The Bureau of Misplaced Dads

by Éric Veillé, Pauline Martin (Illustrator)

When a boy's father goes missing, he looks for him at The Bureau of Misplaced Dads, where at least 20 or 30 dads wander in every day and wait for their kids to fetch them. There are bearded dads, a dad named Michael and even a Super Dad, but none of them belong to the boy. He is about to lose hope when he suddenly remembers what he and his father were playing just before the disappearance. Like the best dads, this book is a little bit kooky and a whole lot of fun.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family, Humor, Kids

40 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

Eric Veillé est né en 1976 à Laval. Après des études d’arts appliqués à l’école Duperré à Paris et un exil de deux ans au Cambodge, sa bande dessinée absurde Le Sens de la vie et ses frères, paraît chez Cornélius en 2008. Directeur artistique dans l’édition, il décide un jour de printemps de se consacrer à l’écriture et l’illustration de livres jeunesse. Depuis, il a publié de nombreux albums chez Actes Sud Junior : Maman à l'école (illustré par Pauline Martin) 2015, Mon imagier après la tempête 2014, Les secrets de l'école, où vont les maîtresses après le coucher du soleil ? 2014, Un Monstre à chaussettes 2014, Le bureau des papas perdus (illustré par Pauline Martin) 2013, Tout sur le grand méchant loup 2013 et les cahiers d’activités Sorcières à chatouiller et Pirates à tartiner en 2013 en tant qu’auteur et illustrateur. Lionel est sa première série chez Actes Sud Junior.

Reviews

[La Coccinelle]

What a silly little book! But it's pretty funny, too.

A boy's father goes missing, and he's told to go look for him at the Bureau of Misplaced Dads, which is sort of like a lost-and-found for hapless paternal caregivers. Dads apparently wander in off the street after being misplaced. Sometimes they cry (so they're given juice and cookies), but there are plenty of other things for the dads to do while they wait for their kids to come and collect them. Sometimes, the Bureau even releases a few into the wild!

The kooky story isn't going to be to everyone's taste, but I quite enjoyed it. The illustrations aren't anything special, but it's kind of fun to see all the different dads (from a Super Dad to a dad who always looks like he's just gotten out of bed to a dad named Michael).

Not to worry, though: the story does have a happy ending. But getting there and seeing this wacky lost-and-found for fathers is a fun ride.

Quotable moment:

[Shoa Khan]

Although I immensely enjoy French cinema, that hasn't exactly been the case with these picture books translated from French :/
This book is really quite bizarre, wherein a kid "misplaces" his father, and ends up reaching the Bureau for Misplaced Dads. Apparently, they have quite a few dads held there, and the person who operates the place asks the kid to take his pick.
I just found this whole idea really absurd, and it just left me feeling really weird. I cannot even imagine what kids would make of this book! Fortunately, it ends rather appropriately!

[Annabel Laver]

Child loses dad, goes to find him ends up at bureau of misplaced dads wants to find his dad... remembers dad is a pretending to be a coat rack finds him!!

Enjoyed it, predictions, where has dad gone and why doesnt the boy remember they are hiding?

[Bruce Gargoyle]

I received a copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.

Ten Second Synopsis:

When a little boy’s father isn’t where he left him the Bureau of Misplaced Dads steps in to help. But what will happen if the boy can’t find his father amongst the delightful and diverse group of dads waiting to be found?


Apart from the charming illustrations and the general sense of realistic whimsy associated with a Bureau of Misplaced Dads (one can’t quite imagine a Bureau of Misplaced Mums, somehow!), this is a fun, original and reassuring take on the common fear of losing a parent. The collection of dads at the Bureau (ranging from Ancient dads of the classical era, to circus dads and everything in between) is hilarious and while the boy never comes close to choosing a replacement father, there’s a subtle undercurrent begging the question regarding the special characteristics of one’s own father when compared to these available specimens. The cheering ending is heart-warming and funny … although I was left wondering how long it would be before the Bureau dads found their owners.

[Vernon Area Public Library KIDS]

There comes a day when the tables are turned and a child may misplace his or her dad for a few minutes. Luckily, the Bureau of Misplaced Dads is there to help: it's an organization that collects missing parental figures in the hopes of reuniting them with their youngsters. As a boy searches thru the Bureau, he meets a curious arrangement of Dads -- prehistoric, sad, sporty, smartly dressed, super-powered, rumpled, outdoorsy, poetic...even a dad named "Michael." But will the boy ever find his real dad? (Hint: a game of hide-and-seek may have gone awry.) Beautiful graphic illustrations will delight the eyes in this quirky, magical story. Recommended for grades K-2. Reviewed by: Alyson D., Youth Services, Vernon Area Public Library

[Chinook]

That was adorable. I loved the bizarreness. We will have to buy Kait a copy. It would be great to read just before a trip somewhere, to introduce the idea of a lost child room.

