Run, Dad, Run by Dulcibella Blacket, illustrated by Andy Yelenak, hardcover, 32 pages, Breakaway Books (2004), ISBN: 189136944X
A book on running that active parents can read to their kids (or to grandchildren, or to nieces and nephews). Two children tell all about their running dad – how he runs in the winter and in the summer, through the woods and mountains, on beaches and the streets of their neighborhood. They like to watch as he goes forth each day, and they go to all his road races and cheer him on. They are impressed by their dad's running, and they know it makes him "happy and healthy and strong". But one day, while the family is hiking in the woods and they find an injured rock-climber, the kids see their dad run to the rescue in a heartpounding sequence of action scenes, and save the day. This is a book for all kids, and not just in running households. It shows the health benefits and simple joys of running, pluys a dramatic, heroic use of it. Parents and kids alike will enjoy reading and re-reading this story. "Run, Dad, Run!" celebrates running, glorifying the notion that a little sweat and dedication can bring happiness and strenght, and allow you to be part of the natural world every day. (Plus, you could get to be a hero!). In an age where childhood obesity is rampant and videogames hold children spellbound indoors, the message of "Run, Dad, Run!" should be heard in every home and classroom. A particular note on the illustrations, by Andy Yelenak. Yelenak is renowned for his sports illustrations including the annual posters for the Boston and the New York City marathons, as well as work for numerous magazines. His paintings have been exhibited in galleries throughout the United States, including the Society of Illustrators in New York and the U.S. Distance Running Hall of Fame.
