The Bureau of Misplaced Dads
What’s inside...
When a little boy realizes, "I accidentally misplaced my dad this morning," he runs outside to look for him. There he meets a man who tells the boy he works at the Bureau of Misplaced Dads. "Come with me," the man says. "With any luck, your father will be there waiting for you ..." At the Bureau of Misplaced Dads, the boy is shown dozens of dads who are missing their children --- including a Super Dad, a dancing dad and a dad "who always looks like he's just gotten out of bed" --- but none of them are the right dad. None of them are his dad. Is the little boy looking in the wrong place? This funny and heartwarming picture book covers a subject every child can relate to --- the fear of getting separated from a parent. However, in Éric Veillé's original story, the roles are reversed and the child is the one searching, while the dads are all "lost" and waiting to be picked up. The illustrations by Pauline Martin highlight quirky details of the fathers, bringing a light touch to the subject. This book would be a useful classroom tool to begin a discussion about the sensitive topic of fear. With so many different kinds of dads represented here, this book could also spark a lively conversation on family diversity, or even a sharing presentation in which each child can choose which dad is the most like his or her own and why.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How would you feel if you were separated from me, like the little boy in the story? What would you do?
Why do you think the dads were in the Bureau of Misplaced Dads? How do you think they felt?
What did you think about the different types of dads in the bureau? Which one did you find the most interesting or funny?
How did the story end? What do you think is the message the author wanted to share about families?
If you could create a bureau, what would it be for and who would you help?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your thoughts on the importance of family and asking your child about their favorite family memories.
While discussing the book, show empathy by sharing a personal story about a time you felt misplaced or lost, helping your child relate better to the emotional aspects of the story.
Encourage imaginative thinking by asking your child to think of other possible endings to the story or alternative solutions for finding misplaced dads.
Use the illustrations in the book to engage your child visually and ask them to describe what they see or to guess what might happen next before turning the page.
Reinforce the message of cherishing family by planning a family activity inspired by the story, ensuring reading transforms into shared experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: The young protagonist continuously searches for his lost father, demonstrating persistence throughout the narrative.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by not giving up easily in their pursuits, whether in solving a problem at school or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Value of problem-solving
Explanation: The boy tackles the issue of his misplaced dad by visiting the Bureau of Misplaced Dads and figuring out steps to find him.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach problems systematically and think critically to find solutions in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of diverse family structures
Explanation: The book showcases different dads at the Bureau, highlighting diversity in family forms and relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and appreciate different family dynamics they encounter among peers, promoting inclusivity and empathy.
Example Lesson: Emotional resilience
Explanation: The protagonist experiences emotional challenges during his search, but learns to manage his feelings and stay hopeful.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that it is okay to feel sad or frustrated, and teaches them ways to cope with their emotions healthily.
Example Lesson: Importance of asking for help
Explanation: In his quest, the protagonist seeks assistance from the Bureau, illustrating the usefulness of seeking help when needed.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to seek help from teachers, parents, or friends when facing difficulties instead of struggling alone.