A Perfect Father's Day: A Father's Day Gift Book From Kids
on Goodreads (116)
What’s inside...
In 'A Perfect Father's Day,' four-year-old Susie plans a special day for her dad filled with activities like eating at a fast food restaurant, feeding birds at the park, riding the carousel, and playing on the swings. They even end the day with balloons. The story, written by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Susan Meddaugh, offers a humorous and heartwarming portrayal of a father-daughter relationship, capturing the essence of a perfect Father's Day through the eyes of a preschooler. The book's detailed illustrations add subtle humor, making it an ideal read for both parents and children to enjoy together on Father's Day.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some of your favorite things to do with Dad, just like the characters in the book?
How did the little girl show her love and appreciation for her father in the story?
Can you think of a special gift that you’d like to give to someone you care about? What makes it special?
Why do you think spending time together was important to the father and his daughter in the book?
How did the story make you feel about celebrating Father's Day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to the story, which enhances connection and understanding.
Discuss the importance of family traditions and create a dialogue about your own family’s unique celebrations.
Use the gift-giving aspect of the story to talk about thoughtfulness and the joy of making others happy.
Highlight emotions displayed in the book, asking your child how certain actions or moments might make them feel.
Promote creativity by suggesting that your child comes up with their own special day plan for a loved one, just like in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation for parental figures
Explanation: The story showcases a young girl planning a special day for her father, emphasizing the role of showing appreciation and love for parental figures.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express gratitude and love for their own parents or guardians through small gestures and spending quality time together.
Example Lesson: Creativity and thoughtfulness
Explanation: The protagonist carefully selects activities she believes her father will enjoy, demonstrating creativity and thoughtfulness in gift-giving.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively about how to make others happy, applying this thoughtfulness in planning gifts or surprises for family and friends.
Example Lesson: Importance of family bonding
Explanation: The activities chosen are simple yet meaningful, focusing on spending time together rather than material gifts, highlighting the importance of family bonding.
Real-World Application: Children can prioritize activities that foster togetherness within their own families, appreciating the value of presence over presents.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: By considering what her father enjoys, the young girl showcases understanding and empathy towards her father’s preferences and feelings.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be more observant and considerate of others' likes and feelings, enhancing their interpersonal relationships.