With Dad, It's Like That

by Nadine Brun-Cosme, Magali Le Huche (Illustrator)

When Mom's at the movies, Dad is in charge for the night. And from lumpy potatoes to bathwater that's a little too cold, nothing is quite right.

"That's not how Mom does it," Clara tells Dad. But she soon learns that Dad's ways of doing things aren't so bad—in fact, she even gets two bedtime stories! Being with Dad has its benefits; as her dad explains, "With me, it's like that!"

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Storytime

24 pages, Hardcover

Published May 1, 2016

About the author

Née en 1960, Nadine Brun-Cosme vit en région parisienne. Après avoir exercé plusieurs professions en contact avec des enfants et des adolescents, elle consacre à présent tout son temps à l'écriture. Nadine Brun-Cosme est l’auteure chez Flammarion jeunesse de la série unanimement reconnue «Grand Loup & petit loup» ainsi que des séries «Loup ne sait pas» et «Le club des DYS». Elle a également signé plusieurs albums, dont Moi devant en collaboration avec Olivier Tallec.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw this book, I knew it would be PERFECT for a Neo-dad read. A little girl learns that when he dad is in charge, things are much different than with mom. From bath to supper and even to bedtime. However, in the long run, dad seems to have a unique style that has its own benefits. Neo commented that he loved the different routine we have at my house, though I did not push to find out which he prefers.

[Katie Cooley · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book made me really angry. Dad is portrayed as the fun one while Mom is out for the evening... but why isn't Dad helping Mom with the daily care of the child? What happens the next night when Mom is back running the show and the child doesn't like dinner? She's going to throw a fit and ask for dessert because Dad gave it to her. I'm sure I am reading way too much into this book, but in our house I hope that with Dad it's like... consistent.

[Sharie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't totally dis mom, but how come there aren't any books that show mom giving dessert for once! Dad has always been the more fun one in our house and I know that's why I can't give this glowing reviews...totally my baggage.

[Ms.Gaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

My SLJ review: Mom is out for the night, putting Dad in charge of bath, dinner, and bedtime. On each occasion Clare says, “Dad…That’s not how mom does it.” At bath time and dinnertime, Dad opts for his own methods and replies, “With me, it’s like that.” At bedtime though, Dad decides it’s best to do it the way Mom does it…mostly.

This book about a universal theme, translated from French, is set amid familiar home settings, offering actions and details sure to capture a preschooler’s interest. As bedtime arrives the energetic images are toned down with darkened colors suggesting the calm of nighttime. The one-dimensional characters effectively present a rambunctious little girl and an accommodating dad. His unshaven face and neck give him a scruffy appearance, but it’s obvious he’s a loving father, even if he is a total newbie to his child’s established routine. Ages Preschool.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dad's in charge tonight when Mom goes out. I love the way Dad goes with the flow. When the bathwater is a little too cool and crocodile isn't nibbling at Clare's toes, Dad has crocodile pounce on her belly, her nose and and feet. Splashing and water and fun! When the mashed potatoes aren't like Mom's, then Dad skips it and goes straight to dessert. When Dad reads the bedtime stories too fast, he stops, arranges the bed, starts over and slows down. And then my favorite part. When Clare wants a kiss like Mom gives her, Dad gives her three kisses in his special way. A wonderful look at how each parent has a different approach that makes them unique.

[Jenn · Rating 1 out of 5]

A book about dad not knowing how to put his kid to bed because mom does all the emotional labor. Yawn.

[Pinky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Clare's dad gets her ready for bed and does everything different than the way mom does it.

[Lemon Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean the messaging wasn't great but this was cute and made me smile

[Atlanta]

Things are different when Dad's in charge for the night!

[Kizzi Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

That's not how Mom does it! When Dad is left in charge for a night, Clare points out everything Dad is doing wrong. Clare likes the way Mom does things, and she's not too sure about Dad's way. But soon Clare sees, with Dad, it's like that, and that might be ok.

“With Dad, It's Like That” written by Nadine Brun-Cosme and illustrated by Magali Le Huche emphasizes the importance of the father-daughter bond. The message is clear and well delivered, and the illustrations are detailed and engaging. It may not appeal to many as a book to be read again and again, but it is still a sweet story. Just in time for Father's day, this book would be perfect for Fathers to share with daughters, especially on a father-daughter night in.

Thanks Albert Whitman and Company for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Rebecca]

Mom leaves for a night at the movies, so Dad’s in charge! It doesn’t take Clare long to realize that Dad has his own way of doing things, but his way is good, too. This story has a great message for kids: parents can love and provide care in many different ways. Unfortunately, the parents seem to fall into stereotypical roles. Dad gets to be the messy, fun, and lenient parent for one night (e.g. “With me, it’s like that. Dessert instead of dinner.”), in contrast to Mom, who does everything in a more organized, “just right” fashion each day.

*Note: this story is extremely similar to Daddies Do It Different by Alan Lawrence Sitomer (even following the same dinner-bath-bedtime routine).

[Marcela Zuluaga · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the fact the girl enjoy dad's effort, even tough I consider that compare both parents are quite impertinent. Why mom is always better?
I admit it annoyed me, there are fantastic characteristic of a father could have instead show dad in a unnecessary competition.

illustrations are beautiful

[Jonas · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very different because her dad make weird mountain potatoes.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This super cute book features dad being in charge of bedtime while mom is out. Can dad rise to mom's level? Preschool and up

[Taylor Kundel-Gower · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did you know that Dads are fun man-children!?

[Dagautier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avec moi c’est comme ça ☺️🥰