Books, Babies, and Bows: Mighty Dads by Joan Holub

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Mighty Dads by Joan Holub - A Review

Mighty Dads

Basic Book Information:

Ages: 2-6

Hardcover picturebook

ISBN 13: 978-0-54-560968-5
Length: 40 Pages

About the Author: Joan Holub has authored and/or illustrated more than 130 children's books. With Suzanne Williams she is the author of the popular Goddess Girls, Heroes in Training, and Grimmtastic Girls series. She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina and can be found at www.joanholub.com.

About the Illustrator: James Dean is the creator of Pete the Cat from the bestselling series. Before James started painting Pete the Cat as a full-time profession in 1999, he wanted to paint cars and trucks. James loves things that go, and he currently drives a 1971 VW bus camper and a 1959 Chevy truck. He worked as an electrical engineer for fifteen years before he decided to quit and try to make a living with his paintings. James lives with his wife, Kimberly, also an artist; five cats (Bob, Frida, FeFe, Audrey, and Abbey); and Little Emma the pug.

Check out the awesome book trailer for Mighty Dads:

My review:

Mighty Dads just might be one of my favorite picture books I have read with my girls in a long time. The story is playful and engaging, and the illustrations are exceptional. The author and illustrator pairing of Joan Holub and James Dean is absolutely brilliant. James Dean brings the magic of his illustrations from Pete the Cat to this picture book, and Joan Holub uses simple words and repetition to draw even the youngest readers into the story. My youngest daughter has absolutely fallen in love with this book, reading it repeatedly saying "Dadda Truck, Baby Truck" as she points to each truck.

On its own, this book is a great read. But, the fact that it is about dads being great role models for their kids makes Mighty Dads a must have book for children to read with their dads. My husband enjoyed reading it with our daughters. He pointed out how, despite all the books in our house, there are so few about dads and their kids. We enjoyed each delightful page, taking time to talk about how each daddy truck was helping teach their baby truck how to do their jobs. This book will make a perfect father's day gift or a baby shower gift for a soon-to-be dad. Mighty Dads is destined to be an instant classic.