Dads on Books

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff

The Dads return to a classic If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff, Illustrated by Felicia Bond. Is it really a classic? It was written after Mike and David were kids, but it was written during the 1900s even during the Cold War. We’re gonna call it a classic. It’s also our first recording on location! Mike and David recorded this one outside of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City after finishing a wonderful two days at Podcast Movement 2026. It’s a really fun book from the if you do one thing, then another thing happens, and then another, and they told two friends and so on and so on genre. It’s really fun art and Mike and Dave totally recommend it. Great to read to kids, with kids, even near kids! If you liked this episode, check out these: Underground by David Macaulay because Mike and David loved being in New York City which, after all these years, still breathes. Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears by Verna Aardema with pictures by Leo and Diane Dillon, another classic “If you do this then that happens…” book. That’s a thing. We mean it. And now a word from our sponsors. (Well, not really sponsors (yet), just places we love to get books from and hope that you'll go to if you need one (and get them to sponsor us while you're there).) Books in Stock in Wooster, OH A House with Books in Keller, TX River Forest Public Library, River Forest, IL Grapevine Public Library, Grapevine, TX Keller Public Library, Keller, TX Questions? Comments? Concerns? Have a great library or independent book store you love? Let us know! Email us at dadsonbooks@gmail.com

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs aka Meatheads? by Judi Barrett

This just in. It's another classic Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett, illustrated by Ron Barrett. The Dads visit the town of Chewandswallow. Your read that right—one word, one giant word. It's a super fun book in which the weather is SPOILER ALERT!! not raining men, but raining food! Sound delicious? It most certainly is, but, casual listener, do not fear. Problems arise, conflicts unfold, and a mild discomfort rears its ugly head (cheese), yum! (Head cheese? I’d rather eat a peanut butter and mayonnaise sandwich.) There are so many fun things, great details, and all the plot twists. AND! Fun, detailed artwork in a new palette: RY or Red Yellow. And details you spend a lap time with your child discovering. If you liked this episode, check out these: Underground by David Macaulay How Martha Saved her Parents from Green Beans by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Mark Fearing Lisa Desimini, one of our fun illustrator/author conversations And now a word from our sponsors. (Well, not really sponsors (yet), just places we love to get books from and hope that you'll go to if you need one (and get them to sponsor us while you're there).) Books in Stock in Wooster, OH A House with Books in Keller, TX River Forest Public Library, River Forest, IL Grapevine Public Library, Grapevine, TX Keller Public Library, Keller, TX Questions? Comments? Concerns? Have a great library or independent book store you love? Let us know! Email us at dadsonbooks@gmail.com

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Author Friend Victoria Kann! The Wrath Of Kann Too

We're back... with part two of our wonderful conversation with Victoria Kann, author of the newly released Snickerdoodle and the absolute classically classic, Pinkalicious, as well as many of its sequels and spinoffs. Last week we talked about snickerdoodle, which by the way was published just last week! Check it out! We also talked about Pinkalicious, Purplicious, and many more. the spinoff This week we start off with Peteriffic and dive deeper into the history of Victoria’s art in the beginning of her career as a graphic designer and how it lead to her current work and style. She tells what it was like to work with Irish animators—not to give it away, but “interesting” and “exciting” may have been used. It was a fun and enlightening conversation, and we look forward to more! If you liked this episode, you’ll love these: Pinkalicious, where it all started for us... And Victoria. The original origin story. Check out our other author interviews: Dan Gutman Dan Yaccarino Chris Grabenstein Alan Katz Linda Harkey Lisa Desimini And now a word from our sponsors. Well, not really sponsors, just places we like to get books and hope that you'll go to if you need one: Our traveling feature of the month: The Library Hotel and Bookmarks Rooftop Lounge in New York City where we met some of our author friends. Beautiful and fun and book themed. Check it Out. Books in Stock in Wooster, OH A House with Books in Keller, TX Talking Animals Books in Grapevine, TX River Forest Public Library in River Forest, IL Grapevine Public Library in Grapevine, TX Keller Public Library in Keller, TX Don’t live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth or Chicago areas? Tell us about your favorite library or independent book store in your town. Do you have questions, comments, concerns, or the best Dad Joke ever: Email us at dadsonbooks@gmail.com

Featuring Victoria Kann: Snickerdoodle and the Case of Victoria's Awry April Fools Joke, Part 1

