Hammer and Nails

PreS-Gr 2—Celebrating the bond between an exuberant father and his young daughter, Bledsoe presents a warmhearted picture book about an unusual day the two spend together combining what both like best. When Darcy's friend cancels their plans, her dad attempts to mend the situation by suggesting a "Darcy-Daddy Day." First, coffee time for Daddy is suitably matched with chocolate milk time for Darcy, followed by a special dress-up that inspires Daddy to wear a frilly pink tutu. Another activity transforms the drudgery of straightforward grass-cutting into "Her Majesty's Mowing Service," resulting in Darcy's name being cut in big block letters on the backyard lawn. This is later followed by hammering the fence (which Darcy gets the hang of after a few practice taps) and a manicure (Lumberjack Black for Dad). While the relationship between a father and daughter can be special, Bledsoe presents the atypical premise of what it means to compromise the radically different interests of both. Warrick's expressive full-color illustrations perfectly express this theme in a comical way. Big Daddy, for instance, is represented as a brawny he-man and yet is willing to look silly in a tutu for his "princess." Further, he forgoes the practical task of washing and folding laundry by playing a messy game of throw and catch the socks with his daughter. Darcy is also willing to help with the household chores given a little guidance. There are fewer stories about the father-daughter relationship than the mother-daughter one, making this book an especially unique find ideal for sharing. The concept of compromise is as worthwhile as the idea that "sometimes things you've never done end up being fun."