Dads on Books

Will the real Alan Katz PLEASE, SIT DOWN!!!

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:23:00 -0500

Thanks for indulging our April Fool's Day episode. Now back to the real stuff with the real Alan Katz, author of 1 or 2 or 52 books, and, to quote Alan, "twelve of them are good." We disagree. The other 40 R2.

There's lots of jokes, especially, "What does this doodad do, Dad?"—the ultimate dad joke!!—lots of laughing, but—SPOILER ALERT!!—some deep stuff too. Alan shares some of his writing rules the most important of which is: Rule #1.

Oh, you wanna know what it is? OK. "I will never make a joke at the expense of someone. Kindness come first." You’ll have to listen to get more!

We do actually talk about a lot of his silly, funny, and awesome books including the SOS series, his Lieographies, Take Me Out of the Bathtub and Other Silly Dilly Songs, The Day the Mustache Took Over.

So much fun this is only part one!!

If you liked this episode, you'll LOVE these:

Pinkalicious!!! by Alan's dear dear friend Victoria Kann
Our first Dan Guest: Dan Gutman Part One and Part Two
And our second Dan Guest: Dan Yaccarino parte uno and parte due
Our third Dan—Chris guest: Chris Grabenstein Part One and Part Two

And now a word from our sponsors. (Well, not really sponsors, just places we get books and hope that you'll go to if you need one).

A House with Books in Keller, TX
Talking Animals Books in Grapevine, TX
River Forest Public Library
Grapevine Public Library
Keller Public Library

It's the Alan Katz Show

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 04:23:00 -0500

WHOLEY COW, BATMAN! THIS COW SMELLS LIKE...

Fill in the blank for a chance to be live with Clean Slate Dave.... & Mike.

Ut oh... Spagetios???OMG]]

OMG.. is this for realsies????

Wheut?

The Good, the Bad, and the Naked Crayons

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 04:23:00 -0500

We are fresh off a St. Patrick's Day Eve recording of The Day the Crayons Quit in our first episode where Mike and David are in the same continent in the same state in the same city in the same house in the same room in the same chair—Okay, wait. That's a little weird. There were two chairs and two Dads, but one room. And many, many, many...many crayons. (And some more crayons.) And definitely check out our video because if you like listening to Mike and David, you’ll love watching them!

It's one of our few mehpisodes, actually, the 'sode is good. Great, even. The book, it's well...go ahead and listen/watch and you'll find out.

But still a lot of fun: There are colors and craziness and crayons and ons and ons. There's even color commentary. David and/or Mike wax poetic. We even unwrap a mystery--or maybe a crayon? Or two? But there's no quitting. Are you quitting? There's no quitting. There's no quitting in baseball. There's no quitting in BASEBALL.

We start talking about the book early: only a minute and 30 seconds in! But don't worry, we get off to our normal hijinks, tangents, and other offshoots.

And the first color that we feature? Wait for it. It's a fun one! Beige. Beige? Beige.Yes. And beige is proud.

We talked about potential sponsors from Morningstar to Mars and to, of course, Crayola Crayons. We also talk about the past. Past Super Bowl—er The Big Game (Not one of our sponsors. Yet) parties. Girlfriends from way back and wives from way forward. We even get to the bottom of the Crayola crayon hyphen thing. Is Blue-green bluer or greener? Listen, and you'll find out.

Even better, watch YouTube link here.

And now a word from our sponsors. (Well, not really sponsors, just places we get books and hope that you'll go to if you need one).

A House with Books
Talking Animals Books
River Forest Public Library
Grapevine Public Library
Keller Public Library

A seriously nightmarish-esque case of stripes or Camilla Cream and her Lima Beans

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:23:00 -0500

This episode has it all! Stripes: the two dads read about them, they talk about them, David even wears them. There are specialists, experts, the carnival outside Camilla's house replete with news, people, hotdog, vendors, and other shenanigans, chicanery, tomfoolery and silly high jinks.

Warning: there is some darkness, and a touch of "the scary," but the story is so much fun and the art is beautiful, and filled with so many details that you discover more each time you return to the book.

And speaking of returning to the book, Mike and David don't digress at all and stay completely focused. Laser, I tell you! Just kidding. Digressions, tangents, and stories abound!

Check it out.

If you liked this episode, you'll LOVE these:

For some darkness on the edge of town check out our first episode: The Giving Tree
Want to read a similar tale of color change? Read Pinkalicious
Mike whispers, "Hush!" so read Good Night Moon
A mention of one of our favorite stories from history: Ruby Bridges
And there are some references to out Stinky bookends with Stinky-themed books with our Chris Grabenstein episodes 1 and 2

And now a word from our sponsors. (Well, not really sponsors, just places we get books and hope that you'll go to if you need one).

A House with Books
Talking Animals Books
River Forest Public Library
Grapevine Public Library
Keller Public Library

Road Trip to Chuggington: Stinky the Skunk Smells of Lemoncello, Part toot

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:23:00 -0500

We had so much fun with Chris Grabenstein, we had to split it in to two parts! Chris regales us with tales from his book The Crossroads, and how he can tell a story in 35 words. He talks about his “yes and life“ and how he deals with the “mad magazine voice" in his head“ that led him to a career in radio where he got to be wacky and crazy and learned from his good friend Jim Patterson to "throw a pie in their face and once you have their attention, say something smart.”

