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Friday
March 19, 2010 Since 1922 |
Book celebrates role fathers play in children
By JoAn Martin
Baytown Sun Published June 20, 2004 Layne, Steven L. “Verses for Dad’s Heart.” Illustrated by Gail Greaves Klinger. Gretna, LA. Pelican Publishing Co. 2004. Hardback. 40 pages. $16.95. ISBN 1-58980-145-8
Just in time to honor our fathers, “Verses for Dad’s Heart” offers a child’s eye view of who Dad is and the important role he plays in a child’s life. Modern society can’t be all bad if it has brought the father out of the absenteeism of the past. Now he is thrust into an equal partnership of nurturing. Now he can be the hero of the home.
Seemingly insignificant details — the sweatshirt he wears with a favorite team logo, his assistance in building a 92-piece racetrack, his reading, singing, playing make a difference. What father could fail to be inspired to improve his relationship with his children after reading such touching verses, mostly written in blank verse?
With echoes of “my dad’s bigger/smarter/tougher than your dad,” a boy tries to explain his father’s job: “Dad, what is it you do, again?”
What magic does a dad create in a large family with many siblings to convince each one that he/she is Dad’s favorite?
When Mom goes off to work, a stay-at-home Dad works out just as happily. Even teens secretly and grudgingly admit their appreciation of Dad’s Where? Who? What? When? Why? questions. When “someday” finally comes, the grown-up child understands at last that Dad’s advice is out of love.
Steven Layne, who teaches literature at Wheaton College, has combined his love of teaching reading with essential spiritual guidance. He uses picture books as a vehicle for promoting the relatively recent philosophy of Dad’s importance in raising children. They offer the security of dads always being available whether the child is 2 or 22.
Gail Geaves Klinger with soft pastel tones has included families of all ages, races, and situations. She celebrates fathers with a realistic joy in lovable, warmhearted paintings.
Layne has written many children’s books for Pelican, including “My Brother Dan’s Delicious,” “The Teachers’ Night Before Christmas,” “Thomas’s Sleep” and the “Great Geography Test.”
JoAn Martin reviews children’s books for The Baytown Sun. She is a retired teacher. She may be reached at josbook(at)mindspring.com.
Baytown Sun Published June 20, 2004 Layne, Steven L. “Verses for Dad’s Heart.” Illustrated by Gail Greaves Klinger. Gretna, LA. Pelican Publishing Co. 2004. Hardback. 40 pages. $16.95. ISBN 1-58980-145-8
Just in time to honor our fathers, “Verses for Dad’s Heart” offers a child’s eye view of who Dad is and the important role he plays in a child’s life. Modern society can’t be all bad if it has brought the father out of the absenteeism of the past. Now he is thrust into an equal partnership of nurturing. Now he can be the hero of the home.
Seemingly insignificant details — the sweatshirt he wears with a favorite team logo, his assistance in building a 92-piece racetrack, his reading, singing, playing make a difference. What father could fail to be inspired to improve his relationship with his children after reading such touching verses, mostly written in blank verse?
With echoes of “my dad’s bigger/smarter/tougher than your dad,” a boy tries to explain his father’s job: “Dad, what is it you do, again?”
What magic does a dad create in a large family with many siblings to convince each one that he/she is Dad’s favorite?
When Mom goes off to work, a stay-at-home Dad works out just as happily. Even teens secretly and grudgingly admit their appreciation of Dad’s Where? Who? What? When? Why? questions. When “someday” finally comes, the grown-up child understands at last that Dad’s advice is out of love.
Steven Layne, who teaches literature at Wheaton College, has combined his love of teaching reading with essential spiritual guidance. He uses picture books as a vehicle for promoting the relatively recent philosophy of Dad’s importance in raising children. They offer the security of dads always being available whether the child is 2 or 22.
Gail Geaves Klinger with soft pastel tones has included families of all ages, races, and situations. She celebrates fathers with a realistic joy in lovable, warmhearted paintings.
Layne has written many children’s books for Pelican, including “My Brother Dan’s Delicious,” “The Teachers’ Night Before Christmas,” “Thomas’s Sleep” and the “Great Geography Test.”
JoAn Martin reviews children’s books for The Baytown Sun. She is a retired teacher. She may be reached at josbook(at)mindspring.com.