sits on my lap. He’s a bit heavy, but I’m big and strong too.”Summary: A boy's playful account of trying to put his dad to sleep gives children a delightful heads up on what a pain they can be at bedtime, while affirming the tender bond between father and son. In the end, all his hard work pays off when his dad finally goes to sleep (with the light on).
Audience: Children ages 3-8
Curriculum ties: great for a story time read aloud with young children; get kids to think about the role reversal of parent and child; ask children if they or their siblings are difficult to put to bed; would they do the same for their parents if they acted like the dad does in this story; what are some ways they can make their parents’ lives a little easier when it is bedtime?
Awards: None
Personal response: This book is a delightful and charming bedtime story that turns the traditional bedtime story on its head. Originally, a French children’s picturebook and translated in English, My Dad is Big and Strong, But… gives young readers a glimpse into what their parents go through when they refuse to go to bed. Although there is a reversal in roles between father and son; there is still a sense of heart. The son still maintains all the attributes of being a son and his father maintains his as well. In other words, the role reversal is not dysfunctional, but rather a sweet play on the traditional parent-child relationship. The book itself is also aesthetically beautiful. The art is of mixed media containing both old fashioned photographic images and quirky graphite drawings. The text is all in different fonts as well; ranging from a child’s handwriting to big blocky bold lettering. Lastly, the book’s physical characteristics are quite unique. It is much bigger size wise than an average book; making it stand out above the other books on the bookshelf and the brown pages, thick like cardboard, are a nice touch; adding to the overall aesthetic of the story.
Show Less
Awards
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
12 inches
ISBN
1592701221 / 9781592701223
UPC
884563149877