A very happy Father’s Day to all you wonderful fathers out there! My husband and I wanted to spend today with our son and grandson, but both of us have nasty mean colds, so we’re stuck at home. We hope to spend some time with them NEXT weekend, when we are well again.
So in celebration of Father’s Day, I am reposting a little piece I wrote back in February about one of my class’s favorite Read Alouds of this school year. After we finished reading it, I received this email from a parent. It was the compliment of a career for me, but also shows you how much children love this book!
Since my daughter is going to miss reading books with you more than anything else in her school life so far — would you have any recommendations for summer reading, books you wish you would have had more time to read with the class?
E gave her Dad a copy of “Danny Champion of the World” for his birthday, because it was so good she wanted to read it with him!!
Last week, I read aloud to my Second Graders the wonderful book by Roald Dahl, Danny, the Champion of the World. I have always loved this book because it portrays one of the most beautiful father-son relationships in literature. But reading it this year, after a very difficult year in our own son’s life (his name is Danny, too!), had special meaning for me. I understand that single-father and son relationship in the book in ways I never expected, and I appreciate deeply that Roald Dahl created this loving, caring, nurturing, and sparky Dad for us all to love!
When I picked out this book to be the next read aloud in my classroom, it was because I knew it was a wonderful story that would capture my students’ imaginations. I didn’t realize consciously that I was picking out a book that would give me an even deeper love, appreciation for, and understanding of my own newly single-father son and our grandboy, and of their very precious and beautiful relationship.
A Fondness For Reading 
Robin, I’m so sorry that you guys are suffering from colds. Nasty things, especially at this time of year. 🙂
I have not ever read this Dahl book, but what a lovely one to share with your class and the email you recieved was so touching. I am also sorry that your family has been through such a hard time. I think as parents, it’s so hard to see our children suffer. Parenting and our love for them and concern doesn’t end when they grow up, does it? Sigh.
Take care and get better. Hope you get to spend some great time with “your” Danny and grandboy soon. Hugs!!
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This is a little known book by Roald Dahl, in my experience, and it is truly a gem. My son’s father, now deceased, absolutely loved it, and always read it to his fifth graders. It will always be special to me, for the same reasons you point out in your post: the father-son relationship, when right, is so wonderful.
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This is my very, very favorite of all RD’s books. I don’t know how many times I’ve read it. But I still have it, and plan to read it again. I’ve also been on the lookout for a dvd of the PBS version with Jeremy Irons and his son. Did you ever see it? It still doesn’t seem to be on dvd, but I may buy a vhs copy since the one I have came right from the tv. Oh, is it wonderful.
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Thanks, Kay, for your “nasty-colds sympathy!” We both have felt very sorry for ourselves that we got so sick. We’re doing much better after a long weekend rest. 🙂 If you haven’t read this book, you must treat yourself. What a delightful story. I love it more each time I read it, and it’s a very special experience to read it aloud to a group of children and watch their faces! Enjoy!
Meredith, it truly is a “gem,” as you say. A book that touches your heart and mine…a lovely thing to share.
Nan, my very favorite Dahl book, also. I have a VHS copy of the film with Jeremy Irons and his son. It’s a treasure, and my students loved watching it after we finished the book. They were particularly excited to discover that mean old Mr. Victor Hazel was played by “Hagrid” –Robbie Coltrane!
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This is one that I somehow never read myself but Z and I have a copy now and will be reading it together soon. I’m really excited!
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Kristen, I hope you and Z really enjoy the book! I like it better each time I read it.
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