Chris explains that “fiction is a tool for empathy because you become somebody else for 300 pages and say, ‘wow that’s what their life is like.’”

We continue our discussion of Chris’s most recent release Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest, including that it’s one of the most surprise endings of any of his books. But don't worry: no spoiler alerts here. We took the Ms. Pennypickle Pledge that we solemnly swear to not tell ANYTHING about the ending.

Stay tuned for when Chris will back in the fall for the release of not one, not two, but three new books: Ms. Pennypickle's Remarkable Road Race, Mr. Lemoncello‘s Wondermous Christmas Gift, and Stinking Beauty by J.J. & Chris, art by Alex Patrick.

As an added bonus, Chris calls David and Mike his “improv buddies.” And they couldn’t be prouder, happier, or even funnier.

Buy Chris's books. Right now. What are you waiting for?
The Crossroads, Mrs. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest, Stinky Sories: Jack and the Beanstink

If you liked this episode, you'll LOVE these:

Our first Dan Guest: Dan Gutman Part One and Part Two
And our second Dan Guest: Dan Yaccarino parte uno and parte due

And now a word from our sponsors. (Well, not really sponsors, just places we get books and hope that you'll go to if you need one).

A House with Books
Talking Animals Books
River Forest Public Library
Grapevine Public Library
Keller Public Library

Dads on Steins: Grabenstein, Frankenstein, Einstein, and other Stinky Stories

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 04:23:00 -0600

DoB welcomes our third author and first non-daughter, non-Dan guest! None other than the perfectly paraphrasing prosaist of Ms. Pennypickle’s Puzzle Quest multiple award-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author Chris Grabenstein.

We get to the bottom of the meaning and pronunciation of his name (nom de plume); how he writes; and how his writing was influenced by his experience in improv (back when he was Chris “The Banker” Grabenstein, chilling with Bruce “The Bartender” Willis and Robin "Yes, THAT one" Williams), radio, the ad game, and even banking (a guy's gotta eat).

Chris loves alliteration, imagination, and collaboration with authors like James Patterson, the G. T. Carber, and even his very own wife JJ. who is best first read and unofficial editor.

We talk about Ms. Pennypickle’s Puzzle Quest, and many of his other books, including The Island of Dr. Libris, Shine, The Crossroads, Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, Murdle Jr.: Sleuths on the Loose, Stinky's Stories#2: Jack and the Beanstink, and The Smartest Kid in the Universe. Why so many books? Because Chris writes a lot, and we love his books a lot, and because we are Dads on Books. It's what we do.

And that’s just in this episode! Stay tuned for part two next week!

If you liked this episode, you'll LOVE these:

A House with Books
Talking Animals Books
River Forest Public Library
Grapevine Public Library
Keller Public Library

Ruby Bridges: Inspiring resilience since 1960

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 04:23:00 -0600

Mike and David are moved by the inspiring story of Ruby Bridges, a six year old, black girl who was integrated into New Orleans public schools in 1960.

After David learned of her story through Fr. Mike’s (no relation) homily at his girls’ Catholic school, they decided to pick not one, but two books about Ruby Bridges to read and talk about:

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles

and

Through My Eyes: Ruby Bridges by Ruby Bridges

And talk they do. In an episode where they aren't as wacky or silly as they normally are, Mike and David talk about Ruby Bridges' story; American history and race; and their own experiences, perceptions, and thoughts on issues that are still relevant today.

The episode features less laughing, and more thinking, a touch less of their silliness, and a handful of more seriousness. But, like all of their episodes, the Dads step up and show the power that books and what they teach really matters. Based on a true important event in the American civil rights movement, Mike and David talk for over an hour and decided this would be one long, thoughtful, thought provoking episode, talking about kids, books, heroes, history, and, so so much more!

If you enjoy this episode, read another book about Black American history, and let us know about it at DadsOnBooks@gmail.com. We all should be more aware of these stories. They are part of our history as Americans.

If you want to know more about Ruby and her foundation, take a look at the Ruby Bridge's Foundation website.

And if you like this episode, take a listen to one these if you haven't already:

More American history: George Washington’s Teeth

Dan Yaccarino episodes: Parte Uno, Parte Due

And now a word from our sponsors. (Well not really sponsors, just places we get books and hope that you'll go to if you need one).

A House with Books
River Forest Public Library
Grapevine Public Library
Keller Public Library

And a library that had a great Black History month design:
Timberland Regional Library

George Washington: taking a bite out of life

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 04:23:00 -0600

Did you know that George Washington had fake teeth? We did, too. Did you know it was a problem his entire adult life? Neither did we. Did you know he didn’t have wooden teeth? Neither did we. Did you know that he led the Continental army to win the Revolutionary War? We did, too. Just seeing if you’re paying attention. Good job.

While this episode of Dads on Books is just as fun as all the other ones, we decided to celebrate Presidents’ Day with a little bit of learning and a whole lot of fun.

Check it out, and hold onto your dentures. It’s gonna be a bumpy night.

And if you liked this one, you'll LOVE these:

Dan Gutman's episodes: Part 1, Part 2
Dan Yaccarino's episode: Parte Uno, Parte Due
More fun water color Mrs. McTats and her House Full of Cats and Guess How Much I Love You?

