In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall.

Bibliographical information: In Daddy's Arms I am Tall. Author: Various authors Illustrator: Javaka Steptoe. Publisher: Lee & Low Books. Genre: Poetry/picture.


Plot: "In Daddy's Arms I am Tall." is a book compiled of poems about various father figures. The book specifically revolves around African families. Many of the poems are about physical features, such as strong hands, or gentle eyes, that make someone a father figure. . This anthology has many poems, including an Ashanti proverb: "When you follow in the path of your father, you learn to walk like him." There are also other poems about farmers, uncles, sons, and other father father type figures. The poems vary in subject and purpose, but all of them focus on one theme: Fathers. Authors in this book include Folami Abiade, Davida Adedjouma, David A. Anderson, Michael Burgess, Dakari Hru, Angele Johnson, Dinah Johnson, E. Ethlebert Miller, Lenard D. Moore, Sonia Sanches, and Carole Boston Weatherford. Theme: Fathers are very important, and they can play various roles in our community.

Illustrations: The pictures that Javaka Steptoe drew are simply exquisite. They varying, bright, and contrasting colors add to the authenticity of this book. According to Steptoe, "The images in this book were created with a variety of materials and techniques..." He also uses torn paper, cut paper with pastel, and applique. Some of the pictures have collages and paintings in them. These collages and paintings consist many found objects, like scraps from a tin ceiling, floorboards salvaged from a building renovation in Brooklyn. One picture actually has a design with real fish dipped in paint. One picture, on the cover, was drawn by the illustrator's younger sister. Overall, the pictures in this book are visually appealing to the eye, and children will just love looking at the creative patterns and drawings this book has to offer.

Reflection: What attracted me to this book were the magnificent illustrations. It was the very first thing that caught my attention. When I read the poems in the book, I was very impressed by what was written. My favorite poem is "In Daddy's Arms" because it is such an inspiring poem about a wonderful relationship of a father and a son. The son feels strong, powerful and tall when he is in his daddy's arms. I had an opportunity to read this book two years ago to a third grade class during clinical of my third college year. Afterward, we had a long and interesting discussion about the their fathers, and what they thought made them a "father"

Extension Ideas: Class discussion: As a class, or with a parent at home, discuss who you see as an important father figure in your life, explain why. Share for about ten minutes. Father's day: This is a great activity to do on Father's day. Check this book out, and read it with your father, or someone you see as a father. Then, when you are alone, write a poem about your father. For illustrations, be creative, and use paints, patterns, and scraps you can find around the house. Have a grown up help.