Dads on Books

Thanks for indulging our April Fool's Day episode. Now back to the real stuff with the real Alan Katz, author of 1 or 2 or 52 books, and, to quote Alan, "twelve of them are good." We disagree. The other 40 R2.There's lots of jokes, especially, "What does this doodad do, Dad?"—the ultimate dad joke!!—lots of laughing, but—SPOILER ALERT!!—some deep stuff too. Alan shares some of his writing rules the most important of which is: Rule #1.Oh, you wanna know what it is? OK. "I will never make a joke at the expense of someone. Kindness come first." You’ll have to listen to get more!We do actually talk about a lot of his silly, funny, and awesome books including the SOS series, his Lieographies, Take Me Out of the Bathtub and Other Silly Dilly Songs, The Day the Mustache Took Over.So much fun this is only part one!! If you liked this episode, you'll LOVE these:Pinkalicious!!! by Alan's dear dear friend Victoria Kann Our first Dan Guest: Dan Gutman Part One and Part TwoAnd our second Dan Guest: Dan Yaccarino parte uno and parte dueOur third Dan—Chris guest: Chris Grabenstein Part One and Part Two And now a word from our sponsors. (Well, not really sponsors, just places we get books and hope that you'll go to if you need one).A House with Books in Keller, TXTalking Animals Books in Grapevine, TXRiver Forest Public Library in River Forest, IL Grapevine Public LibraryKeller Public Library

WHOLEY COW, BATMAN! THIS COW SMELLS LIKE...Fill in the blank for a chance to be live with Clean Slate Dave.... & Mike.Ut oh... Spagetios???OMG]]OMG.. is this for realsies????Wheut?

We are fresh off a St. Patrick's Day Eve recording of The Day the Crayons Quit in our first episode where Mike and David are in the same continent in the same state in the same city in the same house in the same room in the same chair—Okay, wait. That's a little weird. There were two chairs and two Dads, but one room. And many, many, many...many crayons. (And some more crayons.) And definitely check out our video because if you like listening to Mike and David, you’ll love watching them!It's one of our few mehpisodes, actually, the 'sode is good. Great, even. The book, it's well...go ahead and listen/watch and you'll find out.But still a lot of fun: There are colors and craziness and crayons and ons and ons. There's even color commentary. David and/or Mike wax poetic. We even unwrap a mystery--or maybe a crayon? Or two? But there's no quitting. Are you quitting? There's no quitting. There's no quitting in baseball. There's no quitting in BASEBALL.We start talking about the book early: only a minute and 30 seconds in! But don't worry, we get off to our normal hijinks, tangents, and other offshoots.And the first color that we feature? Wait for it. It's a fun one! Beige. Beige? Beige.Yes. And beige is proud. We talked about potential sponsors from Morningstar to Mars and to, of course, Crayola Crayons. We also talk about the past. Past Super Bowl—er The Big Game (Not one of our sponsors. Yet) parties. Girlfriends from way back and wives from way forward. We even get to the bottom of the Crayola crayon hyphen thing. Is Blue-green bluer or greener? Listen, and you'll find out.Even better, watch YouTube link here.And now a word from our sponsors. (Well, not really sponsors, just places we get books and hope that you'll go to if you need one).A House with BooksTalking Animals BooksRiver Forest Public LibraryGrapevine Public LibraryKeller Public Library

This episode has it all! Stripes: the two dads read about them, they talk about them, David even wears them. There are specialists, experts, the carnival outside Camilla's house replete with news, people, hotdog, vendors, and other shenanigans, chicanery, tomfoolery and silly high jinks.Warning: there is some darkness, and a touch of "the scary," but the story is so much fun and the art is beautiful, and filled with so many details that you discover more each time you return to the book.And speaking of returning to the book, Mike and David don't digress at all and stay completely focused. Laser, I tell you! Just kidding. Digressions, tangents, and stories abound!Check it out.If you liked this episode, you'll LOVE these:For some darkness on the edge of town check out our first episode: The Giving TreeWant to read a similar tale of color change? Read PinkaliciousMike whispers, "Hush!" so read Good Night MoonA mention of one of our favorite stories from history: Ruby BridgesAnd there are some references to out Stinky bookends with Stinky-themed books with our Chris Grabenstein episodes 1 and 2And now a word from our sponsors. (Well, not really sponsors, just places we get books and hope that you'll go to if you need one).A House with BooksTalking Animals BooksRiver Forest Public LibraryGrapevine Public LibraryKeller Public Library