Some of our favorite places to get books:

A House with Books
River Forest Public Library
Grapevine Public Library
Keller Public Library

Pete the Cat is wearing a hat or Valentine’s Day is phat

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 04:23:00 -0600

In their very first Pete the Cat episode, Mike and David talk and talk and talk about being home alone—aaaaaaaarrrrg!!!—and snow and sleds and Ace the friendly hardware place and lightbulbs—the new college major and, one more thing... oh yeah! the book!!

Pete the Cat--Valentine's Day is Cool has a lot of meaningful memories for Mike and his girls and none whatsoever for David's, but they both loved the book. In a role reversal, Mike actually has the book with a poster: missing, some Valentine's Day cards: AWOL, and stickers: gone, I tell you! David, on the other hand, read the "book" by "watching" a reading of it from the Lollipop Animated Book series on YouTube. Welcome to 21st century reading, how can I help you?

The book is a lot of fun, but David notices the word "love" is never really said. Mike points out that love comes in many different forms for many different people or cats. And bus drivers. And facilities managers. And crossing guards. Happy National Crossing Guard Day--February 10!! OK, State Crossing Guard Day in Texas where David is. You'll have to wait until early May in Illinois where Mike is. Because it has to thaw?

As we celebrate Valentine's Day, enjoy this this super fun, super silly, and even a little poignant book about empathy for other people— and cats— a common and important theme in our friend Dan Yaccarino's books. (the empathy, not the cats)

Check it out.

If you liked this episode, check out these two:

Dan Yaccarino parte uno and parte due

A House with Books

Grapevine Public Library

Keller Public Library

Dan Yaccarino parte due (mille): Willa, Oswald, Every Friday, and friends

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 04:23:00 -0600

Mike and David are such fans of the Dans, especially Dan Yaccarino author of Piccolo, they had to split their awesome, fun, super conversation in two—due!—episodes.

This time the Dads and the Dan talk about stories, books (The Luna Sisters) and of course, mid-century modern. Even though they post every Monday, they read and talked about Every Friday. They laughed, they cried, they promised not to pretend to cry.

We finally get to the bottom of why Dan does what he does and digs what he digs. You dig? Listen to find out, but know that he loves creating characters and worlds and ends our conversation where it began: in empathy and kindness. Good stuff.

Check it out.

If you liked this episode, check out these:

Dan Yaccarino parte uno

Our first Dan Guest: Dan Gutman Part One and Part Two

Our other groovy plaid patterns episode: Pinkalicious

A House with Books

Grapevine Public Library

Keller Public Library

Dan Yaccarino on Sorrento, Piccolo, and Jacques Cousteau, parte uno

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 04:23:00 -0600

Mike and David continue their celebration of Danuary with their second author guest Dan Yaccarino which means all of their guests are either daughters or Dans. They had so much fun, this is only part one!

Dan and the Dads talk about Dan's latest book, Piccolo and its celebration of Dan's Italian heritage and its themes of putting others before yourself and the importance of gelato. That's Italian for ice cream. They also discuss I Am a Story, An Octopus Followed Me Home, The Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau, City Under the City, One, Two, Grandma Loves You, and Willa's Wild Life. There's even some mid-century modern and Yac Man—uh Pac Man (AKA Gabo Gabo in Italia). Check it out.

And this is only part uno. Stay tuned for part due next week when we'll talk about even more books! And reading. And parenting. And stuff.

If you liked this episode, check out these:

Our Very first episode, The Giving Tree

Our first Dan Guest: Dan Gutman Part One and Part Two

For Greek mythology geeks like us: Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief: Voyage to Vegas with a zebra, tin cans and 7 layer dip

A House with Books

Grapevine Public Library

Danny's Doodles of poodles and oodles of noodles (Karen)

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 04:23:00 -0600

In our continuing celebration of "DANUARY!!!", Mike and David discuss Danny and Danny’s Doodles— which turn out to be not quite as doodly or noodley as you might think— plus other fun stuff in a book, that’s oddly doodly, oodly, feudily, silly billy, and even a touch serious.

They’ve got everything! There’s mismatched socks, a string diet where even the tuna is stringy, unevenly short pants, and sensible shoes (sensible black shoes, I can't trust this writer at all, can I?), and David and Mike play a new game show: Guess which baseball movie this is!?! There’s a school that has silly kids and a mean teacher. And even she is human after all. (Hmmm, sounds like a teacher I meet in room 27, or was it 26, hmmm).

Mike discusses the legend of Kelly Dean and the Great Experiment of Jelly Bean, but you need to read the book to find out about the ladder.

It’s a fun ride of a fun book with two fun guys, hold the mushrooms.

If you liked this episode, you’ll love these:
Dan Gutman

What??? More Dan Gutman

Big Words for Little People

And many more.... if you can find them....

Danny and the Danuary Dinosaur

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 04:23:00 -0600

Mike and David struggle with the calendar but successfully locate Danny and the Dinosaur in David’s attic, aka Narnia. This "50sy" classic features a dinosaur that fluctuates from "row-house sized" to "lamp-post thin". The Dads explore the Syd Hoff-ance—the 27-year gap between sequels—and David’s 2055 "heaven" debut. They close with "killer" jokes about —nope, note telling and still not telling. Happy reading!

The Going to Bed Book: Good sleep habits thru Exercise and Rock!

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 04:23:00 -0600

Mike and David have a rockin’ conversation about Sandra Boynton’s Going to Bed Book. WARNING: The animals do something CRAZY before going to bed!! You were warned. And they will they will rock you(r kids to sleep)!

