Verses for Dad's Heart

by Steven L. Layne, Gail Klinger (Illustrator)

fathers provide a special guidance that is essential whether we are two, twelve, or twenty years old. These heartfelt poems acknowledge the fears and insecurities all children have and the ability of dads to make things better. Written from a childis viewpoint, the lighthearted poems at the beginning contrast with the poems found later in the book as they begin to address the conflicts children encounter while growing older. Layne addresses the struggle for independence in the poems 'Thinking About It Now' and 'The Inquisition, ' in which he shows how children come to realize that dads give advice and question their children's actions out of love. In the poem 'Remember, ' he also reveals how dads are needed for support when children are affected by death for the first time. In Verses for Dad's Heart, Steven L. Layne and Gail Greaves Klinger create a seamless blend of verse and illustration that is both accomplished and inspirational, addressing important social issues through language and drawings. The pictures of diverse families cross the boundaries of race to show that in every family there is a dad to appreciate. These verses and illustrations work together beautifully to honor the heroes closest to home--our dads.

Genres: Poetry

40 pages, Hardcover

First published February 29, 2004

About the author

Award-winning author and educator Steven L. Layne is the director of the Master of Education in Literacy program at Judson University in Elgin, Illinois, where he is also a professor of literacy education. He is a respected literacy consultant, motivational keynote speaker, and featured author at conferences and literary events worldwide. He lives with his wife and children in Saint Charles, Illinois.

Reviews

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just reread Verses for Dad's Heart before passing it one to my sons who are now dads. This poetry anthology contains at least 18 poems about fatherhood, and each provides some sage advice on what it means to be a good dad. Good mentor text for writing additional tributes. It also provides some different levels and lengths of texts for readers of different abilities to share with each other.

[TREVIS C]

A collection of poems about fathers.

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, Verses for Dad's Heart, is a book completely composed of different poems about fathers. What they do, how they comfort their children, and the bond they have with the children. The themes are love, relationship, compassion, and beauty. The genres are poetry and the age group is kindergarten to eighth grade. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars because it is a beautiful book composed of different fatherly relationships with their children or child.