[Michelle Gray]

Themes: Dads

[Deja Bertucci]

Delightfully funny. I couldn't help but think of how this relates to "deadbeat dads" in real life, which gave an uncomfortable and ultimately irrelevant layer to the reading. But it really is a funny book.

[Lara Bate]

This book is also called "The Lost Dads home" and is a story about a boy who loses his dad. He goes to a place where there are "lost dads" and the book describes different types of dads. He then remembers that his dad was pretending to be a rain coat and finds him at home again.

[Kristin]

Lots of things here I don't want to teach my kids. Like leaving the house without permission, talking to and then leaving with strangers, or that dad's can go missing and never come back. Too much for my little ones.

[Miss Ryoko]

With a title like this and a cover like that, I just HAD to read this book. It was strange and hilarious.

[Laura Bennett]

This was quite a strange book

[R]

Absolutely hilarious and great book recommended for kids & fathers. Originally in French

[Chris Sharp]

The only copies I've seen in Australia are titled The Lost Dads Home instead of the above. It's silly, bizarre, but funny.

[Shim]

Quirky

[Claire]

A very funny book. Dad's are a tricky breed. It's so funny when they release them into the wild! And he's right, other dads are cool but you really want you own dad. He knows you.

[Jessica]

If only there was a room with all kinds of dads.
Just like the boy in this story, I want only my Dad too.

[Andréa]

Strange but amusing.

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book through NetGalley.

[Tracy Mabry]

cute and different!

[Pop Bop]

Add A Little Weird to the Shelf

As I think back about some of the old favorites on the family picture book shelf I realize that there is some pretty weird and subversive stuff there. From "Mogwogs on the March" to more modern "concept" books that look like 70's rock album covers, there is a vast range of picture books from which to choose. This book seems to me to be on the milder and hipper end of the weird spectrum, but it has some sneaky charms.

Or hero's father has gone missing, and so we are led to the Bureau of Misplaced Dads in order to look for him. The similarity to an animal shelter, (crossed with an asylum), is not accidental, and that is what sets up the silly oddness of the book. After looking over twenty or so Dads the mystery is solved in an equally odd fashion and we all get home in time to finish breakfast.

The book has a clip-art sort of feel and reminds me of some of those early post-modern kids books composed of found cut-outs from Victorian magazines. But these Dads are all purpose drawn for this book so there is less of a "found" feeling and the book is more fun than it is abstract or precious. There are some subtle little jokes and observations peppered through the narrative and slipped into the drawings. While they might go over a little kid's head they do add some spice for the adult reader.

So, it's hip and experimental, but in a fun and inviting fashion. I don't see this as likely to be a comfy favorite book, but it's colorful and a little edgy and just good-humored and odd enough to be intriguing. As I said, add a little weird to your shelf.

Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.

[Emmaline MacBeath]

SUMMARY: A boy suddenly realizes he has misplaced his dad. He runs outside to look for him. Instead of his dad, he runs into a stranger who works for the Bureau of Misplaced Dads. The man shows him about the place, has the boy look at the available dads and even offers him a new one. After hanging out with the dads for a little while, the boy remembers where he lost his dad and is reunited.

ILLUSTRATIONS: The illustrations were created digitally. They are full of colors that remind me of the vintage 60s. The pictures are simple without a lot of background detail. This story was translated from French.

THE GOOD: If you like quirky books that leave you feeling a little turned upside down at the end, this book is for you.
THE NOT AS GOOD: My first problem is when the boy goes outside to look for his dad and immediately leaves with a stranger. Then he is taken to a place full of weird dads that border on the creepy. If It were me, I would be running for my life. There are bits of humor thrown in that fall flat on my opinion such as "Once a year we release a few dads into the wild. Just for fun." Then there is the dad from Strasbourg who is wearing his daughter's bonnet. I don't get it!? Although I got the premise, I truly did not understand the story line of this book as it was presented. The humor and weirdness is not what I would look for in a children's book for this age range. Perhaps something got lost in translation?

AGE RECOMMENDATION: Advertised for ages 3-7. More appropriate for ages 6-9.

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My reviews are always 100% honest based on preset criteria.

[Storywraps]

This book is about a nameless boy whose father has gone missing. The first line reads....

"I accidentally misplaced my dad this morning."

Very upset the boy runs outside looking all over for him and asks a strange man if he has seen his dad. As luck would have it...

"It just so happens that I work at the Bureau of Misplaced Dad," he said. "Come with me. With any luck, your father will be there waiting for you."

The boy follows along to this man's work. The kind man tells him that at least 20-30 dads wander in every day and get found by their kids the same day. The man then takes the boy on a tour of the facility looking for his dad. On the journey they discover cavemen dads (who have been here since the dawn of time), crying dads, ping-pong playing dads, bubble-gum chewing dads ... but not the one belonging to the boy. The man describes the different activities the dad's can participate in and some are downright creepy (like the dad popping out of the cardboard box with cutlery in his hands and a look on his face that says I'd like you for dinner, creepy). Sadly the boy is unable to connect with his own special dad and the tears start to flow.

All of a sudden the little boy has an "ah-ha" moment...

