Tad and Dad by David Ezra Stein

Reviewed by Lori
Tad And Dad


Title: Tad and Dad

Author: David Ezra Stein

Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 104589

Description: A growing tadpole loves his frog dad so much he never gives him a moment's peace.


Curriculum Links: 

  • Social Studies: Families
  • Social Studies: Developing a Sense of Self
  • Character Education: Respect
  • Reading: Transforming
  • Science: Needs and Characteristics of Living Things
  • Science: Animals
  • Writing: Explanation

Notes: 

Design: This cover is adorable with a little frog bouncing on his somewhat disgruntled father.  The end pages are a dark green like a lily pad and the back of the front end paper has Tad swimming toward his father on the cover.

Content and Illustrations: This is a charming story that many parents - and children - will be able to relate to.  The child that wants to stay up and the parent who just wants them to sleep.  Each day Tad discovers a new skill that is just like his father and each night wants to sleep beside him.  But all of Tad's "wiggling and poking, kicking and croaking" are keeping his father awake.  After hearing that he is keeping his dad awake, Tad decides that it's ok to sleep on his own.  But now the tables are turned and Tad is disturbed by a loud croaking.  Maybe Daddy Toad needs Tad after all!  The greens, blues, and yellows in this story really highlight the pond feeling, with the background and water drawn in thick black lines that seem to lend a movement and sway to the pond fauna.  Father toads facial expressions are reminiscent of every exasperated parent.  I particularly liked the ending of this book.  

Recommended Audience: Kindergarten to Grade 2
  • Good read-aloud title.
  • Good title if you're looking at the life cycle of frogs and/or toads
  • Good titles for self-regulation and social awareness

Inquiries and Activities: 
  • Do some research on Frogs or Toads.  Where do they live?  What is their life cycle?  Do they hibernate?  
  • Talk about bedtime routines.  What do you do before bed?  Who puts you to bed?  Do you sleep alone or do you share a room?  What time do you go to bed?  
  • Use plasticine to create a model of either Tad or Dad.  How can you change the eyes and mouth to show different emotions.
  • Try jumping and croaking like a Toad.  Play a game of Leap Frog.
  • Find a recording of toads/frogs croaking in the evening.  Listen and describe what you hear.
  • Why do frogs and toads make interesting characters in stories?  What other stories do you know that include a frog or toad?

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