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

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 tghis 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

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