We had so much fun with Chris Grabenstein, we had to split it in to two parts! Chris regales us with tales from his book The Crossroads, and how he can tell a story in 35 words. He talks about his “yes and life“ and how he deals with the “mad magazine voice" in his head“ that led him to a career in radio where he got to be wacky and crazy and learned from his good friend Jim Patterson to "throw a pie in their face and once you have their attention, say something smart.” Chris explains that “fiction is a tool for empathy because you become somebody else for 300 pages and say, ‘wow that’s what their life is like.’”We continue our discussion of Chris’s most recent release Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest, including that it’s one of the most surprise endings of any of his books. But don't worry: no spoiler alerts here. We took the Ms. Pennypickle Pledge that we solemnly swear to not tell ANYTHING about the ending. Stay tuned for when Chris will back in the fall for the release of not one, not two, but three new books: Ms. Pennypickle's Remarkable Road Race, Mr. Lemoncello‘s Wondermous Christmas Gift, and Stinking Beauty by J.J. & Chris, art by Alex Patrick. As an added bonus, Chris calls David and Mike his “improv buddies.” And they couldn’t be prouder, happier, or even funnier.Buy Chris's books. Right now. What are you waiting for?The Crossroads, Mrs. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest, Stinky Sories: Jack and the Beanstink If you liked this episode, you'll LOVE these:Our first Dan Guest: Dan Gutman Part One and Part TwoAnd our second Dan Guest: Dan Yaccarino parte uno and parte due And now a word from our sponsors. (Well, not really sponsors, just places we get books and hope that you'll go to if you need one).A House with BooksTalking Animals BooksRiver Forest Public LibraryGrapevine Public LibraryKeller Public Library

DoB welcomes our third author and first non-daughter, non-Dan guest! None other than the perfectly paraphrasing prosaist of Ms. Pennypickle’s Puzzle Quest multiple award-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author Chris Grabenstein. We get to the bottom of the meaning and pronunciation of his name (nom de plume); how he writes; and how his writing was influenced by his experience in improv (back when he was Chris “The Banker” Grabenstein, chilling with Bruce “The Bartender” Willis and Robin "Yes, THAT one" Williams), radio, the ad game, and even banking (a guy's gotta eat).Chris loves alliteration, imagination, and collaboration with authors like James Patterson, the G. T. Carber, and even his very own wife JJ. who is best first read and unofficial editor. We talk about Ms. Pennypickle’s Puzzle Quest, and many of his other books, including The Island of Dr. Libris, Shine, The Crossroads, Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, Murdle Jr.: Sleuths on the Loose, Stinky's Stories#2: Jack and the Beanstink, and The Smartest Kid in the Universe. Why so many books? Because Chris writes a lot, and we love his books a lot, and because we are Dads on Books. It's what we do. And that’s just in this episode! Stay tuned for part two next week!If you liked this episode, you'll LOVE these:Our first Dan Guest: Dan Gutman Part One and Part TwoAnd our second Dan Guest: Dan Yaccarino parte uno and parte due And now a word from our sponsors. (Well, not really sponsors, just places we get books and hope that you'll go to if you need one).A House with Books Talking Animals BooksRiver Forest Public LibraryGrapevine Public LibraryKeller Public Library

