There are many children's books out there about kids being adopted, kids working through someone passing away, etc., so people who say that an upbeat, uplifting book about fathers and sons is not a children's book because it's not about little animals romping around or kids on a playground must not have read many children's books. (By the way, one of the most famous Sesame Street episodes is the one when Big Bird learns about death. This book is not "heavy" like that, but that just shows that good and educational art for children takes many forms.)
THE BENCH is absolutely a children's book, and a very beautiful one, at that. The illustrations are gorgeous. The inclusion depicted in the drawings is INSTRUCTIVE (because children's book), and the overall feel is heartwarming and uplifting.
I was particularly pleased to see how big the book is. Anyone who's read to a child knows that big, colorful books are, themselves, a huge delight for kids at reading time. This book totally fits the bill. Kids will love the illustrations.
Some reviews have criticized the text for being minimal, but the shorter passages are longer than those in GOODNIGHT MOON. Smaller children love short passages that they can memorize with their parents if the book is read multiple times. So, again, the book is instructive in that it's digestible for young readers and small children.
Any parent who sits down to read this book with their child will be teaching them the important role fathers play and will be reinforcing that dads care and that their own dad cares. How great for dads to be able to read this and tell their kids, "I feel this way, too, about you." No spoilers, but there is a nice touch about men being able to say out loud that they love their children. So important. Great message.
Love this book! 5 STARS.
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From the Publisher
Reviews with images
Very Sweet ... Speaks volumes that Meghan did this
For those writing bad reviews hear this;The context of the book and grammer may not be perfect but the message IS. I'm saddened to read people being so critical of a mother showing her love for her family. She didn't have to go through all the trouble of publishing a book; she loves her husband and children. She chose to go through the trouble of publishing a book. This is a poem that she wrote for her husband about their son. This is actually very special and kind. Youre not supposed to cut up someone's poetry. Poetry is art; it's taken however the reader interprets it.The bad reviews just demonstrates the utter hatred and negativity that people for some reason just can't seem to stop doing to each other. She went as far as to include different ethnicities! Its like she can't do anything right in so many people's eyes. I think it's thoughtful she included different ethnicities. The illustration is unique and something she liked. I think it is exactly how she wanted it to be for her family. I am a mother to a little boy too and if I could afford to create a book about love and give it to my husband I totally would.Have any of you ever created something for someone you love?This wasn't supposed to be a negative thing. Shame on you people for slandering her. Its totally fitting for children. It makes them envision the significance of sitting on a bench with their father.So many people want to just slap an Ipad in their kids faces....this is a story about spending quality time with their father and the mommy recognizing the sacred bond.If Meghan ever did somehow come across my review , I love how you wrote this and would be honored to have my book signed. Anyone posting negative things doesn't deserve to own the book at all.Furthermore, those negative people may as well never read poetry anymore because they obviously do not appreciate it. If people actually realized this book was a gift and she wanted to give her fans an option to share it with their families. Keep your nasty words to yourself.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2021
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2021
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2021
One does not need to be into the royals to enjoy this wonderful debute book by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex. The book, originally written as a Father's day gift for her husband, would make a great addition to any children's library for dads wanting a special book with their children, especially their sons. Yet, it isn't just limited to dads--the narrator is a mother who is in awe of their bond. This is an enjoyable book for parents to read to their children. The illustrations by Christian Robinson are some of the best features of the book! Robinson is a powerhouse in his own right and looking at his fantastic illustrations is worth it. The book itself is fairly large and you can see the illustrations easily, something little kids will love. Parents will enjoy the diversity in the kinds of families and activities seen in the illustrations as well. If you are looking for something simple, sweet, and sentimental that you'll enjoy and look back at fondly in the years to come, it's definitely worth the purchase.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2021
You'll see a lot of people saying this book isn't written with any style and is boring.
Those people are looking for something to hate on. The writing ( based off a poem ) and is wonderful and simple. And that is perfect and find. I'd recommend getting this book for your child as a gift for their father or any figure in their life that they look up too. Reading this with a parent, it's easy for kids to relate to the thoughts and feelings of a parent, just how much their children mean to them. It's on their level and allows for easy connection. It's heartfelt and you don't need much to look into that.
I also LOVE the inclusion of different dads from different walks of life and the like. It's worth the purchase and shouldn't be read more into than a simply book about love.
Those people are looking for something to hate on. The writing ( based off a poem ) and is wonderful and simple. And that is perfect and find. I'd recommend getting this book for your child as a gift for their father or any figure in their life that they look up too. Reading this with a parent, it's easy for kids to relate to the thoughts and feelings of a parent, just how much their children mean to them. It's on their level and allows for easy connection. It's heartfelt and you don't need much to look into that.
I also LOVE the inclusion of different dads from different walks of life and the like. It's worth the purchase and shouldn't be read more into than a simply book about love.
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Top reviews from other countries
Brenda
Vale a pena
Reviewed in Brazil on October 31, 2021
Brenda
Reviewed in Brazil on October 31, 2021
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Adriana
Bellissimo e pieno di poesia
Reviewed in Italy on June 17, 2021
Adriana
Reviewed in Italy on June 17, 2021
Ha splendidi disegni che i bambini e anche gli adulti amano
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