About the Author

Garrison Keillor is America's favorite storyteller. For more than 35 years, as the host of A Prairie Home Companion, he has captivated millions of listeners with his weekly News from Lake Wobegon monologues. A Prairie Home Companion is heard on hundreds of public radio stations, as well as America One, the Armed Forces Networks, Sirius Satellite Radio, and via a live audio webcast. Keillor is also the author of several books and a frequent contributor to national publications including Time, The New Yorker, and National Geographic, in addition to writing his own syndicated column. He has been awarded a National Humanities Medal from the National Endowment of the Humanities. When not touring, he resides in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Reviews

PreS-Best known for his humorous, homespun tales of life in Lake Wobegon, Keillor has created a sweet collection of four stories in verse that celebrate the joys of fatherhood. In lilting rhyme, the enthusiastic dad sings to his baby daughter about all of the simple pleasures in their lives, turning everyday events like diaper changing, eating bananas, dancing together, and taking a walk into adventures. Each selection is accompanied by cheerful, eye-catching illustrations that bring the words to life and genuinely portray the loving relationship. The appealing baby with her dark curls and bright, expressive face is bursting with personality. Portraying the pair at home, strolling down the streets of New York, and dancing at a wedding, the finely executed illustrations perfectly complement the text. The book is accompanied by a CD of the author singing the verses.-Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

This title character, as pictured by Glasser (A Is for Abigail), embraces life with enthusiasm and style. Prairie Home Companion host Keillor's four doting songs celebrate the loving relationship between a father and his daughter, but it's the loose-lined watercolors that shine. Chock-a-block with the sights and sounds of New York City, Glasser's illustrations portray the toddler's insouciant delight in the world at large, whether she is eating her favorite foods in "B-a-n-a-n-a-s," strutting past Zabar's in the catchy "The Baby Says, `Ha!' " or dancing at a wedding in "Won't You Dance With Me?" Included with the book is a CD of Keillor's performance of the songs (not seen by PW). Some of the rhymes aptly surprise ("Swedish meatballs,/ Belgian waffle,/ French fries or a fresh falafel"), but others are clunkers ("Lift up her legs and take off the diaper,/ Get a damp cloth and carefully wiper her/ .../ Lay down a clean one, tape it shut,/ Beautiful baby with a nice clean butt"). Wistful and warm, the text's humor and nostalgic tone may appeal more to adults than to children (e.g., "Once in a while," the narrator asks his daughter, for example, "whenever you can,/ Remember your old man"). Nonetheless, between Glasser's inspired illustrations and Keillor's fans, this will probably be a Father's Day favorite. Ages 6 mos.-4 yrs. (Apr.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.