Mike and David deal with grammactical (sic) errors, math is hard, and politics? (No). There's also an epiphany about a hippo—hippiphany?—about who—whom?!—is brushing their teeth. No buts about it, these animals are wild!

If you liked this episode, check out these:
Who was Laura Ingalls Wilder: Cliff's Notes and Spoiler Alerts

Say it ain’t so, Mo

Richard that’s so Scarry

And don't forget to check us out on youtube:
@DadsOnBooks

This episode in video

And check out our friend if you need a bookmark while reading Frankenstein:
Dun Dealgan Media

You can email us at DadsOnBooks@gmail.com

THE Sleepover From the Black Lagoon and exactly almost other silly things

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 04:23:00 -0600

In our first ever year-end wrap up, Mike and David talk about a book they didn’t necessarily love, but then discovered that they loved a lot about it and then discovered in an epiphany kinda way that they DO like it as David did some inadvertent research.

Mike and David's neologism du semaine: (new word of the week): Millustrations!

Speaking of which, it's a great book for encouraging young boys to read because there are a ton (millions?) of very fun illustrations. Check it out.

And if you liked this episode (or even if you didn’t) you’ll LOVE these:

Fancy Nancy and the Case of the '80s Throwbacks

Frog and Toad are similar.

We’ve got not one, but two (2) Dan Gutman episodes!
Part One: Where are Dr. Carbles Marbles! and where's my Pfeffernusse?
Part Two: Carbles Marbles, Castro's Astros

And life wouldn't be complete without video, so check us out our YouTube channel:

@Dads-on-Books

And finally! You can email us at DadsOnBooks@gmail.com

Happy New Year!!

The Story of the Wooden Coin, and a Couple of Choked-up Dads

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 04:23:00 -0600

Lots of fun as the Dads talk about The Story of the Wooden Coin, our first Christmas book—well, the first Christmas book at Christmas time. David dances on rhythm whatever that means; Mike chose the Hanukkah book, so, naturally, since David is Catholic, Mike chooses the Christmas book—wait, what?! Also, it’s our second episode in a row to reference Lake Placid 1980. A season of Miracles.

Warning! There might be some verklemption (verklempting?) and other issues with no tissues.

If you liked this episode, you will SO love these:

All About Hanukkah, Channukah, AND Khanukkah

El Deafo: Friends and graphic novels (pics, rabbits, and 4 shadows)

Where are Dr. Carbles Marbles! and where's my Pfeffernusse?

And life wouldn't be complete without video, so check us out our YouTube channel:

@Dads-on-Books

AND, if you love Dads on Books, these people are pretty great too! Follow the links for more information about them and how to donate.

Robert and Carol Hildreth

Little Elves of Love 💕

Shiners of Chicago

All About Hanukkah, Channukah, AND Khanukkah

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 04:23:00 -0600

In our first holiday episode—well, at least our first episode on a book about a holiday around the same time that the holiday that the book is about falls—anyway here’s our first book about Hanukkah: All about Hanukkah by Judyth Groner and Madeline Wikler, illustrated by Kinny Kreiswirth.

Everything you wanted to know about Hanukkah and so much more! Among other things, David doesn't start at the beginning and eventually figures it out. Mike learns the origin story of a scene that David did with Mike's wife Kim in the 1900s, and even Mike learns a thing or two about the history of Hanukkah despite celebrating for many years with his family.

The ultimate debate is resolved: when it comes to latke toppings (sour cream or applesauce?), the answer is…take a listen.

The episode wraps up with Dad Joke Monday featuring not one, but two Dad Jokes as there are two Dads. So that’s one per dadica. (Latin for “per dad”)

Next week? Our first Christmas episode, well our first one near Christmas.

If you liked this episode, you’ll love our first one about a Christmas book Olivia Helps with Christmas aka Christmas in May.

Holidays Begin at Home

And life wouldn't be complete without video, so check us out our YouTube channel:
@Dads-on-Books

Good Night Gorilla, don't monkey around while listening, and no AL, you are NOT a monkey

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 04:23:00 -0600

Holy carp! this is our 30th episode

and at this moment we have 988 listens!!

Mike and David return to short books—board books even!—with Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann, and they are so excited about good and night being two words and the comma in the title!!

The Dads discuss the nods to Goodnight Moon including the ever-present mouse and the ever-present, or almost always ever-present balloon and other mysteries and controversies.

The chat? Mike comes clean, David learns he’s been mispronouncing something for decades. The art? Vibrant palate, beautiful colors and really cool details including nods to children’s literature and even television references.

Check it out.

If you liked this episode, you’ll love:

Goodnight Moon, one of the inspirations of this book.

Good night. Or Good. Day. Or Good Grief, Charlie Brown...

And life wouldn't be complete without video, so check us out our YouTube channel:
@Dads-on-Books

Carbles Marbles, Castro's Astros

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 04:23:00 -0600

We get to part two of our conversation with My Weird School series (and many many other silly and some not silly books) Dan Gutman. Our surprise guest shows up. Will we find Dr. Carbles? Or his marbles? Take a listen and find out.

Bonus stuff:
Dan’s writing tips for young (and old) aspiring writers:

Start with “what if?” and add imagination. What if Castro became an Astro?
Get ‘em with the first sentence.
Regarding drafts: “pretend to be somebody else while reading what you wrote.“
Put the draft aside and read it later.

