My Dad by Anthony Browne is a special moment suspended in time. If you think back to your childhood, I hope that there is a time when you thought your Dad could do absolutely anything. This picture book and the stunning illustrations preserve that perception with humour and playfulness.
This picture book is wonderful to share with children as there is so much to look at, discuss and wonder at.
The book is inspired by Anthony Browne’s father and his dressing gown. The pattern is distinctive and appears on every page of the book. The dad in the story is amazing. He isn’t afraid of anything and he can even jump over the moon…
Anthony Browne’s books always leave room for questions in the illustrations. We love the image of Dad on a tightrope with a crown formed of clouds and a pair of socks on top of the washing line, following his footsteps. These details make the stories even more engaging and even very young children can play the ‘game’ and look for the stories in the illustrations that don’t reveal themselves in the text.
This dad can eat like a horse and the legs of the chair he is sitting on have hooves.
If you only read the text in the book then this dad is a brilliant singer but the look on the other singer’s face tells a different story! The relationship between text and pictures is an important lesson for children to learn and Anthony Browne’s illustrations often reveal much more.
We love the buttons on Dad’s pyjamas in this picture. They all have a little smiling face. Everytime we read this book we find new details, quirks and even make up our own.
Most importantly of all…
I love my dad. And you know what? HE LOVES ME! (And he always will).
This is the perfect ending to an inspiring picture book. On some days we think the background looks like rays of sunshine and on other days we think that it looks like the rings of a tree. Anthony Browne’s father died when he was 17 and I have also thought that the dad looks quite angelic in this illustration.
Although the words in the book are few, they are carefully selected and there is so much to talk about in the pictures. You can tell from Dad’s face that there is love there and it is interesting to talk to little ones about how they know that, or whether they disagree.
Adults often make the mistake that picture books are for young children and that as children get older they should move to proper books (meaning chapter books and books with more words and fewer pictures). Sadly these adults are completely missing the point of picture books - the story is in the few but very carefully chosen words and the illustrations. Picture books are meant to be pored over, examined in detail, shared, discussed. There is so much within the pages and you have to work on your relationship with the book to get the full story. This is an incredibly important lesson for children to learn and develops the skills of really looking, focussing and analysis.
This is a fantastic video introducing Anthony Browne and I recommend it if you aren’t familiar with his books. At 8 mins 50 seconds he also talks about the dressing gown and how it inspired his writing.
Talk about
My Dad is filled with talking opportunities. Every page tells a story in the text and more of the story in the illustrations and it is your task as the reader to find and tell your own version of that story.
Here are some ideas or questions that you might want to use to start a discussion in your family. You know your family and which questions they are ready to tackle now and which can be left for another day:
- What does the dad’s face tell you about the person? Is he kind? Is he angry? What do you think?
- What can you see?
- Can you find sunshine in the pictures? Why do you think there is lots of sunshine in this book?
- Do you think that this dad really is an excellent dancer, singer, footballer?
- What do the details tell you about the story?
- What is your Dad really good at?
- When does your Dad make you laugh?
- Does your Dad love you?
- How do you know?
- How do you show your Dad that you love him?
Crafts and activities for kids
My Dad by Anthony Browne is filled with creative illustrations with inspiring details. The picture book is a rich starting point for all sorts of creative projects. As Father’s Day is fast approaching in the UK it is also a very special gift for any Dad.
Take a look at the Pinterest Board full of crafts and activities for kids or take a look at the activities below, to accompany reading the book:
- Read and Create Father’s Day Medal
- Pinkoddy Father’s Day Biscuits
- Me and My Shadow Just Because I Love You Book
- Red Ted Art Hama Bead Bowl
- Me and My Shadow Jigsaw Puzzle Photo Keyrings
- The Fairy and the Frog Easy Father’s Day Card
- Kids’ Choas Father’s Day Card Printable
- The Fairy and the Frog Finger Paint Father’s Day Card
- Kids’ Chaos Pencil End Keyring
What books are you reading this week?
Such a lovely book ♥ perfect for Fathers day
Becky recently posted…What does a six year old know about money? We asked Lisi
We have Meine Mama, the German version of My Mum by Anthony Browne. Lovely books
That looks like a lovely book, perfect for Father’s Day coming up. The illustrations remind me a little of The Snowman - maybe it’s the dressing gown!
i am just loving your book posts!
Such a fab book for kids of all ages. I am a great believer in picture books and being able to let the child tell the story a little too. Fab post as always
Jen aka The Mad House recently posted…Why process art is important for kids
We loved this book when my kids were little - we bought it for Daddy for Father’s Day. As you say, there is so much to see in the illustrations and so much for children to relate to and reflect on with their own relationships with their dads.
