My review of With a Little Help from Daddy by Dan Andreasen is based on reading in many times to a little boy who is just ready to turn three years old. He loved the book and readily identified with the little elephant. The text on each page is only a few words and says that the little elephant is the fastest on the block, for example, the strongest, etc.. The drawings show the daddy elephant pushing the little elephant on his tricycle, helping the little elephant hold up the weights, etc.. The last page says, "...with a little help from Daddy." The little elephant could be either a boy or a girl. Another book that I read at the same time was I Love My Daddy and Kids. Both books celebrate the amazing things small children can do and show the reader that by words and drawings.
This is a good sell-esteem booster for toddlers. A little elephant lists all the ways he's good at things (being polite, safe when crossing the street...) and his dad is right with him for each example. The underlying theme is parental support and guidance to help little ones be the best they can be. Full page oil paintings show the elephants in various familiar settings (at home, in neighborhood...) with appropriate expressions to match each scene.
A little one shares all of his joys, accomplishments, and all the other various things that he can do, with a little help from his daddy. A father and son's love, and togetherness is explored in this enjoyable read.
Not sure this book would be appropriate for many elementary students, I believe it may be used a little with new kindergarten students, but I struggle to see any other connections.
This book helps kids understand that it's okay to need help from your parents, or anyone for that matter. Children wouldn't be who they are without some guidance from their loved ones. Such a wonderful book with amazing illustrations.