Celebrate Father's Day with fun or inspiring books

The idea for Father's Day came from Sonora Smart Dodd who was raised by her father in Spokane, Wash. She wanted her father to know how much she loved and appreciated him. In June of 1910, Dodd decided to hold the first Father's Day celebration, but it wasn't until 1972 that a specific day was set aside to observe Father's Day when Richard Nixon declared it as such during his presidency.

Fathers play an important and special role in the lives of their children.

Dads, make time to read with your children this Father's Day and every day. Below are three reviewed books and three suggestions from your local library to help you get started. What a nice way to spend time together.

Books to Borrow

The following book is available at many public libraries.

"Guess How Much I Love You" by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram, Candlewick Press, 32 pages

Read aloud: birth to age 4. Read yourself: age 7 and older.

Can the love between a child and parent be measured? Little Nutbrown Hare tries to do just that when he compares his love for his father to as many things as he can think of. He loves his father as much as his arms can stretch wide, as high as he can reach, as far away as the river. Each comparison Little Nutbrown Hare makes is countered with a comparison of even greater measure by his father, who also wants his son to know just how much he loves him.

A beautiful, warm and tender story that is certain to make readers feel good all over, this selection successfully demonstrates that so great is the love between a parent and a child, it is truly immeasurable.

Librarian's Choice

Library: Douglas County Public Library, 1625 Library Lane, Minden

Library Director: Linda Deacy

Youth Services Librarian: Kathy Echavarria

Choices this week: "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak; "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis; "Thunder Cake" by Patricia Polacco

Books to Buy

The following books are available at favorite bookstores.

"Where Did Daddy's Hair Go?" by Joe O'Connor, illustrated by Henry Payne, Random House, 2006, 34 pages, $14.95 hardcover

Read aloud: age 5Ð8. Read yourself: age 7Ð8.

Jeremiah's dad doesn't have any hair on the top of his head, but Jeremiah never thought about that until a man called his dad "baldy." The comment caused Jeremiah to wonder if he was going to lose his hair, too. Then he pondered the situation further. Where had his daddy's hair gone? Did he lose it somewhere in the house or maybe outside in the yard? Did it hurt when Daddy lost his hair? Did it make him sad?

"It's who you are on the inside that really counts," Jeremiah's dad tells him. With that, Jeremiah becomes aware that people everywhere don't look the same, and that's just fine with Jeremiah because he thinks his dad is perfect just the way he is.

A funny look at a common issue that also provides important messages on acceptance and love, this is a great little book for Father's Day or anytime.

"Pieces of Another World" by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Salima Alikhan, Sylvan Dell, 2005, 32 pages, $15.95 hardcover

Read aloud: age 5Ð8. Read yourself: age 8.

One night Jody's dad wakes her up in the middle of the night and tells her to put her shoes on because they are going out in their pickup truck to see something special - something that comes from another world.

Stretching blankets out in the back of the truck, they lie down and watch the stars. Then the magic begins as the first meteor shoots across the sky, followed by many more meteors, some even exploding like fireworks. The meteors are from outer space - tiny pieces from another world.

Nature, science, imagination, and a special time between a father and daughter are perfectly blended together to make this selection interesting and engaging while also offering a fun suggestion to explore the nighttime sky together.

• Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan can be e-mailed at kendal@sunlink.net