We have yet another author guest! It’s Victoria Kann, yes, she of Pinkalicious fame! We talk about the Pinkalicious origin story (spoiler alert: April Fools!) and how she came up with the title’s design. Victoria talks about her early days as a freelance graphic design artist: a collage of work, if you will. And as always, we talk about her illustration techniques. And, as always, it’s very cool. We talk about her latest book Snickerdoodle which is published the day after this episode drops! Yes, Victoria shares the origin story. Lots of origin stories in this one! She asked the question, “What if”—sorry. You’re going to have to listen. It’s really fun. And details? You like details? So many interesting details about her thank yous in her books. And we explore the tremendous amount of wonderful details in the illustrations that we’ve noticed, discovered, rediscovered, and, most importantly, shared with our girls as we read and enjoyed Victoria’s books with them over the years. We hope you will too! We had such a great time with Victoria and while we weren’t surprised it didn’t make it any less awesome. If you liked this episode, you’ll love these: Pinkalicious, where it all started. For us. And Victoria. The original origin story. Check out our other author interviews: Dan Gutman Dan Yaccarino Chris Grabenstein Alan Katz Linda Harkey Lisa Desimini And now a word from our sponsors. Well, not really sponsors, just places we like to get books and hope that you'll go to if you need one: Books in Stock in Wooster, OH A House with Books in Keller, TX Talking Animals Books in Grapevine, TX River Forest Public Library in River Forest, IL Grapevine Public Library in Grapevine, TX Keller Public Library in Keller, TX Don’t live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth or Chicago areas? Tell us about your favorite library or independent book store in your town. Do you have questions, comments, concerns, or the best Dad Joke ever: Email us at dadsonbooks@gmail.com

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Miss Nelson is Missing, or Someone should eat those horrible children

It’s Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard, illustrated by James Marshall and Mike and David take a trip back to their childhood, OK not their childhood but at least the era of their childhood. While neither read it as kids, but one of them may have read it to their kids. You must listen to find out. The book is kind of clever, silly, fun, and even a bit dated, but in a good way like a good old classic. Is Miss Nelson missing? Will they ever find her? And if so, will she be changed or will she be the same Miss Nelson who we fell in love with a little bit from the very beginning? Intrigue and suspense. Just read it to find out. This book has everything. There’s a lovely teacher, horribly behaving kids, really fun illustrations, mathematics, sharks (very unpleasant), and Mars. It’s a fun read especially to read with and to young kids. And Dad Jokes. Many Dad Jokes. If you liked this episode, check out these: Underground by David Macaulay Lisa Desimini, one of our fun illustrator/author conversations Shrek because of fun illustrations and the hairs of our chinny chin chins Future episodes: No, David and The Stupids And now a word from our sponsors. (Well, not really sponsors (yet), just places we love to get books from and hope that you'll go to if you need one (and get them to sponsor us while you're there).) Books in Stock in Wooster, OH A House with Books in Keller, TX River Forest Public Library, River Forest, IL Grapevine Public Library, Grapevine, TX Keller Public Library, Keller, TX Questions? Comments? Concerns? Have a great library or independent book store you love? Let us know! Email us at dadsonbooks@gmail.com