"Oh! I know where my dad is, I remember now."

Is the little boy telling the truth or does he just want to get out of that weird place with those uncanny misplaced dads staring at him. Will he be reunited with his beloved father once again? Is this a happily ever after story? You will have to get the book to find out.

The illustrations are clean-cut, no clutter, soft colour pallet perfect for the story.

[Siina]

Well, I must say that The Bureau of Misplaced Dads was surely different and quite fresh! The idea of a place were you can find your dad if you lose him is quite fun. Here we have a boy whose dad has gone missing and he ends up at the bureau of misplaced dads in order to find his dad. Instead he finds loads of dads all very different, but not his own. Then he suddenly remembers where his own dad is and the catastrophe is avoided. The story is quite funny and weird at the same time. It reminded me of Mikko Mallikas (Alfons Åberg) stories by Gunilla Bergström.

The art is simply weird - that's really the best way to put it. It looks like it's from the 1970s. The colors give you a headache in a good way - bright colors are always wonderful. Perhaps the artwork is a bit too much for kids and somehow I think this fits better for adults in a sense. The crudeness might be a bit too much. Well, perhaps hipster parents find this very fitting, you never know. Even if the art is challenging, the story is great and I think this would work well told aloud to kids. This is one of those "different" books and thus quite a spectacle. It's great that books like this are made and not just those "I-love-you-blaa-blaas".

[Charity]

Check out: 5girlsbookreviews.blogspot.com for real, honest kids reviews!

REVIEW BY: Angelina, age 8 years, 10 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

I loved this book so much and it was a fantastic book! Now I will tell you about this book. This book is great for kids and dads to read together.

A little boy told his dad to pretend that he was a coat rack, but forgot that he told him to do that, so he started searching for his dad. He went to The Bureau of Misplaced Dads and found out that there are a lot of dads in the world. The boy asked a man to help him and that man was able to help him look for his dad. The man asked the boy why the boy can't just adopt another dad and the boy said "NO, NO, I WANT MY DAD ONLY," so they kept on searching and the man found more dads that the little boy might like, but he didn't like any of them. Finally, he remembered where his dad was and everything was perfect again.

My favorite part of this book is when the guy named the kinds of dads that the boy can choose from.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7-9.

[Carla]

This book is about a nameless boy whose father has gone missing. The first line reads....

"I accidentally misplaced my dad this morning."

The story continues with the boy running into a man who works at "The Bureau of Misplaced Dads". He and the boy head over there to see if his father is there. There are various fathers from caveman days to mountain men, strongmen etc. but not is father. As he begins to get upset he is told he can pick a different dad, which does not go over well. Suddenly the boy remembers where his father is and off he goes home to find his father there. A cute imaginative book showing various incantations of fathers, what they do etc. The illustrations are simple but fit the story nicely. A little weird, but that tends to be what children love. A quick read and a book that could illicit discussions about parents with their children.

Thank you Netgalley and Kids Can Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Arminzerella]

A little boy realizes that he's misplaced his father, goes out looking for him, and runs into the director of the Bureau of Misplaced Dads, who helps him search. When none of the dads hanging around the Bureau fits the boy's description of his father, "he's *my* dad!" the director offers to let him adopt a different one. Tears ensue, but eventually the boy remembers where he left his dad and races home to find him. Phew.

Although I liked the goofy premise of this book, some of the dads depicted seemed kind of random (what was the selection criteria for this book?), and while the little boy's predicament was amusing, ultimately he came off as bratty (meltdown!) and privileged with unrealistic expectations. On the whole this was somewhat funny.

[Melissa]

Cute and inventive, if you are okay explaining the 21st century dangers and how characters in books do things that real little boys should never do.

[Cory]

This is a translation of a French book, and it's one of those that make you just shake your head and mutter "French!" to yourself. The drawings were weird, and the story made little to no sense. I don't know how things work in France, but I don't think you should tell American children that when they can't find their dad, they should wander out of the house and follow some random man who says that he works at the "Bureau of Misplaced Dads." This is NOT a solid plan, and sounds like a recipe for abduction to me!

[Teresa Reads]

The best part of this book is the illustrations. It has an Edward Gory feel. The story is of a young boy who has lost his dad. He goes looking and is assisted by 'The Bureau of Misplaced Dads'. He is shown all kinds of dads, but none of them are his father. In the end, he realizes he should have looked closer to home. Though this is a clever idea, the story almost lumbers along and you feel no connection to any of the characters. It is a plain bowl of ice cream when it could have been a spectacular banana split.

[Inky Frog]

I absolutely loved this book! It's a little quirky and bizarre. The illustrations are great, they remind me of old films like The Pink Panther, or What's Up Doc. The story itself is silly, like all dad jokes are. As an adult I thought it was hilarious, but for a little kid it could be sending mixed messages. We tell our kids not to talk to strangers and stay put when they get lost, and this book is depicting the exact opposite. But if a kid understands the difference between fiction and non-fiction and has a sense of humor, this book is funny.