Ask Me is One of the Best Dad Picture Books
Today is Father’s Day, and, in honor of this sacred holiday, I wanted to share an in-depth look at one of my favorite dad picture books of all time. Ask Me, written by Bernard Waber and illustrated by Suzy Lee, is a quiet masterpiece that should be on the radar of all picture book lovers - especially if they truly appreciate art that captures the essence of childhood in a bottle.
Ask Me features a simple setting of a father and daughter on a walk. There’s something spectacular about this setting that really speaks to me - which is why I previously wrote an entire article featuring picture books about taking a walk with Dad. In fact, in an attempt to capture some of the same magic, my choice for a Father’s Day activity today was a walk in the woods with my mom, dad, and family.
A father/child stroll is a deceptively simple setting, but it’s somehow proven to serve as the foundation for some of the most meaningful parenting picture books I’ve ever read. It’s hard to put your finger on exactly why that is, but I think it might have something to do with the quiet, understood presence of dad. Somehow the mere presence of this leisurely activity fills in the details in my imagination and paints a picture of a magical father/child relationship.
And magic is a good word for it, because these books about walks almost always seem to have a mystical quality about them. They masterfully give the impression that this moment in time is more important than anyone inside of it realizes. This moment, right now, when we are simply spending time together - this is actually one of those moments the kids might grow up and remember forever. Which might entirely explain why so many wonderful artists grow up and write picture books about taking a walk with dad.
Over the course of the book, Ask Me feels like it must have taken the entire day. It’s a daddy/daughter day featuring a true role model of a dad. And his status as this great role model is constructed out of more than just the words on the page - it’s also made out of the interpretations of the illustrations. The way he plays with the leaves, the way he looks at his daughter, even the way he wears his hat - it all displays an amazing sense of being truly present in the moment.
But you can rest assured that I love Ask Me for many more reasons than the mere fact that it contains a great dad role model. This book is laugh out loud hilarious - particularly for parents, and especially if the little girl in this book happens to remind you of somebody you know. She is an absolute riot, and I can’t heap enough praise onto Bernard Waber for so masterfully capturing the personality of this child.
The book is written entirely in dialogue between father and daughter - and I could read this entire book in the voice of my daughter. It’s quite uncanny in fact. I’d also like to say I can read the father’s voice as my own, but I don’t think it would be fair to say I have the same superhuman, limitless patience this dad displays. It’s a nonstop barrage of ideas and questions - or, more accurately, a demand for questions. And I’m quite convinced I know this girl.
Ask me if I like ice cream cones.
Do you like ice cream cones?
No. I love, love, love ice cream cones.
The young girl tightrope walks the border between bossy and playful as she directs her dad to ask her certain questions: “Ask me what I like.” “Ask me if I like ice cream cones.” “Ask me if I want another good night kiss.” It’s powerfully adorable, and undoubtedly humorous at the same time, because almost every parent out there can say, “wait a second, I know this conversation.”
A lot of things are taking place simultaneously in this deceptively simple story. The little girl is a bit self-absorbed and demanding, and she’s quite content to control the direction of their conversation for the entire day. For his part, Dad displays unheard of levels of patience, and is happy to play along for the entire day.
But I think it’s more than a character study - more than just a snapshot of a happy father and daughter. Because when you marvel at the dad skills on display in this book, you will undoubtedly also then reflect on some of the bigger questions in life - such as what truly matters. It’s a gateway into reflecting on childhood and parenting.
After all, why are we impressed with this patient dad playing along with silly conversations all day long? Is it because he doesn’t disappear after 30 minutes to do something more important? But, wait a second, why am I surprised by that? What does more important mean? Are adult things, in fact, more important? It’s much like this poem I wrote called The Trampoline:
When you ask me
to jump on the trampoline,
Sometimes I start asking myself
If I’ve jumped long enough.
What’s wrong with me?
Where the hell else do I have to be?
The essence of this beautiful picture book also reminds me of the tattoo I want to get - the boa constrictor eating the elephant from The Little Prince. The grown ups don’t even know what the drawing is, and then discourage the boy from pursuing art any further at all. It’s a constant reminder that grown ups simply don’t see things the same way as children, and to never overvalue the things adults think are important.
This dad gets down on the same level as his daughter and values what she thinks is important. It is, in fact, very beautiful, and not something to be overlooked or underestimated. This picture book disguised as a simple story of a father/daughter walk is basically the best parenting manual you’ll ever need.
I’m obsessed with the magic and wonder of childhood - the magic that sadly tends to dissipate over time - and I truly and deeply appreciate seeing a dad actively engaging in keeping the magic alive. We parents might not have bottomless wells of energy and patience at our disposal every day, but I always welcome a good reminder of what’s important with open arms. And Ask Me is a truly masterful smack to the face.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!
Make sure to check out the rest of our favorite picture books about dads for Father’s Day!
What’s your favorite dad picture book? Have you read Ask Me yet? Let us know in the comments!