Dan and David try to outdraw each other and we don’t mean in the Jim Paillot way.

We learn what inspired Dan to be a writer (it wasn’t because he wasn’t good enough at baseball, but that didn’t hurt!).

We discover how much he prepared for our book talk —“We start in an hour and—oh crap! We’re gonna talk about Dr. Carbles losing his marbles! Do I even have that? Do I even remember it?!”

And other fun things.

If you liked this episode, you’ll LOVE these:

Dan Gutman is a Nutman, Part 1

The FIRST time Ruby joined us it was the whole episode! El Deafo

Dan’s It’s Halloween, I’m Turning Green!

Rappy the Raptor

Rhymezone

Where are Dr. Carbles Marbles! and where's my Pfeffernusse?

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 04:23:00 -0600

Mike and David welcome their first non-daughter guest, Dan Gutman, the nutman, author of the My Weird(er and erestEST...) School Series(esEST?), and the recently released The Picasso Curse and OH SOOO many more.

Dan discusses his “What if” theory of writing (What if Castro became an Astro?, What if Picasso became an Queso) and denies VEHEMENTLY any involvement in the recent Louvre heist.

We discover that Dan Gutman is a Nutman, Mike Walker is a Caulker/ balker, and David Patrick is a HatTrick—sorry, that’s the only rhyme this thyme. Unless you consider Mhyme...

And about the million hundred times Mike heads off to the bathroom? Tune in next week for the conclusion, and a super fantastical surprise.

Looking for an episode we touched on in this one? How about:

Big Words for Little People

or

It's Halloween, I'm Turning Green (with envy after spending a million hundred dollars on a new library card)
another DG WSB

Email Us for a translation of that at- DadsOnBooks@gmail.com , ya know, cuz we're the balm... I mean the bomb

And don't forget to shop all things Dan Gutman:
https://dangutman.com/shop/

And if you want to see the interview, come watch us on YouTube!
https://youtube.com/@dadsonbooks?si=6-KbYHhFuowzbis6

Goodnight Moon: less cheddar, more tea and peas, please

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 04:23:00 -0600

The "Dads on Books" welcomed Lucy Patrick, who selected a copy of the 1947 classic, Good Night Moon. Lucy chose her sticky shredded copy of the book mostly because the mouse is "really cute". The dads, with a lot of help from brilliant Lucy, calculate that it took the little bunny a wopping 70 minutes to finally fall asleep. They debated whether the pages stuck together from "peas and tea", discussed the controversial missing comma in the title, and Lucy notes that the cozy room is a major "fire hazard". In the end, we all agree that parents of young children should retitle the book "Goodnight Moon... and Good Luck."

Looking for an episode we talked about today? How about:
It's Halloween, I'm Turning Green (with envy after spending a million hundred dollars on a new library card)
or
Little House in the Big Woods: the Dads Learn to Smoke a Deer

And if you really need us end an email to- DadsOnBooks@gmail.com

And "always here to bury a lead" Mike says, check us out on our wild and wacky youtube channel at: DadsOnBooks

Warrior Cats: Into the Wild and Sarah Patrick

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 04:23:00 -0600

Another daughter, another series! David’s Sarah and Warrior Cats’s Into the Wild! by Erin “faux” Hunter. Mike reads the wrong book. Again. And is lost. David reads the right book. Again. And is lost. Sarah is not lost and finds the Dads. It’s a wild wonderful world of cat clans and hyphens and blood-beats. This epic tale is so huge that Sarah is currently devouring the 34th book, proving that cat drama truly is endless (and tasty). There’s also a huge dictionary rescued from a sorority house. We like big books, and we cannot lie.

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and other life lessons

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 04:23:00 -0600

Mike and David return to totally toddler tomes—fewer words, no chapters, and more pictures with one of their favorite and fun authors award-garnering Mo Willems. We're talking about illustrious, illylu—pictures again. SPOILER ALERT—We love the art! So simple, yet so profound with an hint of/ notes of cranberry and sage. And David messes up his animals. Again. Where’s the pigeon?! On his head?
What's up duck?

Looking for an episode we touched on in this one? How about:

Cars and Trucks... and Things That Go and Steve and John

or another of our favorites

Big Words for Little People

Tell us you favorite books and authors in case we forgot the most awesome book ever!
We look forward to hearing from you at:
Email Us- DadsOnBooks@gmail.com
Book of Faces: Dads-On-Books
Instant Grams- dadsonbooks

El Deafo: Friends and graphic novels (pics, rabbits, and 4 shadows)

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 04:23:00 -0500

In the third “Since we are Dads on Books, we have daughters, and they can be Guests!“ episode, Mike’s daughter Ruby joins us with one of her favorite books—it's teacher and school librarian approved!!—and our first graphic novel, El Deafo by CeCe Bell. We touch on a mashup of Little House and the Waltons, a German version of the muppets (DasMuppetz), Grease (🎼tell me more, tell me more! 🎶), and other 70s stuff. We also get a little personal and touching. It’s what we do. Check it out.

Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief: Voyage to Vegas with a zebra, tin cans and 7 layer dip

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 04:23:00 -0500

This time there’s someone next to David—his daughter Delaney! Mike and David welcome their second guest. Ever. We delve into the wonderful world of Percy Jackson. WARNING: this book has no pictures!! And is long. Longer than our previous reads. And read the chapter titles first. Trust us. Trust her. From accidental teacher vaporization to taking a zebra to Vegas or a god buying us a cheeseburger, you won’t regret it. 🍔 And so much sarcasm. PerSassy Jackson as they call him. We learn that tin cans (and 7 layer dip) are vegetables. Oh, and we love it.

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus: We Didn't Get on Board With This One!

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:23:00 -0500

Mike and David talk about "Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus" by Barbara Park. Let's just say they're not on board with this one--a first! While there's some fun: Mike likes that it's made of paper and when he learned that "a relief is when your stomach doesn't feel squeezy anymore." And David liked STEWED TOMATOES!! this one just isn't their can of tea.

Looking for an episode we touched on in this one? How about:
Ivy and Bean
or
The World According to Humphrey: Oh, For Squeek's Sake
And let us not forget...
It's Halloween, I'm Turning Green
Email Us- DadsOnBooks@gmail.com

Flat Stanley or Flat Stan Lee, you make the call

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 04:23:00 -0500

Mike and David get flat with Stanley! Mike discovers him in a book store in Ohio, and David gets a blast from his past with his nephew's Flat Stanley Project—Flat Stanley was a book?! Travel through time as Mike and David try to figure out when the heck the book was written. 1944? 1964? LANGUAGE WARNING!! Old timey words like “gosh”, “heavens”, and “darnedist” are heavily used. Or at least referred to. Rated HHH—Hopeless! HOPELESS! HOPELESS!!!

Pinkalicious: Cupcakes, Commas, and ellipses, ellipsees? Eliptical! (WHATEVER!!!)... and vegetables

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 04:23:00 -0500

Get ready for a "pink-tastic" episode with Mike and David, the Dads on Books! Fresh off Podcast Movement (#pm25), they dove into Pinkalicious. Mike "forgot" the plot, so he rediscovered the joy of her pink transformation. They loved Daddy's "tired finger" and the book's cool collage illustrations. Plus, they had a "comma-n" good time discussing punctuation, especially the ellipsis overuse by the over-50 crowd. They even teased upcoming reads, proving these dads are truly "book-ish.”

Ivy and Bean and Stella: What's up with Your Spleen?

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 04:23:00 -0500

Mike and David welcome their first guest. EVER. Mike's daughter and brand new college student Stella who read Ivy and Bean as a child and--spoiler alert--still loves it!! Stella doesn't miss a bean--beat as she dives in to the normal dad banter and tangents on improv, prepositions, and Steve Carrell. Stella brings unexpectedly expected "sass" to the discussion, including (but not limited to) calling out David's struggling tendency to mispronounce "illustrator" as "horrible" and teaching the Dads contemporary slang like "Fire" and "Ate it up" to express approval. Not of them, just in general.

The Little Engine That Could: We Think We Can-can

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 04:23:00 -0500

The Dads on Books, Mike and David, chug along discussing The Little Engine That Could, proving they "think they can" podcast! David chose the book, then, like a lost toy, couldn't quite recall why. Mike, however, remembers the 1900s, but not why he went into the kitchen! They explore old-timey art (complete with hyphens!), discover Watty Piper's secret identity, and dissect anthropomorphic trains, even making an "FE" joke, periodically speaking. From page-turn peeves to an SNL parody, the dads keep the conversation on track, even if their research occasionally derails!

Looking for an episode we touched on in this one? How about:
It's Halloween, I'm Turning Green

or something we found on the webs
Mr Mike's Least~Loved Bedtime Stories

Email Us- DadsOnBooks@gmail.com

Sleeping Cutie Live: Up Owl Nite, Sand's Groove & Stinky Feet Blues

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 04:23:00 -0500

Welcome to Dads on Books, where Mike and David FINALLY hit record and make an episode after 40 minutes of talking about "random things." They immediately forgot everything. (We blame Blockbuster's brain-erasing technology). Rob Reiff started last week's "Little House in the Big Woods" episode accidentally, in his pocket, and has to rewind it like a cassette tape to listen again. Finally touching on this touching book, "Sleeping Cutie," we, as parents, deeply relate to "I'm not tired!" being yelled at bedtime. Mike tries it and feels like it would be great to work on in therapy. Written by Andrea Davis Pinkney with "fun" artwork Brian Pinkney, the dads are lead on an adventure to a jazzy Dreamland nightclub where Cutie and her toys become the band. Aaand... "HeeeEEERE's Cutie!"

Looking for an episode we touched on in this one? Consider one of these fine suggestions:

Little House in the Big Woods
or

The Little Engine That Could

The "Loose Ends" Episode (possibly Episode 22, but more likely Episode 88)

Email Us- DadsOnBooks@gmail.com

Who was Laura Ingalls Wilder: Cliff's Notes and Spoiler Alerts

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 04:23:00 -0500

This episode of Dads on Books sees Mike and David finally hit record after a legendary hour-and-a-half pre-show chat! They dive into "Who Was Laura Ingalls Wilder?", discussing "Cliffnotes" and hilarious plot spoilers like Pa pouring lead bullets. Learn about Laura's supposedly "easy life" with Almanzo, when she marries up. The dads also debate burning wardrobes for fuel, their future as authors in 2042, Mike's passing in 2442 after purchasing YouTube for $25, and the fiscal genius of a triple wedding. All this AND a few musical numbers.