The Secret Coders or How I Learned to Love a Teeny Eni Robot Turtle

It’s only our second graphic novel, and boy was it graphic! And novel. And second! It’s The Secret Coders written by Gene Luen Yang and illustrated by Mike Holmes, the first in a six-book educational graphic novel collection. Mike and David bring on the cowbell for the first time. And the last? It's educational. (Just a little. Just a bit of coding. It’s basic. Not Basic.) It’s a mystery! The Mystery of the Black Squirrel? Nope. The Murder Grounds of the Dead Horse? Neigh. But there is mystery. And intrigue. And subterfuge. If anyone knows what that last one means, please email us. And the story? A mother drops her daughter off at a creepy, haunted-looking boarding school. It’s her first day. At a new school. It won’t be her last... Well actually, we don’t know that for sure as the entire book takes place in one day. And there are six books. Hmmm. 6 days? Consecutive days? Mike and David are huge fans of Gene Luen Yang's protagonist Hopper, a relatable, feisty yet vulnerable girl and her new friend Eni. (Oh, don't forget the little turtle robot dude). They stumble upon a mystery, seek to solve it, make some discoveries, which only creates more questions. Only five more books to figure it all out. Graphic novel awesomeness, from illustrator Mike Holmes. The illustrations are classic with different points of view and perspectives, shadows, light, foreboding, four bearings, intriguingly coded chapter headings, meaningful captions like, “This is when we started changing into what we would actually become.” Whoa... BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE! Mike and David, shockingly, take a detour down memory lane to their first data memories. David talks about programming in Basic on a TRS 80 and storing the data on a cassette. Mike is all, “Hold my beer.” His dad brought home a stack of WHAT? Wait for it... Punch cards! What's that about hanging chads?... And the Dan jokes? There’s a plenty. And about computers. But you'll have to be patient. They take a while to process. If you liked this episode, check out these: Our first (and other) graphic novel: El Deafo by Cece Bell R. L. Stine’s Monster Slime, another good mystery and available as a graphic novel Our author interview with Dan Gutman Amelia and the Babysitter because we mentioned it. And it’s a fun take on babysitting. Again with the whatever. Future Episodes: More graphic novels!! And now a word from our sponsors. (Well, not really sponsors (yet), just places we love to get books from and hope that you'll go to if you need one (and get them to sponsor us while you're there). Books in Stock in Wooster, OH A House with Books in Keller, TX River Forest Public Library, River Forest, IL Grapevine Public Library, Grapevine, TX Keller Public Library, Keller, TX Questions? Comments? Concerns? Have a great library or independent book store you love? Let us know! Email us at dadsonbooks@gmail.com

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“I Want my Hat Back” by Jon Klassen, or the bear with a naked head complex

In this episode, Mike and David decided to go to another B2 BB episode, a.k.a. Back to Board Books with I Want my Hat Back by Jon Klassen. It’s a cute, fun book and David figured out that it was a SPOILER ALERT!—bear. Whaaaaat? I know right!! There all kinds of fun animal illustrations: animals being curious and animals being nice and even animals being helpful. And the mystery of the missing hat which, of course, the bear wants back! And FOREshadowing? ForeSHAdowing you ask? There’s all kinds of foreshadoWING. With foreshadowing here, and foreshadowing there, here a foreshadowing, there a foreshadowing, everywhere a ForeSHAdowing, FOREshadowing. And like old McDonald, it's a really fun book with illustrations that are not as simple and straightforward as you think. You’ve been warned! And wasn’t too hard to find Dad Jokes for this one. Animals everywhere! And FORESHADOWING... If you liked this episode, check out these: One of our favorite books starring animals? The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton A parade of really cool animals? Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Earsby Verna Aardema For Dad Jokes and other fun stuff, check out our two part discussion with the hilarious and talented Alan Katz and his book The Funniest Joke Book Ever for Kids Future Episodes: Eric Carle books!! And now a word from our sponsors. (Well, not really sponsors (yet), just places we love to get books from and hope that you'll go to if you need one (and get them to sponsors us while you're there). Books in Stock in Wooster, OH A House with Books in Keller, TX River Forest Public Library, River Forest, IL Grapevine Public Library, Grapevine, TX Keller Public Library, Keller, TX Questions? Comments? Concerns? Have a great library or independent book store you love? Let us know! Email us at dadsonbooks@gmail.com

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Shrek!

Did you know that Shrek! was based on a book called Shrek!? Neither did we. And not just any book, but a book called Shrek! And Mike was all, "we totally have to read this book one day." Well kids, today is the day... Well, it’s not the day that we read it—that was a few days ago... And this is not the day that we recorded it—that was also a few days ago. But TODAY is the day that the episode about the book and about the movie based on the book that inspired the episode drops. Well, not today, unless you listen on 8.16.26. This is the day that you are listening to the episode that dropped on that day that we recorded after we read the book, well after watching the movie it was based on. Mike and David both saw the movie but don’t remember much about it. But we do know this: the book is a lot of fun. There’s Shrek, who is more disgusting and vile than any creature depicted in cartoon world. There’s all kinds of fun rhythms as it goes back-and-forth and back-and-forth and hither and yon. It’s silly, random, whacky, and, as Mike put it, “a mixture of rhymey timey thingies and stuff that doesn’t.” There’s even a knight who smotes! And a hall of mirrors! Such a fun book. Check it out. If you like monsters and scary stuff: R. L. Stine’s Monster Blood And there’s a lot of monsters and scary stuff in Ingri and Edgar D’Aulaires’s Book of Greek Myths. And now a word from our sponsors. (Well, not really sponsors, just places we love to get books from and hope that you'll go to if you need one). Books in Stock in Wooster, OH A House with Books in Keller, TX River Forest Public Library, River Forest, IL Grapevine Public Library, Grapevine, TX Keller Public Library, Keller, TX Questions? Comments? Concerns? Have a great library or independent book store you love? Let us know! Email us at dadsonbooks@gmail.com

