FICTION

Dad School

by Rebecca VAN SLYKE
illus. by Priscilla Burris. 32p. Knopf. Apr. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780385388955.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1—What is Dad School? Lucas, the young narrator of this picture book, envisions it as a place where studious men gather to learn how to fix boo-boos, mend leaky faucets, and make fabulous food like giant sandwiches with pickles and chips. Van Slyke fills the pages with affectionate commentary and only occasional snark: "Sometimes I think my dad missed the days they taught about matching clothes, brushing hair, and cleaning the bathroom…. But I'm glad he was there when they taught about making ice cream sundaes, telling silly stories, and giving piggyback rides when I'm too tired to walk anymore." Lucas decides that his father must have been the best student at Dad School and that he takes his position seriously. Children will be swept along by Burris's upbeat, endearing illustrations.
VERDICT A likable and loving tribute to dads and a worthy successor to Mom School, an earlier collaboration.
Reviewed by Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY
In this companion to Mom School, a little boy is convinced that his dad went to Dad School, where dads learn "how to fix boo-boos, how to mend leaky faucets, / and how to make huge snacks." The art has a slapdash look but is nicely emotive, and those who aren't bothered by some stereotyping of "dad" behavior will enjoy the manly merrymaking.
 , Aug 01, 2016

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