This post is part of a weekly series of synopses of children’s books, written by First Book staff members.

My Dad Can Do Anything, by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. Dads can do everything like climb the highest mountain (or the nearest playground slide), swim to the bottom of the sea (or the backyard pool). But the most important thing he does is spend time with his children. Grades K-2.


Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, by Ian Fleming, illustrated by Brian Selznick. Chitty-Chitty Bang Bang is not an average automobile, which suits the Potts well, because they are not an average family. After Commander Pott, the father, inventor, and explorer of the family saves Chitty-Chitty Bang Bang from the salvage yard and restores her, the family takes off for a day at the beach. However, they get much more than they bargained for when they come across a gang of robbers. It is only the magic of Chitty-Chitty Bang Bang that can save the day! Grades 3-4.


My Louisiana Sky, by Kimberly Willis Holt. Tiger Ann Parker lives in rural Louisiana with her parents and her strong-spirited grandmother. As Tiger grows up she is constantly aware of the cruel remarks and laughter that is directed towards her mentally slow parents, but Granny always provides comfort and keeps the house running smoothly. Its not until Granny suddenly dies that Tiger must make some important decisions about what makes a home and family and where it is she truly belongs. Grades 5-6.