Ooo this is one that we haven’t read and I love the look of it - the illustrations particularly. Thanks for the heads up Kirsty -adding this to my list!
Mammasaurus recently posted…Photographs of Peonies
Your reviews really are amazing. Thank you x
you baby me mummy recently posted…Baby learns to swim with Konfidence
Oh I LOVE the hug picture - that looks such a lovely picture book.
TwinsplusTwo recently posted…Spring Chicken Casserole
Great post! Never noticed all the details in the illustration! Will have to get the book and have a close look at every picture now. Thanks for sharing!
What a gorgeous book! Love the illustrations and the message throughout. Will definitely look out for it.
We had a similar book about grandads. It adds another dimension for the children to explore when the pictures are telling a slightly different story to the words.
Louisa recently posted…Taking care of pet rabbits
This looks like such a brilliant book for younger kids - if only mine weren’t so grown up! I especially like the illustrations, so detailed.
suzanne3childrenandit recently posted…Am I going to Britmums Live? Try and stop me!
A very sweet book - would make a lovely Father’s Day gift!
Michelle recently posted…Love Me Beauty [Video!! Review]
looks a great book reminds me a little of the snowman illustrations x
LOVE the look of that! My dad had a dressing gown EXACTLY like that! It was SO itchy - I can’t believe he wore it! Looks like a lovely read - gorgeous illustrations xx
This looks lovely, and perfect for Fathers Day this weekend!
LearnerMother recently posted…It’s official - I am Mrs Boho Chic!
Don’t panic, Father’s Day isn’t until the 15th of June x
A great book that kiddies could give their dad for father’s day, I love the illustrations
Boo Roo and Tigger Too recently posted…The Wonderful World of Simon Abbott – Pirates Ahoy!
I really enjoyed listening to video. I must say I am so guilty of just telling the story, just reading the words rather than exploring books with Harry. I really should try and take more time.
Mummy Glitzer recently posted…Sleep Well with Next
This looks a lovely book. I love my daddy very much! x
Ickle Pickle recently posted…Two years ago…
We have a couple of books by Anthony Browne, they are hugely popular with my children.
Jenny recently posted…Miniclara Doll and Ballerina Outfit Set review
That looks like a really great book. I wouldn’t have noticed the socks on the washing line or the hooves on the chair if you hadn’t have pointed them out! My children and I really like books that facilitate good discussion points so this one looks perfect for us. I’ll have to hunt it out.
Laura ( recently posted…Muddy Puddles Pac-a-Mac raincoats: brightening up rainy days
This looks like such a lovely book. We haven’t got it but the pictures do look familiar, I will keep an eye out for it x
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins recently posted…Bucket and Spade Silicone Mould from Lakeland - Review
looks like a fabulous book x x
Jane recently posted…The Al Fresco Diaries: I think I am going to like it here…..
Ohh, this looks like a lovely book, and you make such a good point about how picture books work. I think people really underestimate how much work goes into creating a children’s picture book, and how crucial those illustrations are for helping children understand different ways of communication. Great post Kirsty, and yet ANOTHER book recommended by you that I’ve added to my wish list! xx
Ruth recently posted…Comment on A Love Story: Part Two by A Love Story: Part Two
I’d recommend anything by Anthony Browne Ruth, his picture books are incredibly detailed and full of imagination.
That looks like a fab story and the activities would really capture the kids imaginations
Kara recently posted…docrafts presents Roald Dahl
Ella has Little Beauty by Anthony Browne that she got for Christmas from her nursery a few years ago and she still loves it. I’m going to buy this for her to give her dad for Father’s Day
Shell Louise recently posted…Father’s Day
I also thought what a great Father’s day idea. Thank you for all the work you put into these posts.
Pinkoddy recently posted…Pl-ug - Ultimate Den Kit
What a great book and a perfect gift for Father’s day x
wendy recently posted…The Fall
That looks lovely. I do like Anthony Browne. xx
We have this book and it is a firm favourite in this house
My Life As A Mummy recently posted…Mummy’s Little Bear - Book Review
It is so nice to find a book about a dad and his love for his child. Perfect Father’s Day Gift!
This book looks great. I love the illustrations. Very fitting with Fathers Day around the corner. Great review.
Helen Dickinson recently posted…A Week Of Learning And New Experiences
Dad looks like a funny character!
I like the illustrations, they made me smile