I need a NEW BUTT One that won’t make me sick one that won’t make me crash my car…or The Uncanny Fanny

In a very special back to school episode, the Dads discuss I Need a NEW BUTT! (Originally published in the U. K. as I Need a New Bum, but America!) by Dawn McMillan. Probably not found on many Summer Reading Lists, butt enjoyable none the less. Also this is the Dads’ first battery powered book, which gets to 88mph in no time and takes the Dads on a trip down memory lane and going back in time to the past with a deep discussion of the wonderful song Huey Lewis and the News's “I Need a New (Drug) Butt!” And we paraphrase. Butt we digress. Enjoy the butt jokes. And the puns, toot. And them dern toot noises. And the euphemisms. Sorry, boyz will b boyz, a.b.c. D.M.P. There's whole lotta laughin’ goin’ on. And, how did they like the book? Let’s just say David shows his before Mike shows his. Mike gets into his busta rhymes rewriting the rhymey rhymes, cuz that's how he chimes. If you’d love this episode, you’ll love these, toot. Dr. Seuss’ Fox in Socks Alan Katz, parts one and two And now a word from our sponsors. (Well, not really sponsors, just places we love to get books from and hope that you'll go to if you need one). Books in Stock in Wooster, OH A House with Books in Keller, TX River Forest Public Library, River Forest, IL Grapevine Public Library, Grapevine, TX Keller Public Library, Keller, TX Questions? Comments? Concerns? Have a great library or independent book store you love? Let us know! Email us at dadsonbooks@gmail.com

Amelia Bedilia and the Baby, aka Tarnation! That was Plum Fun!

It’s David’s first time to read the world-famous series, Amelia Bedelia! And what better place to start than Amelia Bedelia and the Baby! aka Tarnation! That was Plum Fun! Mike read this with his girls when they were young. He (and they) liked it then and he—nope, not gonna do it. Not gonna tell you. Wouldn't be prudent. And David, well he—wait a second. Trying to trick me again? Sorry I’m not falling for that. You gotta listen. We will tell you, the Dads had fun talking about the book to the surprise of absolutely no one! The story arc is discussed, disgust is discussed. Just kidding that was fun to type though. (Mike thought it was discuss-ting). There's four shadowing five shadowing, there's even two shadowing, just a lot of shadowing going on. There's history: we discover how sliders were invented! Yum Yum Yum! And speaking of food there's berries and raspberry tarts and other food stuff like stuntloaf. Warning: do not (repeat) DO NOT listen to this if you are hungry. Seriously, folks, as part of the “I Can Read” series, let’s just say that this book is good to read to kids who need help reading, and therefore are learning. Lots of fun. And learning. And reading. The illustrations are done in David's second favorite art form/illustration method: for those who are new that would be ink and watercolor. And what is David's first favorite you say? (If you didn't say that, you should have), that would be well let's just say it rhymes with rayon. If you liked this episode, you'll LOVE these: We love bonnets that remind us of Laura Ingalls Wilder: Little House in the Big Woods: the Dads Learn to Smoke a Deer Who was Laura Ingalls Wilder: Cliff's Notes and Spoiler Alerts Books about fun girls: Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus: We Didn't Get on Board With This One! Ivy and Bean and Stella: What's up with Your Spleen? And now a word from our sponsors. (Well, not really sponsors, just places we love to get books from and hope that you'll go to if you need one). Books in Stock in Wooster, OH A House with Books in Keller, TX River Forest Public Library, River Forest, IL Grapevine Public Library, Grapevine, TX Keller Public Library, Keller, TX Questions? Comments? Concerns? Have a great library or independent book store you love? Let us know! Email us at dadsonbooks@gmail.com

Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths, or I want my 2 D'Aulaires

