This week for the These Dads Are Doing It Right series I want to share with you some fantastic children’s books. These books share empowering stories that all kids and adults should read. These authors share incredible stories that offer valuable life lessons. In addition, if there are any other dads that you think we should check out, leave their name and info in the comment section below.
Dads Writing Empowering Children’s Book
James Catchpole – You’re SO Amazing
In this authentic and humorous picture book, a child with a limb difference is tired of being told how amazing he is for doing normal things. Joe and his friend Simone are practicing their best playground tricks. Yet, everyone keeps saying how amazing Joe is, even when he tries to let Simone be the star. Will he ever get to be just Joe? Does he have to be amazing or not? The Catchpoles live in the United Kingdom with their two young daughters and invite you to visit them online at thecatchpoles.net or whathappenedtoyou.co.uk, and on Instagram @thecatchpoles. Check out my interview with James here.
Danny Jordan – The Capables (Rae’s First Day)
The Capables (Rae’s First Day) is a book by Danny Jordan. Danny is a first-time dad and got inspired to write this book for his daughter Emerson. She was born with an upper limb difference. This graphic-format book series features superhero kids with visible and non-visible disabilities whose powers activate through empowerment.
Glen Dick – We Can Go Anywhere
Glen Dick’s career as a landscape architect, his sense of adventure and zest for life were temporarily slowed Thankfully it was not defeated, by a spinal cord injury in 1995. The birth of his daughter helped him. She made him see that his limitations are actually a blessing. Therefore, it has led to hours of creative imaginative play. We Can Go Anywhere: My Adventures on Daddy’s Chair is a book by Glen Dick. It is an inspirational story written about a father who uses a wheelchair. In addition, his daughter Elaina, helps out by turning what others see as a limitation into an adventurous journey. This book shows them celebrating their bond.
Leslie A. Johnson – Dad On Wheels
Dad On Wheels is a book by Leslie A. Johnson. This book came to be by a real question from his son “Daddy, why can’t you stand? This colorfully illustrated book answers with transparency to help parents and kids talk about physical disabilities, resilience, and empathy.
Bonus Book
Molly Burke – Eltie Takes the Lead
Molly Burke wrote a book called Eltie Takes the Lead, is on-sale October 13. She is happy to be bringing a picture book to life. It is after her debut memoir, Unseen, published last year. Eltie Takes the Lead is day-in-the-life of a blind child and her guide dog. You are reading it as Burke’s real-life guide dog, Eltie. In addition, she has also donated 100% of her author’s advance for Eltie Takes The Lead to The Mira Foundation. The Mira Foundation provides guide dogs to blind kids in need.