Mike and David are moved by the inspiring story of Ruby Bridges, a six year old, black girl who was integrated into New Orleans public schools in 1960.After David learned of her story through Fr. Mike’s (no relation) homily at his girls’ Catholic school, they decided to pick not one, but two books about Ruby Bridges to read and talk about: The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Colesand Through My Eyes: Ruby Bridges by Ruby Bridges And talk they do. In an episode where they aren't as wacky or silly as they normally are, Mike and David talk about Ruby Bridges' story; American history and race; and their own experiences, perceptions, and thoughts on issues that are still relevant today.The episode features less laughing, and more thinking, a touch less of their silliness, and a handful of more seriousness. But, like all of their episodes, the Dads step up and show the power that books and what they teach really matters. Based on a true important event in the American civil rights movement, Mike and David talk for over an hour and decided this would be one long, thoughtful, thought provoking episode, talking about kids, books, heroes, history, and, so so much more!If you enjoy this episode, read another book about Black American history, and let us know about it at [email protected]. We all should be more aware of these stories. They are part of our history as Americans.If you want to know more about Ruby and her foundation, take a look at the Ruby Bridge's Foundation website.And if you like this episode, take a listen to one these if you haven't already:More American history: George Washington’s TeethDan Yaccarino episodes: Parte Uno, Parte DueAnd now a word from our sponsors. (Well not really sponsors, just places we get books and hope that you'll go to if you need one).A House with BooksRiver Forest Public LibraryGrapevine Public LibraryKeller Public LibraryAnd a library that had a great Black History month design:Timberland Regional Library

Did you know that George Washington had fake teeth? We did, too. Did you know it was a problem his entire adult life? Neither did we. Did you know he didn’t have wooden teeth? Neither did we. Did you know that he led the Continental army to win the Revolutionary War? We did, too. Just seeing if you’re paying attention. Good job.While this episode of Dads on Books is just as fun as all the other ones, we decided to celebrate Presidents’ Day with a little bit of learning and a whole lot of fun.Check it out, and hold onto your dentures. It’s gonna be a bumpy night.And if you liked this one, you'll LOVE these:Dan Gutman's episodes: Part 1, Part 2 Dan Yaccarino's episode: Parte Uno, Parte DueMore fun water color Mrs. McTats and her House Full of Cats and Guess How Much I Love You?Some of our favorite places to get books:A House with BooksRiver Forest Public LibraryGrapevine Public LibraryKeller Public Library

In their very first Pete the Cat episode, Mike and David talk and talk and talk about being home alone—aaaaaaaarrrrg!!!—and snow and sleds and Ace the friendly hardware place and lightbulbs—the new college major and, one more thing... oh yeah! the book!!Pete the Cat--Valentine's Day is Cool has a lot of meaningful memories for Mike and his girls and none whatsoever for David's, but they both loved the book. In a role reversal, Mike actually has the book with a poster: missing, some Valentine's Day cards: AWOL, and stickers: gone, I tell you! David, on the other hand, read the "book" by "watching" a reading of it from the Lollipop Animated Book series on YouTube. Welcome to 21st century reading, how can I help you?The book is a lot of fun, but David notices the word "love" is never really said. Mike points out that love comes in many different forms for many different people or cats. And bus drivers. And facilities managers. And crossing guards. Happy National Crossing Guard Day--February 10!! OK, State Crossing Guard Day in Texas where David is. You'll have to wait until early May in Illinois where Mike is. Because it has to thaw?As we celebrate Valentine's Day, enjoy this this super fun, super silly, and even a little poignant book about empathy for other people— and cats— a common and important theme in our friend Dan Yaccarino's books. (the empathy, not the cats) Check it out.If you liked this episode, check out these two:Dan Yaccarino parte uno and parte due A House with BooksGrapevine Public LibraryKeller Public Library

Mike and David are such fans of the Dans, especially Dan Yaccarino author of Piccolo, they had to split their awesome, fun, super conversation in two—due!—episodes. This time the Dads and the Dan talk about stories, books (The Luna Sisters) and of course, mid-century modern. Even though they post every Monday, they read and talked about Every Friday. They laughed, they cried, they promised not to pretend to cry. We finally get to the bottom of why Dan does what he does and digs what he digs. You dig? Listen to find out, but know that he loves creating characters and worlds and ends our conversation where it began: in empathy and kindness. Good stuff. Check it out.If you liked this episode, check out these:Dan Yaccarino parte uno Our first Dan Guest: Dan Gutman Part One and Part TwoOur other groovy plaid patterns episode: PinkaliciousA House with BooksGrapevine Public LibraryKeller Public Library

