'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Thursday, 13 January 2011

Review: A Dad Who Measures Up

The wee heroine of this gorgeous Davide Cali book has a wonderful mum. A tall mum. A strong mum. A beautiful and intelligent mum. She's even athletic and can also do jigsaw puzzles.

What the little girl doesn't have is a dad. But that's ok because you see, if she did have a dad, she would need at least four to measure up to mum.

He would need to be super tall and strong, incredibly handsome and athletic. And able to do jigsaw puzzles, of course. But he must also be kind.

One day mum and daughter put an ad in the newspaper for a dad and a grand selection answers the ad - but of course none are good enough and in the end there is only one to choose from. He is not tall, not athletic nor strong, not particularly handsome, but he is kind... so they let him stay.

Can this flawed creature ever measure up to such an amazing mum?

Cali gives us yet another creative, thoughtful, emotive book filled with his typical humour, rhythm and sheer talent for engaging the reader. Absolutely gorgeous illustrations by Cantone are just a riot of fun - beautifully encapturing the characters and storyline in a whimsical, colourful and super hip way that's sure to make both adults and kids smile.

This would make an ideal book for children of divorce or separation, but would also be perfect for children in a traditional nuclear family setup - after all... what exactly comprises 'family' thesedays anyway?

Wonderful.

Title: A Dad Who Measures Up
Author: Davide Cali
Illustrators: Anna Laura Cantone
Publisher: Wilkins Farago, A$16.99RRP
Publication Date: 22 November 2010
Format: Soft cover
ISBN: 9780958557191
For ages: 3 – 8
Type: Picture Book