Looking for an episode we touched on in this one? How about:
Little House in the Big Woods
or
Who Was Mike Walker

Email Us- DadsOnBooks@gmail.com

Fancy Nancy and the Case of the '80s Throwbacks

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:23:00 -0500

This is my boss, Mike & David, we're not millionaires, but we are a heck of 2 guys...

In the latest episode of Dads on Books, we explore the decadence of Fancy Nancy. Nostalgia was on our minds as we careened towards a cliff edge of the Gogos, Hart to Hart, and many other things from the 80s that we say twice. Join us for a tear-filled episode of silliness.

Looking for an episode we touched on in this one? How about:
Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell- Big Words for Little People
or
Louis Sachar- Sideways Stories from Wayside School
and let us not forget the ever popular
Richard Scarry- Cars and Trucks and Things that Go

Email Us- DadsOnBooks@gmail.com

Underground: Elephants, Eggs and Deep-Earth Delights

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 04:23:00 -0500

This week David and Mike head "Underground" to learn about how a city's underground systems work. I know, sounds like a snooze-fest. BUT, not only is there a lot to learn about city building, there are little pieces of humor in the pictures that will draw you in.

We really dig this intriguing book by another David, David Macauley.

Looking for an episode we touched on in this one? How about:
Little House in the Big Woods

Email Us- DadsOnBooks@gmail.com

The World According to Humphrey: Oh, For Squeek's Sake

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 04:23:00 -0500

Squeektastically Sqeektastic! David and Mike could squeek away for hours about Humphrey (oui oui oui!), but... spoiler alert! (There aren't any real spoilers here). They uncover author Betty G. Birney's hilarious revelation that Humphrey initially had an "Accent." Who knew a book about a rodent could be so touching and inspiring? Reminding us of "Talks-too-Much-Mike" and "Slow-Down-David".

We just love this book. We laughed, we cried...

Looking for another episode? How about:
Dan Gutman's, It's Halloween, I'm Turning Green

Email Us- DadsOnBooks@gmail.com

Fox in Socks: Look Out, It's a Twister!

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 04:23:00 -0500

The Doctor will see you now! In their first Dr. Seuss book discussion, Fox in Socks, Mike and David chew on blue goo and in an unmuddled tweetle beetle battle, happen upon some Suess-lore. And their smart tongues? Just headed out on a trip to Numbs-ville!

Looking for an episode we touched on in this one? How about:
The Giving Tree
or
Guess How Much I Love You

Email Us- DadsOnBooks@gmail.com

Guess How Much I Love You: It's a Hare-y Tale

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 04:23:00 -0500

This week, the Dads discuss the book Guess How Much I Love You. Dad A quizzes Dad Number One on art mediums, #1 discovers details about the ISBN page, A crosses the globe looking for the location and #1 plans a trip to see his long lost relatives at Walker Books. After all the hubbub, it's a consensus, they both love it!

Looking for an episode we touched on in this one? How about:
Little House in the Big Woods
or
Mrs. McTats and Her House Full of Cats

Email Us- DadsOnBooks@gmail.com

Little House in the Big Woods: the Dads Learn to Smoke a Deer

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 04:23:00 -0500

Welcome to "Dads on Books," Episode X where Mike and David venture into books for an older audience, don’t worry, it's still a kids book. The dads tackle Little House in the Big Woods, a book so enthralling dad #A bought a vintage set for $5. Join us while we learn about churning butter, smoking a deer (the meat) and other fun stuff. It's a "riveting" journey back in time, with classy dads dishing on an American classic. Check it out.

Looking for an episode we touched on in this one? How about:

Big Words for Little People (where be broke into triple digit downloads)
or
Guess How Much I Love You: It's a Hare-y Tale (That one's from the future, but that's where I'm writing from)

Email Us- DadsOnBooks@gmail.com

It's Halloween, I'm Turning Green (with envy after spending a million hundred dollars on a new library card)

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 23:09:53 -0500

In this weeks episode, David and Mike explore the wild and wackily kookified world of Dan Gutman, and found a million hundred books begging to be read. They contemplate the fortunes they've spent at the Scholastic book fair where so many of these volumes lie hiding... waiting to sneak into your bags and make you laugh all the way home. Mike admits he had to renew his expired library card to read this monster of a book. The dads confirm (admit) the turning green element is pure envy... candy envy. The book captures AJ facing the toughest decision in history: getting chopped up or surrendering his treats. This just in: a shocking spoiler alert: they promise to never cut that out in post.

Looking for an episode we touched on in this one? How about:
Sideways Stories from Wayside school
or
Episode 32: The Toughest Questions in the History of the World... (coming soon)

Or if you just need to talk to someone...

Email Us- DadsOnBooks@gmail.com

Sideways Stories from Wayside School: OOPSIE! Mr Anderson, Call the Architect

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:23:00 -0500

This week, David did research and Mike read the back of the book, finding that, "More than 6 million kids have laughed..." They get kooky discussing Louis Sachar's Sideways Stories from Wayside School and explore this surreal, 30-story school, built incorrectly by a man who only said, "My bad". The dads agree the book is wacky, goofy, and slightly shockingly dark (or is that shockingly slightly dark???), BUT it also contains profound truths like, "You need a reason to be sad. You don't need a reason to be happy". Then the great debate of if the Matrix guys read Chapter 25. There's confirmation that the short chapters prevent them from losing any sleep, even while discussing the Matrix with Mrs. Zarves. Tune up (oppsie, I mean "in") before they finally hire that orchestra!

