How To Train a Dad

How To Train a Dad by Sally Barns and Noémie Gionet Landry (Affirm Press) RRP: $19.99 ISBN 9781923046825

Reviewed by Rebecca Fung

There are many different kinds of dads. Old dads, new dads, working dads, stepdads. Tall dads, short dads, hairy dads and bald dads. They're all lovable and wonderful and but ...

It can be a huge challenge to train them properly!

This is a fun and funny book getting your dad to work correctly and "preventing him from malfunctioning". Children will enjoy the jokes about dad being "tested" as if he were an appliance or a robot - does he have a switch? Do you have to call his name out several times to "see how dad works"?

The book cutely suggests enjoyable activities with dad as training such as "how to exercise him" - that is, play sport with him, or "re-fuel him", that is, bring him meals.

I laughed at the dad jokes’ section, but really, the whole book is a dad joke. Naturally, having to train your dad or "maintain" him like a machine that might malfunction is not a serious suggestion, but it will give children a bit of a giggle and plenty of the suggestions are harmless. The framing of training a dad is a humorous way to support warm, loving relationships between parents and children. It encourages hugs, spending time together, doing things for each other, and being aware of each other's needs.

The illustrations were suitably bold and bright. I felt it was a book both parents and children could read and enjoy over again. 

Maybe dads will find their heads being pressed as the on and off switches are being sought ... but it will be worth it when the kids are also bringing them comfort food and practising their bear hugs as part of their training regime!