Every now and then, my husband and I will muse about the things we did before kids. Our leisurely journey up California's Pacific Coast Highway... Our fall foliage tour through the east coast... Walking all over Manhattan... Three-hour sushi dinners... Exercising, reading, creating, exploring...
If we didn't have our kids, we'd probably be doing all those same things today. We'd have the money and the time. But, we wouldn't have them - those three blonde giggling (often screaming) girlies - now would we? And that simply wouldn't do.
In the new picture book IF I DIDN'T HAVE YOU (by Alan Katz, illustrated by Chris Robertson), a father muses about all he might do, if he didn't have his son, Mike. Likewise, Mike imagines a life filled with unbridled fun, if he didn't have his dad telling him he couldn't do this or that.
Mike and his dad go tit-for-tat, sharing wild dreams free of boundaries. Sports cars, sky diving, and hot air ballooning for dad. Late nights, video games, and unlimited candy for Mike. Each spread featuring the lovable alligators is full of movement, action and fun. Color blocks, open lines and just-right objects and animals stamp each notion with a memorable hue and emotion.
Readers who enjoy the playful rebellion found in RUNAWAY BUNNY by Margaret Wise Brown will find a similar rhythm in this read, which resolves with the realization of a blessed life, be it crazy and inclusive of compromise here and there.
Our family recently celebrated Father's Day and my husband's birthday. Both events reminded me of things I wouldn't do, if I didn't have Dan and my girls.
I wouldn't go on nature hikes...
I wouldn't play soccer after dinner...
And I'd rarely take the road less traveled...
Naw, I'll keep my urban free-wheeling days in the rear-view mirror. And my kids will surely take a balanced meal over endless ice cream, to live under our safe, loving umbrella.
IF I DIDN'T HAVE YOU (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers) is available in stores nationwide and through the bookseller of your choice. Want to learn more about the author and illustrator? Check out their other titles here: Alan Katz (alankatzbooks.com) and Chris Robertson (chrisrobertsonbooks.com).
For color sheets for IF I DIDN'T HAVE YOU, click below!
