Dad and Pop: (An Ode to Fathers & Stepfathers) by Kelly Bennett (Illustrated by Paul Meisel)
Review by: Chris Singer
About the author:
Kelly Bennett is the author of many books for children, including Not Norman: A Goldfish Story. About Dad and Pop, she says, "My children, Max and Lexi, and the loving relationship they have with their fathers inspired this story." Kelly Bennett lives part-time in Houston, Texas, and part-time in Jakarta, Indonesia.
About the illustrator:
Paul Meisel is the illustrator of many books, including Harriet's Had Enough! by Elissa Haden Guest and What's the Matter in Mr. Whiskers' Room? by Michael Elsohn Ross, among many others. About Dad and Pop, he says, "Creating this book brought to mind a quote from the Dalai Lama I once read: 'Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.'" Paul Meisel lives in Newtown, Connecticut.
About the book:
I have two fathers. I call this one Dad, and this one Pop.
Dad is tall and wears suits. Pop is bald and wears boots. Dad’s into gadgets and Pop’s into plants; one paints on easels, the other on walls; and they certainly don’t share the same taste in music! In this funny, affectionate ode to fathers and stepfathers, a young girl explains that while Dad and Pop may seem completely different, in one crucial way they’re exactly the same — they both love her.
My take on the book:
I've been remiss in not having enough books on the site about stepfathers so when Candlewick Press sent this along with another book I request to review, I knew it was something I wanted to review.
As the title says, Dad and Pop is a wonderfully written and illustrated ode to fathers and stepfathers. I like how the story shows both the differences and the similarities between Dad and Pop with the similarities essentially being how much they both care for and love the little girl. I enjoyed seeing the little girl being doted on by both her Dad and Pop - an important thing to see in any family and little girls reading the story will enjoy seeing this as well. My favorite scene was during the soccer game when both dads are on the sideline cheering their little girl on.
This is a really nice book showing a beautiful and positive portrayal of a blended family. I really like the focus on the dad and stepfather as well. I would have to do a little research but I would guess this is very unique to see in picture books about blended families. I would recommend this for blended families as well as teachers and counselors who might be working with kids struggling to adapt to family changes such as having a new stepfather or stepmother.
