Big Shoes: In Celebration of Dads and Fatherhood

Al Roker's book, Big Steps: In Celebration of Dads and Fatherhood, is a warm and witty collection of stories and essays about the role of fathers in their children's lives. Each chapter is written by a well known celebrity, entertainer, or journalist who shares insights from his or her own father-child relationships. This book is a great reminder of the importance of values in building connections between fathers and their offspring.

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Big Steps: In Celebration of Dads and Fatherhood is written by Al Roker, the affable and ubiquitous weather personality of Today Show fame. The book is a collection of well written and effectively edited short stories and essays by a variety of celebrities about either their fathers or their own fatherhood experiences.

The authors of the essays include sports figures like Billie Jean King and Vijay Singh, entertainers like Bonnie Raitt, Kris Kristofferson, Jimmy Buffet and Jon Stewart, journalists including Katie Couric and Matt Lower, and personalities such as Craig Newmark (of craigslist.org fame) and Rebecca Walker.

The vast majority of these essays are written from the perspective of a child relating experiences with his or her father. The few written from a father's perspective, most notably from author Winston Groom and comedian Jon Stewart, resonated moST with me. But there is clearly something in this book for everyone, no matter what his feelings about fathers. Big Shoes is a easy read, and one that is great for a quiet afternoon at home. I would recommend reading any of these essays with one of your children to have a fun and memorable storytime experience.

Big Shoes is a meaningful reminder of the importance of a father's role in the lives of his children. I recommend the book highly to any father who wants a gentle reminder of the core values of fathers: responsibility, connection, respect, support and accessibility, with a liberal dose of Al Roker's trademark humor.