The best daddy of all

Daddy Tortoise and son Sebastian play an extended guessing game that doubles as a celebration of how animal dads care for their young in this picture book. As the pair cuddle up, Daddy describes varied activities ("This dad shows his children how to jump from stem to stem"), soliciting gleeful engagement ("That's Daddy Grasshopper!"). Meserve's whimsical nature illustrations--delicate line drawings washed with layers of semi-iridescent coloring--add charm to the exchanges. In one scene, a frog conductor leads an amphibian chorus; in another, fireflies glow beneath a moonlit sky. After touching on rabbits, bats, and more, Daddy's quizzing turns to a series of clues ("one who plays hide-and-seek in the grass with his son") that prompt heartwarming responses ("Oh, that's a really nice dad") to conclude this tortoise-centric tribute. Ages 4--8. (Apr.)

An endearing guessing game involves 10 animal fathers. A young tortoise named Sebastian knows that his dad is good at keeping him warm, especially during tender snuggles. But what else can fathers do? Daddy Tortoise has a long list of ideas. "Dads can do lots of things," he says as a family of birds perch in a nest above. "Like chirp to their chicks to tell them it's time to learn how to fly." Sebastian dissolves into a fit of giggles: "Then he's not a daddy tortoise like you!" Daddy wonders aloud, "Then whose dad is it?" A suspenseful page turn reveals Sebastian's triumphant answer: "That's Daddy Bird." The pattern continues as Sebastian and his dad explore everything from spiders and grasshoppers to frogs and hedgehogs. Layouts vary between full-page spreads and comic book--like panels. Details such as long, shadowy ears or a silky web tucked in the corner of an image offer additional clues as to who the next father might be. Softly lined illustrations in burnt oranges and bright sunny yellows infuse the forest with warmth, echoing the cozy relationship between Daddy Tortoise and his hatchling. Originally published in Switzerland, this lovely tale invites fathers everywhere to cuddle their little ones close for a delightful read-aloud. Sweet, interactive, and informational--a winsome combination.(Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.