Reading with Dad

In honor of Father’s Day, we asked one of the fathers of our church to discuss one of the things he enjoys doing with his children. His answer came with no hesitation, “READING!” He went on to say how much he has enjoyed reading to all his children, but because his middle child is in the sweet spot between “ABC books” and “Too old for dad to read to me”, here is an interview with her discussing why reading is such an enjoyable activity they do together: 

Dad: Daughter, I have a question for you. Do you enjoy our daily reading sessions? If so, why? 

Daughter: Yes, I love them. I enjoy spending time with you reading at night and I feel like I am always learning something. I especially like the “Who is” Books. 

Dad: That’s great! I enjoy reading to you too. I know we can get busy during the day, so setting a reading appointment with you is always a highlight of my day. So, you mentioned that the “Who is” Books are your favorite. Can you explain why? 

Daughter: Sure. In each of these books I learn a little bit about someone from the history books or other interesting topics. I like learning about history. 

Dad: Yep. I also like how those books give you just enough information about a person or subject to want to lean more. They also give you suggested books to read if you don’t already have a book in mind to learn more. Do you have a favorite book? 

Daughter: Yes, I like the “Who is Fredrick Douglas” book the best. He was so interesting to me. He taught himself how to read and he had so much courage to stand up to slavery the way he did. 

Dad: He was really remarkable. In fact, we have read several books about Fredrick Douglas including a very long biography. 

Daughter: Yes! It was over 700 pages and took us forever to read! 

Dad: I agree, but it was worth it, wasn’t it? 

Daughter: Yes! We learned even more about how he fought against slavery and how he became very successful after slavery. 

Dad: Yep. My favorite Who is book was “Who is Michelle Obama”.  

Daughter: Really! 

Dad: Yep. I liked how in-between the chapters they discussed a different first lady of the United States. In fact, one of the most interesting facts on first ladies was when they mentioned how Mary Todd Lincoln gave her husband, Abraham Lincoln’s staff to Fredrick Douglas when he was killed. 

Daughter: Yes, Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglas had an interesting relationship, didn’t they? 

Dad: Yep. Well, that’s all the questions I have for now. I’m looking forward to our next reading session tonight! 

Daughter: Me too!