Looking for more? Try this:
It's Halloween, I'm Turning Green (with envy after spending a million hundred dollars on a new library card)
or if you dare...
The Book with No Pictures

But please don't email us. We are very busy reading.
Email Us- DadsOnBooks@gmail.com

The Book with No Pictures: Olivia called and wants William's blurf back!

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 04:23:00 -0500

This week, Mike and David discuss... nothing. We speak of many nothings, "The Book with No Pictures," which is much like the beginning of life. Just a blank boring canvas. We discuss ideas for seequels, and the deep existentialist meaning of the artistically artsy artistry within the annals of it's history. David drops names, Mike sweeps them up, and in the end just, "Move along, nothing to seeee, hear."

Looking for an episode we touched on in this one? How about:
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
or
SouixEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Eeeeeeemail Us- DadsOnBooks@gmail.com

wEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
all live in a yellow submarineeee'
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Frog and Toad are Friends: Blah, it's half past May, where is that gosh darned snail mail?

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 04:23:00 -0500

BLAH!
This week Davey and Mikey talk about one of Mike's favorite childhood books, "Frog and Toad are Friends." Kermit looks at Toads bathing suit, some interesting things about the author are in discussion and we decide which amphibian fits our personality better. Additionally, Fred and Toad discuss the origins of snail mail. All in all, a ribbiting good time!

p.s. Stilling waiting....
you could listen to use yammer on about
Big Words for Little People
or
The Giving Tree

Email Us- DadsOnBooks@gmail.com

Snail mail our attorneys at:
Kermit, Frogger and Slither
PO Box 006023959X
Pueblo, CO, Europa 51970-6142-0

Cars and Trucks... and Things That Go

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 04:23:00 -0500

Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks and Things That Go

In this week's episode, David and Mike talk about Richard Scarry and his books. Mike picks the wrong book to buy and David thinks that's hilarious. We make suggestions about book titles and laugh a lot about the books and reference back to episodes from long long ago. Enjoy this episode of Dads on Books!

Email us at:
DadsOnBooks@gmail.com

And thank you for your support.

Big Words for Little People

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 04:23:00 -0500

Long ago,

In a galaxy far, far away...

Dad's on Books- EPISODE 4

David And Mike take on the book, Big Words for Little People, by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell. Listen as David tells us why he didn't like the book, and then changes his mind as he continues reading it. Mike was confused, so he hadn't reread it, but he remembers a lot of it, because he read it so many times. Thanks to Mike's brother Byl, for giving this stupendous and superb book to us originally. We didn't mean for it to run this long, there were just so many Big Words to talk about!

Happy Listening!

Mrs. McTats and Her House Full of Cats

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 04:23:00 -0500

Dads on Books returns for episode 3!

In this episode hosts David Patrick and Mike Walker discuss the children's book Mrs. McTats and Her Houseful of Cats by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and illustrated by Joan Rankin. They discuss Mrs. McTats and the story follows how she acquires her numerous cats, and how it is a "teaching"" book. Mike shares his Mrs. McTats voice and they talk about the artwork in the book. We go on finding fun details, especially the chickens and crazy house decor. They both highly recommend the book, especially for those who enjoy doing silly voices. They conclude that the book is great for learning the alphabet, basic math, and more!

In then next episode, they will be discussing Big Words for Little People by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell.

Olivia Helps with Christmas

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 26 May 2025 10:24:00 -0500

Welcome to Episode 2! We are discussing the book, "Olivia Helps with Christmas."

Why this book? Well, David selected "Olivia Helps with Christmas" due to its personal history, noting that Mike and wife, Kim, introduced his family to the Olivia series early in his eldest daughter's reading journey. It has become a cherished favorite of his family, consistently eliciting enjoyment even after many readings and establishing itself as a highlight among their collection of children's books. We talk about the Olivia's desire to Christmas be all it can be and how Mr. Falconer deals with the comedic timing in the pages. And again, we get into the style of the artwork and the humor found in skiing Gstaad.

Next up: Mike picks the next book to discuss: "Mrs. McTats and Her House Full of Cats" by Alyssa Satin Cappucilli, Illustrated by Joan Rankin.
Tune in next time for more book discussions!

The Giving Tree

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Mon, 26 May 2025 04:23:00 -0500

Welcome to the inaugural episode of our podcast where we delve into the world of children's books that resonate with both our kids and their adults! In this episode, hosts Mike Walker and David Patrick kick things off by discussing the classic, "The Giving Tree"

Why did we choose "The Giving Tree" as our first book? Mostly because we remember it fondly and a personal connection: Mike and Kim had gifted David a French edition, "L'Arbre Generaux," years ago. We explore the difficulty finding our books and dug into the art and some of the controversy that Mike found while researching the book online. Both Mike and David discuss how their understanding of the book has changed since they were children. They consider how becoming parents has further shaped their perspectives.

Next Up: David announces the next pick for the podcast: "Olivia Helps with Christmas" by Ian Falconer .

Tune in next time for more book discussions!

Dads on Books: The Trailer

Michael Walker & David Patrick — Sat, 17 May 2025 10:26:34 -0500

We're just getting started!

Join us for the big drop on 5/25/25 and listen while we discuss books that we read to our daughters or were inspired by them to read.