Teaching the Kids to Outsmart Their Parents
In these picture books from author and illustrator Bob Shea, smaller characters play tricks on the big characters. Young listeners will giggle with delight as the tiny heroes of the books triumph by the final page. Bob Shea's books have lots of winners, but no losers, and the stories generally end with a happily-ever-after hug.- Cheetah can't lose by Bob Shea - An overly confident cheetah challenges a pack of clever kittens to a race
- Oh, Daddy! by Bob Shea - A young hippopotamus shows his father the right way to do things, such as getting dressed, watering the flowers, and especially giving big hugs.
- Buddy and the bunnies in Don't play with your food by Bob Shea - A monster named Buddy is determined to eat some cute little bunnies, until they prove to be more enjoyable as playmates
In real life, the grown-ups are in charge all day long, but in these books, the small characters are sneaky and powerful in their words and actions, as they outsmart the main characters again and again.
I love these picture books, but not as much as I love watching my husband read them to our kids. He does all the voices, roaring for the dinosaur and boasting for the cheetah and even taking the part of the young hippo who plays along with his silly father's antics. The stories are told with sly irony and understated humor. Even my kids recognize that these are perfect books for daddy to read aloud to them!
I see many hours of silly creative play in my future, now that picture books have taught my children how to outsmart me. And I'll enjoy every minute of it!
What are your favorite pictures books to read aloud to kids? Why do you love them? Why do the kids love them?
