Book Review: Animal Dads By Ami Dobelle

Animal Dads is a book based on real animal dads whose parenting skills are above all others in the animal kingdom. 

From seahorses to emperor penguins, readers will learn about how these animal dads are number one when raising their offspring. 

Children’s books about fathers are far and few between. So when I find a great story that celebrates Dads as the heroes, I always want to read it with my little ones. Children’s books about fathers can be a fantastic way to teach your children the significance their fathers have in their lives and to remind them how lucky they are to have a dad like theirs.

We are now in a day and age where dads are more involved in their children’s lives. Dads are the ones who lift you to their shoulders to watch the fireworks display. He watches all the scary movies and rides all the big rides with you when mom is too scared. He swings you back and forth and throws you high in the air even when mom says that’s too high. Dads are strong and brave, and they comfort our children. The love of a dad brings positive benefits to their children that no other person can replace.

Ami Dobelle’s Animal Dads is the perfect picture book, to help your little one know just how special Dads are while educating your little ones on how animal dads play a crucial role in their baby’s lives. Readers will learn about all the different ways animal dads help with their young, including how they protect and care for their young.

The illustrations in this book are unique and educational. Each illustration highlights the most important role an animal dad has in his offspring’s life. The cute animal designs keep readers engaged and interested.This sweet picture book will forever have a happy home on your family’s bookshelf.

Where Can I Find Animal Dads By Ami Dobelle

You can find Animal Dads By Ami Dobelle on her website HERE or on AMAZON.

Why and How to use this Book With Your Kids

  • Great gift to give a child of any age
  • Use alongside coloring pages that can be DOWNLOADED
  • Writing and Math Lesson Plans K-3 (PRINTABLE) for Teachers, Homeschoolers & Parents
  • Cuddle up with your child and their very own Animal Dads Seahorse Plushie as you read the book together
  • Use alongside activity pages that can be DOWNLOADED

About the Author, Ami Dobelle

“Ami Dobelle has had an extensive career at zoos and aquariums. She has studied animals and animal behavior for over twenty years. Ami is an experienced educator and animal trainer . She has appeared as an animal expert on multiple television shows. Her hands-on work with animals inspired her to write Animal Dads.

Fun Facts About Ami

  • When I was young, I wanted to become an astronaut after reading a book about Sally Ride.
  • I never had a cavity (smile!)
  • My favorite movies are Star Wars and The Princess Bride (I can’t decide!)
  • My first career was as a marine mammal trainer.
  • I’m left-handed.
  • I have been scuba diving since I was 13 years old.

Rapid Fire with Ami Dobelle

Q. What does your family think of your writing?

Ami: My family is thrilled that I finally have Animal Dads published. It’s a book I was toying with for years and finally got up the guts to publish it earlier this year. I dedicated the book to my Dad. He’s very critical of my work and will let me know if he doesn’t like the way that something is written or an illustration I’ve done. It is because of his critiques that Animal Dads turned out as good as it did. I also received, and continue to receive, a great deal of assistance from my mother. Navigating this new author/illustrator industry isn’t easy, and she’s been the one to help me through it all.

Q. Describe what your ideal writing space looks like?

Ami: A big table with a large window to look out of. A computer nearby to crosscheck what I’m writing and creating. Space and sunshine with lots of natural light. A comfy couch or oversized chair would be part of the ideal space.

Q. Tell us about your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Ami: I always enjoy this question because no one knows what the future may hold for them. My goals will be to publish more books. I am already working on the next book and have ideas for the third and fourth ones! It would be amazing to connect with an agent and publisher to be able to offer my books on the mass market. If you asked me five years ago if I would have even published one book, I would have laughed. I will continue to write, paint, and be happy in life.

Q. How did you become involved in the subject or theme of your book?

Ami: I have always been a bit of an animal expert and felt that animal dads and the roles that fathers play in raising their young were very underrepresented in children’s books. I feel that in this day and age, it is important to see what both parents contribute to raising their young and that it’s not always the mother that is the most involved.

Q. What inspires you as a writer?

 Ami: I am inspired by the world around us, especially animals. Doing background research for non-fiction children’s books opens my eyes to all of the wonders of this planet.

Q. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Ami: My “real job” is a science teacher. I teach subjects such as Biology, Marine Biology, and Animal Behavior/Zoology. I am passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists and conservationists. I am also a spin instructor in the evenings and weekends and love it! It’s a great stress reliever. If I’m not teaching or spinning, I enjoy anything outdoors, from scuba diving to hiking to a day at the beach.

Q. What type of books do you write?

Ami: My books are non-fiction for children ages 2-8 years old. I created a website that has lesson plans that utilize the books. This is great for teachers and homeschoolers to incorporate Animal Dads and more into their lesson plans. I love non-fiction because there are so many cool things about nature and animals. Sometimes it might seem like some of the facts can’t be real, but they are!

A Little More About the Illustrations

Q. Can you describe the artistic process behind your illustration creations?

Ami: It always begins with a bit of research on the subjects, which are almost always animals. I look at different photographs of animals to make sure that I get the correct proportions. I then give the illustrations a little “cute factor.” I want them to be somewhat realistic but also a little whimsical at the same time.
 
Q. Which page was the most fun to illustrate?

Ami: I had a lot of fun with the seahorse dad illustration, and it is my favorite. I loved drawing all the little babies coming out of his pouch. It was just too cute.

Q. Did you draw as a child?
 
Ami: I was always drawing when I was young. My mother was a former art teacher, and my father is an architect. There was always drawing tools, paint, and creative things around the house. I took professional art classes for as long as I can remember, from about 4th grade through college. I minored in Art at the University of Delaware.

Don't Forget To Join Ami on Social Media!

All in all, my family and I have really enjoyed this book and we know you will too! Please feel free to leave me any comments or questions about this review. I look forward to hearing from you! 

* This book was kindly sent to me by Author, Ami Dobelle in exchange for an honest review. 

16 comments on “Book Review: Animal Dads By Ami Dobelle

  1. Thank you so much for the amazing review! I love reading your honest feedback and hope to share my book with as many people as possible!

  2. I completely agree that reading books that are focused on dads is so important! To think of it we have so many books for our 4 month old and not one of them are about dads! Thank you!

  3. Well, this is interesting but I believe it is a good read for our children. They are so used to seeing Mommy and baby stories so, I think this story about dads is very much welcome.

    I would definitely love to get a copy of this. Thank you for the recommendation.

  4. That’s such a cool concept for a book! I love that the authors are emphasizing the importance of a father’s role in our children’s lives! I’ve been looking for some new books to read to the kids. I may have to check this one out.

  5. This sounds like a fun summer read. I’m not familiar with Cornwall, but it sounds like something that my kids would really love.

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