My Dad, My Hero

by Ethan Long

A young child starts off this laugh-out-loud picture book by listing all the ways his dad is NOT a he can't leap tall buildings, run faster than a speeding bullet, or shoot webs out of his wrists. Each spread illustrates how Dad doesn't have super powers but is still a hero at heart. The sweet ending depicts all the cool-if not super-activities Dad does do with the child, like throwing a baseball, playing checkers and going toy shopping. Ethan Long's spot-on artwork perfectly accompanies this super funny and super sweet story. Praise for Ethan "A nicely illustrated tale that speaks volumes about the bond between a dad and his son...a great story that will be perfect as a gift for any dad or son." -The New York Journal of Books

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, Humor, Superheroes, Storytime, Holiday

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2011

About the author

Ethan Long is a popular, award-winning and internationally recognized children's book author and illustrator with over 70 children's books, a Theodor Seuss Geisel Award and an Emmy-nominated television series to his credit. Just about all of his awake time is spent writing stories, drawing pictures and spending time with his family. Since graduating from Ringling College of Art and Design in 1991, Ethan has never stopped evolving, challenging his creative approach with each new project while constantly honing his instantly identifiable style. Born and raised in Central Pennsylvania, his childhood memories serve as inspiration for many of his drawings and stories. He currently lives with his wife and three children in beautiful Orlando, Florida, USA and flip flops seamlessly between being a world famous children's book author and a stay-at-home dad.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book on how a child looks up to their dad.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. Humorous. My boys like it.

[نجلاء صلاح الدين · Rating 3 out of 5]

this kind of books makes me smile

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Great! This is a must have for Father's Day! Instead of a card invest in this book....send a message to the Father in your life that quality time is more important than any other thing! The pictures are brilliantly colored, the verse is easy to read and simple. The over-arching theme: Even though Dad is not a super hero he is My hero because he spends time with me.

Thank you Sourcebooks for this review copy

[Michael Moriarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audience: This book would be good for Pre-K through 1st Grade and for home reading by parents.

Appeal: Lots of colorful pictures that could be used as a picture walk by teachers and to show that a parent in a positive light. Why the Dad is a hero can be discussed as well as Mothers too.

Pre class book

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the pixilated retro feel of the illustrations in this. I also like the idea of this book a lot--there's a definite shortage of great picture books about dads. This one is cute and is a nice addition to the lineup.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Page after page the text reports things dad cannot do that a superhero could, illustrated cleverly with daily events, but concludes that Dad is super, spending time with the boy, and he is his hero. Lovely sentiment without being overdone, plenty of humor and a nice punchline on the last page.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true superhero dad doesn't have super human strength, he has something much more, time to spend and hugs to share.

[Carol Harlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really fun book. We really enjoyed the artwork. This would be a great book for kids to give dad for Father’s Day!

[Dr. Jen Haden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although Dad is NOT a superhero, he's really super and our hero! :-)

[The Library Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

Artwork and theme are lifted straight from any Nickelodeon cartoon--"Jimmy Neutron" and "The Fairly Oddparents" come to mind:"Dad is a dweeb but he loves me and I love him".

[SerenaBeReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little boy realizes his father isn't the strongest or coolest dad out there but to him he is still an awesome dad. Warning: This will bring tears to your eyes.

[Colby Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gets a bonus star, because I am so the dad in this book.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good especially for good dads :)

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Repeats "my dad is not" too many times, too few positives about dad. Fun comic book-inspired illustrations.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about dads and there are possibilities for use for the upcoming Summer Reading Program.

Unique illustrations.

[MTR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute book shows an imperfect dad who is a hero to his son nonetheless for doing fun kid activities with him! Great for Father's Day for involved dads!

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book, like so many children’s books I’ve seen lately, depicts the father as a loveable but stupid person. The words are fine, but the illustrations speak volumes.
The dad is constantly tripping and falling. He is walking around the house with toilet paper stuck to his shoe. He is incapable of killing flies or lifting boxes right opening jars of pickles.
Why must we try and make men look stupid in the books we read our children? It’s rude and not a reflection of the men in our children’s lives.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a positive message about a boy looking up to his dad, but I wasn't impressed with the ending. It shows Dad in a Hawaiian shirt and says, "If only Dad could learn to go invisible." I'm sure that parents will find this funny, but this is a board book, targeted towards children who are too young to read and too young to have informed opinions about fashion. Is it really necessary to socially condition toddlers to be embarrassed of their fathers?

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A boy lists lots of super-hero things his dad cannot do. Nevertheless, the boy appreciates the time his dad spends with him and the relationship they have.
Cartoon-like illustrations enhance the text and provide visual humor.
Tie-in with Father's Day.
Use to illustrate ordinary people with ordinary skills in a positive light. We do not all have to be exceptional.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A silly look at a dad by his child. Lists lots of ways that Dad isn't a super hero, but ends with how he is still a hero. Could have a better balance of the positive things that Dad can do, but still ends on a warm note. Would be a good one to pull out for family or Father's Day themes.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute. I liked how the illustrations were in comic book style even though it was about how his dad was not a super hero. I loved the ending. You don't have to be the perfect parent. But being present for your children really matters.

[Courtney Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture Book: I thought this book was hilarious because it listed all of the ways dads are not superheroes. I think kids will appreciate it because it is funny and they love their dads.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young boy shares what his dad is not until the end when we discover that he's still the little boy's hero and spends a lot of time with him.

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of repetition and fun comic book inspired pictures as a child says why he looks up to his dad.

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would make a cute read-aloud for Father's Day. the comics/superhero theme will definitely catch a lot of young eyes.

[Lucca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet book about kids and their dads.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this book shows that you don't have to have super powers to be someone's hero.