Some Dads…

by Nick Bland

Some dads are very careful and some dads misbehave. Each dad has his own way of being a dad and they are all delightful! Another instant classic from Nick Bland!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family, Storytime, Fiction, Animals, Poetry

24 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Nick Bland was born in the Yarra Valley of Australia, in 1973. He was the son of an artist and a primary school teacher, and spent his early years on the farm where his parents lived. At age six, he moved with his family to 'the bush'. He wanted to be a cartoonist and a writer from a very young age. In 1996, he took a job at a book store, and decided to write and illustrate children's books. His first book, "A Monster Wrote Me a Letter" was published in Australia in 2005. He currently lives in Darwin, Australia and works full time as an author illustrator.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dads come in all shapes and sizes, as is illustrated in this book. Through a series of rhymes, the young reader learns about these dads and why they are important to people the world over. With glorious pictures and an easy to read style, Nick Bland creates excitement for the young reader as they grow closer to their dad. Hopefully he is around to read with them. Neo loved this piece, as it illustrates the fun we have together. He told me that he will always remember me and loves reading about 'kids and dads together'. My work here is done!!

[Em Alaġbary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet idea and well done but felt a bit short. Just wanted more.

[Cai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick Bland has gained success by writing the Cranky Bear series, which Victoria has a box set of. This book was so great. I love books that are about fathers too as I don't think there is enough. Plenty about mothers and your stereotypical nuclear family, so when I see a Daddy book, I have to jump on it! This book is bright, quick and easy, showing all Daddy's are different.

Reread at Babes'n'Books. V @ 5 months

[Cat Fithian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. It's cute and rhyme-y, but some of the rhymes are forced. The illustrations are complex and wouldn't read well for a group, but if you prefer to have animals instead of dealing with truly multicultural diversity, have at it.

[Imaginarium de Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un album pour les tout-petits (à partir de 2 ans) qui nous parle de plusieurs types de papas. Les illustrations sont belles et mes petites grenouilles l'ont adorées. Bien sûr, nous l'avons lu plusieurs fois.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute poem, great illustrations! Will be a hit at storytime for Father's Day.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great weird drawings, fun prose. A bit short.

7/10

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

bouncy rhymes bold illustrations

[Casandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect Fathers' Day read!

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute quick read. Would be a good pick for a Father's Day storytime for Pre-k.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dads can do all sorts of things. Bland takes young readers through the many things dads can do/be.

[Emma.Qambari]

It was amazing

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liked the story

[Maeve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story celebrating dads and the love for their children.

Storytime:
Dads
Animals

[Freddie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick Bland's work is always wonderful, and this is a beautiful tribute to Dads in all forms.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A humorous, rhyming story describing the differences between dads.

[Chuck Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

It started strong, had a lull through the middle part of the story but ended with a classic twist that left me on edge!! Another Nick Bland classic!!!

[Shay · Rating 3 out of 5]

feels negative depiction of dads, art unattractive

[Bonnie Ferrante · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is laugh out loud funny the first page. But, it is also endearing. Various animal fathers are shown anthropomorphized with exuberant expressions. I think it would make a wonderful gift for any dad.

On the first page we read, “There are some dads who worry.” The double-page, beautifully illustrated picture is of a baby elephant in a bikini on a diving board, ready to jump. On the side of the pool stands the father elephant with six lifesaver rings. There are at least 10 more floating in the pool. The father elephant’s ears are up and his eyes are frozen on his daughter on the diving board.

The second double-page spread reads, “And some dads who hurry.” A polar bear, with his child on his back, speeds down the hill on skis. Featured in the book are dads who get lost, are sporty, are naughty, brighten your day, stroll, rock ‘n roll, love the outdoors, and are loud. It ends with, “And all dads are proud.” The last page shows a little zebra hanging on to the leg of his father and reads, “And you’ll never forget which is yours.”

The book has a loose rhyme scheme that works well: A A B C C B D D E F F E. I think the syllabication on the last page could have been improved, perhaps with – and you won’t forget which is yours.

I love the message that all dads are different except in the way that they love their children.

[Carolyn]

In his cheery tribute to fathers, Nick Bland depicts all sorts of animal parents exuberantly interacting with their offspring. We laugh at an over-protective elephant papa who fills a swimming pool with life rings and a mischievous sheep who can’t resist throwing a water balloon at his child.

Readers, both young and old, will enjoy the playful rhyming and the jubilant illustrations. Some Dads… is an excellent choice for Father’s Day or Dads’ Day at preschool, delivering a fun and affectionate message about diversity and unconditional love.

Some dads like strolling.
And some dads rock ‘n rolling.
And some dads just love the outdoors.

Well suited to children aged two and up.

Highlighted in our Terrific Picture Books About Fathers and Fatherhood post

[Rachelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. I really liked the pictures however the I was left unimpressed with the words. I liked when the endings rhymed but when they didn't it lost rhythm for me and I didn't enjoy reading it over and over. I felt that this book could have been very good if the flow when reading was better.

[Caspette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute and simple book that celebrates your dad. Probably best for the really young say 1-5 crowd.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute story about dads

[Chanel Chapters · Rating 3 out of 5]

I personally thought it was a little too simple but for whatever reason (probably the animals) kiddo likes it

[Louise Koch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a lovely story about how every Dad is unique.

[Matt Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one's good fun, with a message at the end that's always good to share with the kids.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dad/Parents/Father's Day storytime