David and Mike enter the world of Greek mythology...but first.. December 1978. Dallas, Texas. David's French grandmother, Tia (which is Spanish for aunt, but that's what they called her. And she wasn't really his grandmother, but his mother's aunt by marriage who raised her from 12 years old (his mom was 12, not her aunt, his Tia) hence Tia. Why Spanish and not Tante which is French for aunt? Because Texas. A lot of her nieces and nephews called her Tante Aline, Aline being her first name) gave David Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths. How did he like it? Well, he re-read it and recorded a podcast episode with his friend Mike about it 47 1/2 years later, so listen and find out. ...and what a weird, wonderful, and sometimes violent world it is. The predecessors to Zeus and the Olympians, the world's first birth by B section. That's right. Athena sprouted from Zeus' brain. No doctor necessary. There's Ares the god of war and his sidekick Eris the goddess of troublemaking, and David's daughter's favorite Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, because, "if you mess around with her, you're kinda cooked." Turns out Greek mythology is littered (literally?) with people who defy, ignore, or disrespect the gods. Delaney is right. Kinda cooked. One of the few mortals who respects Artemis and is such a good hunter and a good dude, she respects him and is therefore never cooked is the Irish god O'Ryan—or is it Orion? In any event, he now wears the most famous belt in the northen hemisphere. There are so many more interesting gods, goddesses, hereos and heroines, tales that tell us where words came from like echo and narcissist and so many more!! The D’Aulaires’ (yes, “s’ “ is correct. Trust us. It’s discussed b’us.) Book of Greek Myths is a great introduction to Greek mythology especially for kids with beautiful artwork by the D'Aulaires. Recommended by the Dads, the D, and the Dentists. 5 out of 5. We also debut a new feauture: Dad Jokes: If you can't find one, write one. Check it out. If you liked this episode, you'll LOVE these: Where did Delaney's love of Greek Myths take her? Why, Percy Jackson, of course. Because the Dads talked about it, check out our special July 4th episode Dan Gutman. Part One and Part Two Dan Yaccarino: Part Uno, Part Due Lisa Desimin: Part One, Part Two And now a word from our sponsors. (Well, not really sponsors, just places we love get books from and hope that you'll go to if you need one). Books in Stock in Wooster, OH A House with Books in Keller, TX Talking Animals Books in Grapevine, TX River Forest Public Library in River Forest, IL Grapevine Public Library Keller Public Library Questions? Comments? Concerns? Have a great library or independent book store you love? Let us know! Email us at dadsonbooks@gmail.com

Lisa, part due: the Wrath of Crayons

Couldn’t wait for part two with illustrator/author Lisa Desimini? Now you don’t have to. Lisa, Mike, and David continue their conversation with some rainy weather, 64 (or 64,000?) crayons, and a culinarily interesting conversation about marshmallows. It’s yummy. We discuss The Fleatastics, Lisa’s “second funny book”, how she came up with the idea, and how she discovered that she’s funny: her editor told her she’s hilarious. Speaking of origin stories, Mike tells us how we came talk with our first author guest Dan “The Man” Gut “The” Man and many of his friends. And one of their friends, i.e., a.k.a., etc., Lisa. In part one, we discussed My Beautiful Child, She Sang Promise, in this episode we talk about Fleatasticks and Fire Pups and o’er stuffs. If you liked this episode, you’ll love these other author interviews: Our Dan Dutman episode without Dan: Gutman: It’s Halloween I’m Turning Green And our two episodes with Dan: Where are Dr. Carbles Marbles! and where's my Pfeffernusse? Lisa’s friend author/ illustrator Dan Yaccarino on Sorrento, Piccolo, and Jacques Cousteau, parte uno El Deafo and when kids are inspired Future episode: Most Marshmallows by Rowboat Watkins And now a word from our sponsors. Well, not really sponsors, just places we like to get books and hope that you'll go to if you need one: David’s newest favorite book store in beautiful Golden, BC, Canada: Four Points Books. It’s in an old building with new books on the first floor and gently used books on the second floor. David and his girls may have bought one or two or seven books there. Shh. Tax deductible. Books in Stock in Wooster, OH A House with Books in Keller, TX Talking Animals Books in Grapevine, TX River Forest Public Library in River Forest, IL Grapevine Public Library in Grapevine, TX Keller Public Library in Keller, TX Don’t live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth or Chicago areas? Tell us about your favorite library or independent book store in your town. Do you have questions, comments, concerns, or the best Dad Joke ever: Email us at dadsonbooks@gmail.com

Lisa Desimini like “Yosemite”: a fantastic, fun (funtastic?) conversation with the fantastical illustrator/author

