Reading Nook: Celebrate Father's Day

Was your dad like Alice Ozma's?

Jim Brozina helped inspire his daughter Alice's love of books by making a vow, when she was a fourth-grader, to read to her 100 nights in row. Once he'd kept his promise, the pair realized they'd created a ritual and kept on going – right up until she left for college.

Now, Ozma is the proud author of The Reading Promise: My Father and the Books We Shared.

Of course, we haven't all written a book, but many of us have been inspired to become lifelong readers by our dads, who took the time to read us bedtime stories.

So, in honor of Father's Day on Sunday, children's librarian Karen Tower and Director Celia Morse have recommended some titles for the dads and children who are carrying on that beloved story-time tradition.

Books for children

Suggested by Karen Tower

• The Best Father's Day Present Ever by Christine Loomis, 2007. A young snail plans to buy his father a present but decides that the best present to give isn't from a store.
• A Father's Day Thank You by Janet Nolan, 2007. What do you get your father for his special day when he already has plenty of ties, golf balls and nails?
• Froggy's Day with Dad by Jonathan London, 2004. Froggy's plan for a special day with his dad has some unplanned surprises for both of them.

Books for adults

Suggested by Celia Morse

• Don't Make Me Stop this Car: Adventures in Fatherhood by Al Roker, 2000. An affectionate look at the joys and perils of fatherhood by the American weatherman.
• Big Russ & Me: Father and Son: Lessons of Life by Tim Russert, 2004. A look back to the 1950s New York neighborhood of Russert's youth and the example set by his father, who taught his children to have self-discipline, respect and loyalty to friends.