Father's Day #1: Great Dads from Books

Father's Day is here, and to celebrate, we're having an interlude to the month-long series "Fantasy: From Toddlers to Teens". Instead we've got a selection of great dads from children's books - as well as a few rotters! Do you agree with the list, or have I left out one of your favourites? Have your say on the comments area at the bottom of the page, or on the Facebook page.

Mr Fox from Fantastic Mr Fox and
William from Danny, The Champion of the World by Roald Dahl
Everyone knows that Roald Dahl writes distinctive characters, but some of his lovliest, most wonderful characters are fathers - this despite the fact that his own father died when Dahl was 7. Mr Fox and William have a lot in common, even if their books are rather different. Both of them are poachers, who bring their children into their battle with villainous land owners. And they're both without a doubt, their children's heroes.

It may have been Mr Fox's poaching that got his family (and all the animal families in the area) in to trouble, but it's his love for his children that strengthens his resolve to save them. Even though we never act
ually learn his cubs' names, Mr Fox is always referring to them as "my darlings".
And William may not have Mr Fox's swagger, but he's certainly just as devoted a father. He's a protective Dad - after Mr Hazell, the local landowner, threatens Danny, William will no longer serve him at the petrol station, no matter what trouble it causes. And he's an exciting dad; stealing forth in the night to poach pheasants away from Mr Hazell. It's because of his Dad that Danny is able to be "the champion of the world". Both are good dads to have in a tight corner!

　
The Dad from My Dad Thinks He's Funny by Katrina Germein and Tom Gellett
A rather more normal dad, here. This is the dad who points at a cake and says, "There's my piece. What's everyone else having?" Or who doesn't have sugar in his tea because he's sweet enough. He thinks that jumping in the shower "sounds dangerous." In short, he's every dad, because none of us are quite as funny as we think we are!


Big Nutbrown Hare from Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram
Because Little Nutbrown Hare may love him "to the moon", but he loves Little Nutbrown Hare "to the moon... and back".

James Potter and Sirius Black from the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling
Neither Harry's Dad or godfather get to spend as long with Harry as any of them deserve, but in their brief times, they have an indelible affect on him. Harry shares his recklessness and appetite for adventure with James and Sirius, and also his dedication towards his friends. Both James and Sirius die saving Harry, in the ultimate sacrifice of love. It's very moving seeing Sirius' gruffness slowly turn to affection towards Harry, and the Mirror of Erised scene from Philosopher's Stone and Harry's long walk to the Forest in Deathly Hallows - both of which, scenes where Harry meets his parents - are two of the most tender and heartbreaking scenes in the whole series.

The Prodigal Son's Dad from Luke's Gospel (in the Bible - Luke ch.15)

The Prodigal Son (as he's known) was one bad kid. He practically tells his father he wishes his dad was dead, so that he could get his share of the inheritance. His father somehow graciously gives it to him, and the son goes and blows it all on parties. But then a credit crunch hits, and he's made penniless. He gets so hungry, he gets a job working with the pigs - a massive no no for Jews like him! So he decides to return home, and beg for a job as a servant.
But the Father is the hero here; the Father who gave his son the freedom to leave, but searched the horizon every day for his return. When he finally sees his son approach, he runs out of the house, and embraces him. This is a culture where the wealthy were dignified above all else - imagining Alan Sugar running down the high street, sobbing and laughing, is only the start of how shocking it would have been. Then he welcomes his son back, gives him his cloak and ring (signs of family and authority) and throws a party for him. What a hero.

Mr Crumb from Mr Stink by David Walliams
Until Chloe makes friends with Mr Stink, her only real ally is her father, Mr Crumb. He's a kind, caring man, but lives in the shadow of his overbearing wife. One day, Chloe finds him hiding in a cupboard, too scared to tell his wife he's lost his job. But despite that, he's a source of encouragement for Chloe. And he's got a really cool secret in the shed.

Atticus Fitch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
It's not quite a children's book, this, but it nearly counts, and Atticus is often cited as the best father in fiction. He's quiet and bookish, he's a lawyer, and his children think all the other dads are more exciting, but he's the best man there is in Maycomb. He's a sharpshooter who doesn't like harming others, and he refuses to bow to pressure to racial prejudice. He's Jem and Scout's heroes, and teaches them compassion, and to see the hypocrisy around them. He's a great dad, but Jem and especially Scout are amazing characters, too.

And some terrible dads...

Mr Wormwood from Matilda by Roald Dahl
Like I said, Roald Dahl does great characters, but Matilda's Dad is a true rotter. He's one Dahl's more believable villains; not as fearsome as Miss Trunchbull, but is mean, selfish and small-minded. He dotes on his lazy, stupid son, but wilfully refuses to see the warmth and genius in his daughter. The only thing he actively tries to teach his children is how to scam customers through his car business. He well and truly deserves the practical joke that Matilda plays on him, and moving in with Miss Honey is the best thing that could have happened to Matilda.

Lord Asriel from His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
Lord Asriel spends a fair amount of time as a distant hero-figure to Lyra, but his detached love for Lyra doesn't stop him mercilessly kidnapping and murdering her best friend Roger. He's just as bad as the despicable and manipulative Mrs Coulter, but at least they come good, in the end, in their own ways.

The Father from Hansel and Gretel by the Brothers Grimm
Really, he let his his new wife lead his children into the forest to die? It makes little difference that he was pleased to see them return alive, he still let it happen!

Cassy's Dad from Wolf by Gillian Cross
Cassy lives with her sensible grandmother, and occassionally with her flightly, childish mother. Neither of them will tell her about her father. But something starts stalking Cassy: is it her father, or a wolf? It turns out it's both (well, the wolf is metaphorical). Her father is actually a terrorist for the IRA, and wants her to stash some plastic explosives. Bad dad indeed.

So what do you think? What dads have I missed off the list? Is Lord Asriel as bad as all that? Have your say just below, or on the Facebook page HERE! Oh, and if you like cinema's most famous father and son (that's Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker, sorry Don Corleones), then check out this short Father's Day video. It's really funny!