Girl Dad
Celebration of fathers and daughters challenges stereotypes.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Girl Dad is the first children's book by Sean Williams. He's the founder and CEO of The Dad Gang, a community of dads redefining, revolutionizing, and reshaping the image of Black fatherhood. This book is an extension of that important mission. It illustrates the roles that fathers of daughters take on in order to support, encourage, and empower their girls. It defies stereotypes by portraying the dads rocking bows, throwing tea parties, dancing to princess songs, and other activities usually perceived as "girly." It also portrays girls taking risks, making decisions, exhibiting girl power, and having positive impacts on their dads. Most girl dads will be able to relate to the universal girl dad experience in the charming rhymes, but the illustrations convey a much-needed celebration of Black fatherhood.
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What's the Story?
GIRL DAD is a celebration of the father-daughter relationship. It not only discusses what impact a girl dad has on his daughter but also includes the impact his daughter has on him. A young female narrator says, "There are some things about a girl dad that I think the world should know," and the rest of the book shows us, "There's nothing a dad won't do for his favorite girl." Girl dad is not afraid to participate in his daughter's favorite activities like dancing ballet, painting fingernails, and creating art with unicorns and glitter. Girl dad is protective, kissing boo-boos, and wiping away tears. He teaches his daughter to catch and pitch and to be brave and face her fears. Girl dad inspires, empowers, and reminds his daughter of her worth, while she gives him "superdaddy powers and daily inspiration."
Is It Any Good?
There's so much love to be felt in this delightful book. Girl Dad is not just an enjoyable read, but it's an important display of images that are not often shown in the media. The colorful and captivating illustrations by debut illustrator Jay Davis honor the Black fathers who are pouring so much goodness into their daughters and inspiring the next generation. The words are universal, making it a relatable read for all girl dads and their daughters -- and a sweet experience for those who may know a girl dad who "looks his best in purple or pink and can even rock a bow."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about positive role models in Girl Dad. How does a girl dad help his daughter grow up to be strong? How does he have fun with his daughter? How does he show that he cares?
Do you know someone who's a girl dad? Is the person like the girl dads in the book? How can you honor the girl dads you know?
Which of the activities in the book do you like to do?
Book Details
- Author: Sean Williams
- Illustrator: Jay Davis
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Adventures, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Communication, Empathy
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
- Publication date: May 31, 2022
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: June 1, 2022
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For kids who love dad books and positive stories of Black and Brown kids
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