It’s time for another guest! An author? Sort of. Another daughter? Yes, but not ours’s. It’s Illustrator/author Lisa Desimini!!! I mean-ie, we talk about books so why not have people who illustrate and write books, right? Lisa, disseminate de Samini disseminate den't se meany, Desimini is the illustrator and/or author of over 30 children’s books. Mike and David have read a number of them and loved all of them. She is our sixth author to chat with us on the podcast and if you include our daughters, our 12th guest. And after you listen to this episode, you’ll understand why she definitely ranks in our top 20. Seriously, we have a great conversation and a fun time hangin' with Lisa. And talking about her many books. And we had so much fun, we had to split it into two episodes. So heeeere’s part one where we blah blah yada yada blah. Please enjoy. In part one, we discuss My Beautiful Child which Lisa wrote and her husband Matt illustrated, She Sang Promise, Lisa gives us so many gifts and insights about illustrating and creating—ok, here’s an example: “That’s what’s great about children’s books: they’re deceptively simple. Every time you read it, you see something new.” Or, as Mike comments, you read and you read and you... and even the 45th time, “There’s always something new to discover.” “Magical things like that happen all the time in the world of children’s books.” What's that, you say? What magical bread things? Listen and find out. If you liked this episode, you’ll love these other author interviews: Dan Yaccarino on Sorrento, Piccolo, and Jacques Cousteau, parte uno Where are Dr. Carbles Marbles! and where's my Pfeffernusse? And now a word from our sponsors. Well, not really sponsors, just places we like to get books and hope that you'll go to if you need one: David’s new favorite book store in Calgary, AB, Canada: Books Between Friends a very local bookstore that donates all of its profits to charity. Books in Stock in Wooster, OH A House with Books in Keller, TX Talking Animals Books in Grapevine, TX River Forest Public Library in River Forest, IL Grapevine Public Library in Grapevine, TX Keller Public Library in Keller, TX Don’t live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth or Chicago areas? Tell us about your favorite library or independent book store in your town. Do you have questions, comments, concerns, or the best Dad Joke ever: Email us at dadsonbooks@gmail.com

What is the Declaration of Independence? Or Indy’s Pension?

Indy’s Pension? Hey, a Raider of the Lost Ark deserves to retire in comfort. Aaaaand in a very special July 4 episode, the Dads celebrate the 250th birthday of our great nation. Mike and David return to the Who/What was/is series to discover what is the Declaration of Independence by reading and then discussing What is the Declaration Independence? by Michael C. Harris. To follow half of the rules of Seinfeld, there will be no hugging. But there will be some learning. A whole lot of learning going on. So much so in fact that we debut a “things that we do a lot in our show“ a.k.a. feature called IDNKT aka “I did not know that.” Even though David was an American history, major, and Mike is, well, pretty smart, and they both grew up watching Schoolhouse Rock on Saturday mornings eating Captain crunch out of giant bowls while their parents slept off hangovers (a message to therapists from Gen X: “you’re welcome!”), they still learned so much about this amazing document. For example—nope. Not gonna give you anything. Just check it out. Oh although, as is often the case with learning, answers begat questions. For example: to paper or to parchment? That is the question. The answer? Again, check it out! If you liked this episode, you’ll love these: For more American history check out George Washington’s Teeth, Ruby Bridgeswhere we talk about not one but two books about her, and A Juneteenth Jamboree. Like The Who/What Was/Is Series? Check out Who was Laura Ingles Wilder?. No relevance. We just really like this one: Mrs. McTats and her House Full of Cats. Relevant because it’s from last year (episode 3 three(!))so it’s history? Again, no relevance. And now a word from our sponsors. Well, not really sponsors, just places we like to get books and hope that you'll go to if you need one: Books in Stock in Wooster, OH A House with Books in Keller, TX Talking Animals Books in Grapevine, TX River Forest Public Library in River Forest, IL Grapevine Public Library in Grapevine, TX Keller Public Library in Keller, TX Don’t live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth or Chicago areas? Please tell us about your favorite library or independent book store in your town. Or if you have questions, comments, concerns, or want to send us your favorite Dad Joke: Email us at dadsonbooks@gmail.com

