WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM DADDY

Andreasen explores the fulfilling possibilities of the relationship between father and son. On a bright day in a quaintly suburban neighborhood, a delighted young elephant rides atop his father’s shoulders, shouting, “Look at me! I’m the tallest boy on my block.” This sets the tone for a simple, yet cheerful tour through some self-esteem–building fun. The boy is the neatest as they make the bed together and the noisiest as dad plucks a guitar and he bangs a pot. Also, in his father’s eyes, he is always the cutest. Andreasen blithely shows that the most direct route to a child’s heart is kindness and attention, topping the story with, “But most of all, I’m the happiest boy on my block . . . with a little help from daddy.” The artwork is stunning in perspective and color. Andreasen uses burnt oranges and olive greens, but not to the exclusion of bright blues and yellows. This little gem is fun to look at, fun to read, and it gladdens the heart to boot. (Picture book 2-6)