The Summer My Father Was Ten by Pat Brisson

This sensitively told account will be appreciated by young readers who’re interested in complex, realistic, yet hopeful family stories. When Val’s treatment requires a temporary move from sunny San Diego to wintery New York, Thyme assumes she’ll be back to her old life in a few months. Thyme is the middle child in her family, and she feels as though she doesn’t count for much because her little brother has cancer and needs so much of her parents‘ time and energy. This unusually told and poignant story portrays the loving relationship between the adult father and his young daughter.ĬOUNTING THYME is author Melanie Conklin’s 2016 debut novel for readers in grades fourth and up. A friendship blossomed and endured until the old man died. The following spring, he approached the old man and helped him grow another garden. After the game turned into a food fight using vegetables from the garden of an elderly neighbor, her father felt terrible. And every year, her father tells her about the summer he was ten and played baseball with a bunch of friends. Every year, the child narrator helps her dad plant, tend, and harvest a garden. Although in appearance a picture book, this story is definitely for older children ages eight to twelve. THE SUMMER MY FATHER WAS TEN, written by Pat Brisson, is illustrated with detailed, realistic watercolors by Andrea Shine.

Pair this with HI for a comparison of the activities and feelings that kids share with their mothers and fathers.

With very few words (only about 100) and imaginative, boldly colorful pictures, this book will encourage little ones to think and talk about their own fathers. The quiet, supportive relationship between a parent and child is beautifully depicted in this charming read-aloud for preschoolers and kindergartners.Īnother picture book, MY DADDY, written and illustrated by Susan Paradis, conveys the close connection between an involved father and his young son. Finally, when the post office worker smiles and returns the little girl’s greeting, young listeners will understand her sense of satisfaction. The child attempts to interact with the strangers waiting in line, but no one responds.

The illustrations by Glo Coalson expand the text with bold, expressive watercolors.

HI is a simple story by Ann Herbert Scott about a toddler Hispanic girl who goes with her mother to the post office. These four books focus on the important interpersonal relationships within families.

The Summer My Father Was Ten by Pat Brisson