Mike and David continue their celebration of Danuary with their second author guest Dan Yaccarino which means all of their guests are either daughters or Dans. They had so much fun, this is only part one!Dan and the Dads talk about Dan's latest book, Piccolo and its celebration of Dan's Italian heritage and its themes of putting others before yourself and the importance of gelato. That's Italian for ice cream. They also discuss I Am a Story, An Octopus Followed Me Home, The Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau, City Under the City, One, Two, Grandma Loves You, and Willa's Wild Life. There's even some mid-century modern and Yac Man—uh Pac Man (AKA Gabo Gabo in Italia). Check it out. And this is only part uno. Stay tuned for part due next week when we'll talk about even more books! And reading. And parenting. And stuff.If you liked this episode, check out these:Our Very first episode, The Giving TreeOur first Dan Guest: Dan Gutman Part One and Part TwoFor Greek mythology geeks like us: Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief: Voyage to Vegas with a zebra, tin cans and 7 layer dipA House with BooksGrapevine Public Library

In our continuing celebration of "DANUARY!!!", Mike and David discuss Danny and Danny’s Doodles— which turn out to be not quite as doodly or noodley as you might think— plus other fun stuff in a book, that’s oddly doodly, oodly, feudily, silly billy, and even a touch serious.They’ve got everything! There’s mismatched socks, a string diet where even the tuna is stringy, unevenly short pants, and sensible shoes (sensible black shoes, I can't trust this writer at all, can I?), and David and Mike play a new game show: Guess which baseball movie this is!?! There’s a school that has silly kids and a mean teacher. And even she is human after all. (Hmmm, sounds like a teacher I meet in room 27, or was it 26, hmmm).Mike discusses the legend of Kelly Dean and the Great Experiment of Jelly Bean, but you need to read the book to find out about the ladder. It’s a fun ride of a fun book with two fun guys, hold the mushrooms. If you liked this episode, you’ll love these:Dan GutmanWhat??? More Dan GutmanBig Words for Little PeopleAnd many more.... if you can find them....

Mike and David struggle with the calendar but successfully locate Danny and the Dinosaur in David’s attic, aka Narnia. This "50sy" classic features a dinosaur that fluctuates from "row-house sized" to "lamp-post thin". The Dads explore the Syd Hoff-ance—the 27-year gap between sequels—and David’s 2055 "heaven" debut. They close with "killer" jokes about —nope, note telling and still not telling. Happy reading!

Mike and David have a rockin’ conversation about Sandra Boynton’s Going to Bed Book. WARNING: The animals do something CRAZY before going to bed!! You were warned. And they will they will rock you(r kids to sleep)! Mike and David deal with grammactical (sic) errors, math is hard, and politics? (No). There's also an epiphany about a hippo—hippiphany?—about who—whom?!—is brushing their teeth. No buts about it, these animals are wild! If you liked this episode, check out these:Who was Laura Ingalls Wilder: Cliff's Notes and Spoiler AlertsSay it ain’t so, MoRichard that’s so ScarryAnd don't forget to check us out on youtube:@DadsOnBooksThis episode in videoAnd check out our friend if you need a bookmark while reading Frankenstein:Dun Dealgan MediaYou can email us at [email protected]

In our first ever year-end wrap up, Mike and David talk about a book they didn’t necessarily love, but then discovered that they loved a lot about it and then discovered in an epiphany kinda way that they DO like it as David did some inadvertent research. Mike and David's neologism du semaine: (new word of the week): Millustrations!Speaking of which, it's a great book for encouraging young boys to read because there are a ton (millions?) of very fun illustrations. Check it out. And if you liked this episode (or even if you didn’t) you’ll LOVE these:Fancy Nancy and the Case of the '80s ThrowbacksFrog and Toad are similar.We’ve got not one, but two (2) Dan Gutman episodes!Part One: Where are Dr. Carbles Marbles! and where's my Pfeffernusse?Part Two: Carbles Marbles, Castro's AstrosAnd life wouldn't be complete without video, so check us out our YouTube channel:@Dads-on-BooksAnd finally! You can email us at [email protected] New Year!!