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I have mixed feelings about this. Yes, Dad should be included if he is part of the family. Maybe he isn't a part, and this is a single mother home. I think kids need to see that they are normal, even if they don't have a mom and a dad present.

Yeah! Having a dad character would probably spice-up the book. Could be the assumption is dad's are always out there busy for the well being of the family.

I think it's important to also show other forms of a family than mom-pop-kid. There are plenty other combinations around so having a children's books that involve single or same-gender parent family models show kids that all these versions are also valid and acceptable.

I have mixed thoughts on this. Yes, it would have been nice to see Toni interact with both mom and dad, but not all families have two parents so I think it is important for kids to see different kinds of families in books.

In this day and age family comes in all shapes and sizes and for various reasons. I happen to be a single mommy myself.

Adding a dad would'nt be a bad idea, it would only expand the areas of interest in the story, but then again the author knows best why a father figure has been excluded.

Family was not the main focus, and lots of families do not have both parents around in any case, so I do not think the absence of the father was important.

Including a dad is a great idea, but without a dad, the story is still intriguing and enlightening for kids.

A dad is definitely needed and should be included. A male role model should be present to show a united front as well as good values and traits becoming of a young man as well as an indivaidual.

I think the lack of a dad could also be a lesson that families are not always perfect but the members can still be happy.

I think, while it is always nice to have a Dad around and show that not all fathers are absent, it is also important that it can be treated as 'normal' if tge dad (or the Mum for that matter) isnt around. It teaches children that everyone is different and has different circumstances and this way they arent inclined to ask too many questions or accidentally upset another child by doing so.

I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a dad. It would be more entertaining

the lack of a dad doesn't take away from the story. RD Base can add a father in subsequent stories. either way, it makes no difference. its still a very interesting read for children. The moral encouragement it offers is delivered effortlessly.

the lack of a dad doesn't take away from the story. RD Base can add a father in subsequent stories. either way, it makes no difference. its still a very interesting read for children. The moral encouragement it offers is delivered effortlessly.

To add a father into the book would have been nice, and probably would have added a warmer family element (not that that is particularly lacking either) but I don't believe his absence effects the book too much. On top of that, I'm assuming the author really thought about whether to add him or not and probably has a purpose in deciding on the latter.