Should there be a dad?

[liftedbooks]

I like the fact that the dad is not shown, perhaps because I can imagine the questions it can illicit from young readers. My daughter, for example, who is growing up with her father around would be eager to know why the dad is not there. It provides an opportunity for me to explain that not all families have their daddies around. I just think it provides a less awkward way to discuss the topic. Those are just my thoughts.

[Dahmy 10]

Very well, there should have been a dad. Playing masculine games with dad would boost the morale the child has in his/her dad.

It would also be easy for fathers to relate as they read along to their children. This is definitely a great suggestion. Probably the author could work on fixing this suggestion in.

[cpru68]

The author really could take this in whatever direction she wanted to go. I think as I was reading this book, I was so focused on Toni and his good behavior that mom was just a background figure. He was shown who he was helping. I found that with the simplicity of this book, she has so many doors open for more to be explored. What about a grandparent? Toni could help out an elderly person, and wouldn't that open the eyes of the young to the idea that older people can use a little help from time to time. I like the gentle nature of this book, and I just see the author continuing that on in whatever next thing Toni is to do.

[cpru68]

The author really could take this in whatever direction she wanted to go. I think as I was reading this book, I was so focused on Toni and his good behavior that mom was just a background figure. He was shown who he was helping. I found that with the simplicity of this book, she has so many doors open for more to be explored. What about a grandparent? Toni could help out an elderly person, and wouldn't that open the eyes of the young to the idea that older people can use a little help from time to time. I like the gentle nature of this book, and I just see the author continuing that on in whatever next thing Toni is to do.

[Eileen R]

I really did not notice the absence of a dad but I do agree that it would be a wonderful addition. It can be a good subject for a sequel.

[simplymica26]

It would be a good idea but I don't think it will affect much because it is already good as it is. It doesn't say why and where or probably his mother is a single parent. I don't mind the addition as this story represent family

[LV2R]

I agree with some of the other comments that dad may just be at work or that this book is showing a one parent home. I also wasn't clear on who the women were in the book. Was one of the women, the mom and the other his sister or aunt? Maybe the other books in the series will reveal the answer.

[N_R]

It is a tricky one, there are so many single parent households out there that it is probably also nice for a book to feature just one parent?

[Harzelryan]

Presence of a Dad will be an addition of an extra hand in the family the same time his absence will encourage the single mothers to raise their children without their father hence it is not necessary for a father to be there.

[Jkhorner]

I like the idea of having dad around helping with the chores.

But the more I think about it, the more I am having a hard time trying to think of books for this age group that show a whole family who isn't made up animals. Lyle Crocodile, the Berenstain Bears, Peter Rabbit (wait, did Peter Rabbit have a father?), Curious George (he had the man in the yellow hat.

Maybe it is well past time that Dad is represented.

My thoughts on this ranged from “YES show Dad,” to “well, it doesn’t really matter and Mom isn’t labeled either,” and then I read your comment and I’m back to YES. You’re right. There are few books that portray both parents equally. Perhaps because most children spend a vast amount of their time with Mom authors feel this relationship is more relevant. I submit that fathers should be included more in order to teach children a Dad’s role in the home.

[FictionLover]

It's one of those things that you don't notice until someone mentions it.

[bookiegalke]

I read and wrote this book's review and i must say that the idea of having a father character in the story never came to my mind. Now that you brought it up, i think it would have been a nice idea. Be that as it may, i still found the book interesting.

[MishM1]

I agree, although I didn't notice it as a problem. For a lot of children it's a reality. Though I think this may be a very diplomatic way to deal with it because, like the previous commenter suggested, when children from two parent households ask where the Dad is, maybe a suggestion could be given about where he could be e.g. at work. Whereas it would be much more difficult to explain to a toddler why Tony has a Dad and he/she doesn't. It could also send the message that black males from single parent households don't have to contribute to crime but can be a superhero, even if its by focusing on helping with the little things and by building healthy relationships with the people around them.

It's a great observation though!

[lesler]

This book is only so long, on purpose to help emergent readers. I did not miss a father in this book, nor do I feel it's necessary to include one.

[Gikonyo Caroline]

The idea to include a dad would be okay if majority of the popluation have such a type of family but ìf majority of the target population are single mum families where the dad is predominantly absent, they may not relate. Perhaps the author used that picture deliberately to better connect and relate with target audience. As they say art imitates life or is life imitating art?