Dad and Pop (by Kelly Bennett)

The message is positive, inclusive, and inspirational though this blended family situation is a bit simpler than most. Except for one wedding photo, the mother only appears incidentally as she peeks out of the tent, and the girl has no other siblings to complicate things.The tone and basic message of this story should be an inspiration to blended families, especially to the dads. In every scene, the little girl (and one of her fathers) seem happy as they swim, fish, work in the yard, paint and so on. They are doing things differently, but the joy is the same. Life is pretty uncomplicated; this is just about the little girl and her dads. 

The story doesn't address any of the other issues that might make blending families difficult, but it does teach that blending can work if love and caring are the bottom line.  The illustrations are soft and pleasant, and they do an excellent job of bringing out that essential point.

Cute, simple illustrations are done in watercolors, acrylic, and pastels that nearly burst with the joy of a father and daughter enjoying life together. Dad's pictures fill the page, while Pop's are bordered with a bit of white space...just another little touch to drive home the point of the book. Short phrases in strong black lettering deliver the story.