Dad and Pop: An Ode to Fathers & Stepfathers
What’s inside...
Perfect for Father’s Day! Dad and stepdad have one important thing in common in a blended-family scenario many readers will happily recognize. I have two fathers. I call this one Dad, and this one Pop. Dad is tall and wears suits. Pop is bald and wears boots. Dad’s into gadgets and Pop’s into plants; one paints on easels, the other on walls; and they certainly don’t share the same taste in music! In this funny, affectionate ode to fathers and stepfathers, a young girl explains that while Dad and Pop may seem completely different, in one crucial way they’re exactly the same — they both love her.
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Child Narrator
Pop
Dad
Discussion points
What are some ways Dad and Pop show love to the child in the story?
How do you think the child feels having both a dad and a stepdad?
What are some activities that the child enjoys doing with Dad and with Pop?
Does this story make you think about anyone special in your life? Who and why?
How can we show our appreciation to people who care for us, just like the child does in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own feelings or memories about your father or father figures to create an open, trusting atmosphere.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story without interrupting, showing them that their opinions are valued.
Relate the story to your child's personal experiences by asking them to draw parallels between their life and the child’s life in the book.
Discuss the different ways people can show love and care, highlighting the variety of relationships people can have with father figures.
After reading, consider doing an activity that mirrors one from the book to deepen the connection between the story and your child’s experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of diverse family structures
Explanation: The book portrays a child who has both a dad and a stepdad, showcasing that families can come in different forms.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect various family dynamics among their peers, promoting inclusiveness and empathy.
Example Lesson: Love and respect
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes that the child loves both father figures equally, though they may have different personalities and roles.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand that respect and love are crucial in maintaining harmonious relationships with all family members, regardless of biological ties.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of individual qualities
Explanation: The child appreciates distinct qualities of both the dad and the stepdad, understanding that each has unique traits that enrich their lives.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value and celebrate the unique characteristics of people around them, fostering a sense of gratitude and admiration.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The protagonist adapts to having two father figures, learning to navigate and cherish different relationships.
Real-World Application: Teaches children resilience and adaptability in facing changes within the family structure or social environment.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: By seeing through the eyes of a child who embraces both a dad and a stepdad, readers gain an understanding of complex family relationships.
Real-World Application: Promotes empathy and understanding among children when they encounter friends or classmates who are in similar family situations.