Monsters, Don't Eat Broccoli, or Mommy

If this is it Monsters, don't eat broccoli. The Dads judge a book by its cover: we liked it. So there. Mike did a slight rewrite. He took some liberties with the words nothing major, just a word here maybe a syllable there, and the Dads test the results, they take it for test drive, if you will. It’s a fun read with monsters doing all kinds of fun things—eating trucks and tractors and toys all washed down with fruity oil, shopping with vim and vigor—but they don’t eat broccoli. 🥦 If you liked this episode, you’ll like this: More mayhem with green stuff: How Martha Saved her Parents from Green Beans Don’t like broccoli or other things green? You’ll love Pinkalicious! And now a word from our sponsors. Well, not really sponsors, just places we like to get books and hope that you'll go to if you need one: Books in Stock in Wooster, OH A House with Books in Keller, TX Talking Animals Books in Grapevine, TX River Forest Public Library in River Forest, IL Grapevine Public Library in Grapevine, TX Keller Public Library in Keller, TX Questions? Comments? Concerns? Please, please tell us about your favorite library or independent book store. Email us at dadsonbooks@gmail.com

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A Juneteenth Jamboree or How We Heard We Were Free!!! Yippee!

It’s the Dads’ first annual “Hey, let’s do a Juneteenth book” book. Or, as Mike put it, “If the world has a day, then we should read a book about it” book. That’s a whole lot of books. We talk about A Juneteenth Jamboree—a super fun “experience book” (we made that up) about celebrating Juneteenth. Spoiler alert: David’s favorite art form: watercolor and ink. Spoiler alert again: the art is beautiful and David talks about it. Splotches! Splashes! Spots! And precision. A multi-sensory experience. You see the kitchen and smell the food. You see it, and you want to taste it. Nerm. Nerm. See and hear the music and sounds—so much good stuff. Even though we know where it’s going—a Juneteenth jamboree, it’s still fun getting there. And we’re calling this a Gateway or Launch book: while you won’t learn a lot about Juneteenth, it’s a great starting point to read to or with your kids about a family celebrating Juneteenth that can lead to further exploration and learning about the history and the holiday. And since David is from Texas, and studied African-American history in college, he approooooves this message. Like this episode? You’ll love this one. A touching episode about a Civil Rights hero: Ruby Bridges. And some of our favorite watercolor art and more history: George Washington’s Teeth. And a soon to be dropped episode: Book of Greek Myths. Stay tooned. And now a word from our sponsors. Well, not really sponsors, just places we like to get books and hope that you'll go to if you need one: Books in Stock in Wooster, OH A House with Books in Keller, TX Talking Animals Books in Grapevine, TX River Forest Public Library in River Forest, IL Grapevine Public Library in Grapevine, TX Keller Public Library in Keller, TX Questions? Comments? Concerns? Please, please tell us about your favorite library or independent book store. Email us at dadsonbooks@gmail.com

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears by Verna Aardema with pictures by Leo and Diane Dillon or Mosquito, Mosquito Whyfore art thou Buzzing in People's Ears

It's time for another "We picked a book because Mike said so" episode. In Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears by Verna Aardema with pictures by Leo and Diane Dillon, the Dads banter on M&Ms, Mars and Snickers and Mars Bars and—boy do they need to sponsor us!! When they get to the book, David declares, "You can judge a book by its cover." "Sort of." You might think we'll find out why mosquitoes buzz in people's ears—'Cause they're annoying?—well, yes, but there is so, so, so much more as the David suspects. In this standard itsy-bitsy spider/if you give a mouse a cookie/if this then that and then that story we learn a lot of sounds from animals in Africa like, "mek mek mek," "waswusu," and everyone's all time favorite, "taa."! Wanna find out what animal makes what sound? Listen and play, "Whaaaat's...thaaat...Souuuuuuund?!?". Or read the book. Ok. Both. There's some great animal personification like Old Man Iguana and the ending—the. Ending. Read. Then listen. Lather, rinse, repeat. It's a quick, sun read ideal for reading to your very little ones. WARNING: you will be required to make lots of animal sounds!! Krik Krik Krik and Badamin Badamin, e.g. And Leo and Diane Dillons' illustrations (The description of the art for this book alone is worth reading: there were many, many words, some of which Mike and David knew!) are beautiful and filled with fun details to talk about and point out and laugh about and figure out.....check it out We give this one 4 Thumbs Up! If you liked this episode, you’ll like these: Dan "I am a Story" Yaccarino parte uno and parte due And now a word from our sponsors. Well, not really sponsors, just places we like to get books and hope that you'll go to if you need one: Books in Stock in Wooster, OH A House with Books in Keller, TX Talking Animals Books in Grapevine, TX River Forest Public Library in River Forest, IL Grapevine Public Library in Grapevine, TX Keller Public Library in Keller, TX Questions? Comments? Concerns? Please, please tell us about your favorite library or independent book store. Email us at dadsonbooks@gmail.com And if you have a favorite local bookstore or library, let us know and we can mention it too.

