Children's book review : Project Dad

As it was Father's Day in the UK a few weeks ago, it was perfect timing for Parragon to choose Project Dad as their book buddies' Book of the Month for June. As the banner on the front cover proclaims, it invites you to "Make Every Day An Adventure With Dad !"

The book proposes twenty different projects that are perfect for tackling on a rainy day during the holidays or at the weekend and that look like they should be as much fun for the dads as the kids ! I love the slightly retro feel of many of the projects, going back to simple childhood pleasures that I remember from my own youth, such as making kites and gliders, a cardboard box castle or a shadow puppet show.

Before anyone gets on their sexist high horse, there are also more "feminine" projects such as Getting Creative in the Kitchen, baking and decorating (pink) cupcakes. Each project would appeal to mums as much as dads but I do actually like the fact that this book targets dads. Internet is awash with "mummy bloggers" and online forums such as Netmums and Mumsnet that target women and offer all sorts of advice and activity suggestions for keeping the kids entertained, often on a budget and using things around the house. Although more "dad blogs" are coming to light, they're still pretty poorly represented and most dads probably wouldn't have the first clue where to look to find kitchen craft projects or the recipe for homemade playdough, so it's nice for them to have their own dad-friendly "instruction manual" for playing with their offspring !

As well as the "Fun At Home" activities, there are also some outdoor activities in "The Great Outdoors" section that are a great way of getting kids (and parents !) away from their screens and into the fresh air, such as building an outdoor shelter, enjoying a day at the beach or having a garden camp out. Each project contains clear instructions and images that guide you through each step.

It's an easy-to-follow book with fun projects and hopefully the fact that it says Dad on the front cover will inspire Madhouse Daddy (and other dads) to get more hands-on with keeping the kids entertained during the holidays and the weekends !

star rating : 4.5/5

RRP : £10

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Parragon (Mar. 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 147238105X
• ISBN-13: 978-1472381057
• Product Dimensions: 23.9 x 18.8 x 1.5 cm

Disclosure : As Parragon Book Buddies, we received the book for free in order to write an honest review.