Matilda the Builda or how I learned to hate the Trunchbull

Mike and David read Matilda by Rao—Raold—Roaold—Mr. Dahl. And illustrated illustriously by Quentin Blake. Mike suggested Dahl, and David saw the musical, and the rest is history. Or literature. And despite the book’s youth, it’s a classic. A fantastic story that has spawned two movies and countless productions of the musical. In fact, it inspired the Dads to come up with a new DoB feature: B v. M or Book versus Movie (or Musical). Who won the first one? Both. But one thing the Dads couldn’t figure out? How to say Rauold, Raoold, Ruaoulde—Mr. Dahl’s name. Never could figure it out. Auoalt? Aoooout? You get the picture. In any event, the Dads have three words for you: Check it out! And now a word from our sponsors. (Well, not really sponsors, just places we get books and hope that you'll go to if you need one). Books in Stock in Wooster, OH A House with Books in Keller, TX Talking Animals Books in Grapevine, TX River Forest Public Library in River Forest, IL Grapevine Public Library Keller Public Library Questions? Comments? Concerns? Have a great library or independent book store you love? Email us at dadsonbooks@gmail.com

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How Martha Saved Her Parents from Green Beans or "what should have been brussel sprouts in a mushroom cream sauce cuz thats gross"

After some forays into classics, very classic classics, historical novels, and other serious books, the Dads return to nutty silliness and qwacky whackiness to lighten it up a little with How Martha Saved Her Parents from Green Beans, a fun and funny book by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Mark Fearing. What did we like about this book? Besides green beans? Oh, let’s see, how about green beans singing off key? Or when the really realistic tomatoes splat against the wall and green beans get catapulted by mysterious vines? And happy lettuce and ominous carrots. Talk about tossed salad! Or as Mike pointed out “There’s nothing bad about a nice, leafy salad.” But you can’t trust radishes. And Mike's made up a whole new word—tomato-pult—don’t you dare close your eyes. There’s fabric illustration, foreshadowing, and more fore shadowing (AND there are four shadows to boot). It's a fun talk about a fun book. Check it out. If you liked this episode, you’ll like these: Dan Yaccarino parte uno and parte due Pinkalicious!!! by Victoria Kann Places we love to buy books: Books in Stock in Wooster, OH A House with Books in Keller, TX Talking Animals Books in Grapevine, TX River Forest Public Library in River Forest, IL Grapevine Public Library Keller Public Library Questions? Comments? Concerns? Please, please tell us now about a great library or independent book store you love? Let us know! Email us at dadsonbooks@gmail.com Alternate episode titles: Marth Vader and the Beans of Destiny

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Out of the Dust, another episode, another classic, another opening, another show

Mike and David turn to a classic, Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse, an historical novel set in the Oklahoma panhandle during the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. David and Mike—well Mike—tells the origin story of how the Dads picked the book, but this is the origin story of all origin stories. It is the origin of the entire original podcast idea. We also continue our feature “Things We Forgot to Say on our Last Episode.” Or, in this case, “Things that David Forgot that he didn’t Forget and Says Them Thinking it’s the First Time He’s Saying Them To Mike and it’s Not.” (Working title- may need to be lengthened) David rediscovers it’s the OK Panhandle not the Texas Panhandle. Not the Good Panhandle, not the Bad Panhandle, just the OK Panhandle, because as it says on the license plate, "Oklahoma is OK." Which is good because the Texas panhandle would spill the dust. Speaking of which, in our new feature, “Do They Say the Title in the Book?” Let’s just say pp. 149, 181, 197, 198, 203, 209, 222. To name a few. It’s a beautifully written story, and we both very highly recommend it, and staying out of the dust. Especially if you have allergies. If you liked this episode, you’ll like these: Other stories about American history: The Ruby Bridges Story: a story of a the Anerican Civil Rights movement George Washington’s Teeth: a funny and gripping (and sometimes not so gripping) true tale of, well, our first president’s dental health. Places we love to buy books: Books in Stock in Wooster, OH A House with Books in Keller, TX Talking Animals Books in Grapevine, TX River Forest Public Library in River Forest, IL Grapevine Public Library Keller Public Library Questions? Comments? Concerns? Please, please tell us now about a great library or independent book store you love? Let us know! Email us at dadsonbooks@gmail.com

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