Surprising your dad can be so much fun! But you have to be sneaky and clever. First, make sure he doesn’t see this book!
Wrap it in colorful paper and cover it with pictures. This way, he won’t know it’s about him! You can also hide it between boring books that no one reads. Give it a secret name like “Polka Dotted Hippo” and wink when you say it!
Are you ready to become a super dad-surpriser? Any day is a great day to surprise your dad, and there are so many fun ways to do it!
Want to make him laugh? Try walking and talking like a dad!
Look up, down, under, and all around. Stay still and listen. Dig a hole, sift through sand, or kick up leaves. Kids are great at finding things in nature!
You might find a caterpillar nibbling on a leaf, a squirrel hiding in a tree, dandelions for a bouquet, a heart-shaped rock, or a busy ant hill.
Now that you’re an expert on surprises, you’re ready for special day surprises! These need a little more planning. If your mom is good at keeping secrets, ask her to help.
First, choose when to have the big surprise and decide who to invite: just your family, pets, friends, relatives, or even stuffed animals. Then decorate with his favorite color. Keep it simple or go wild, and remember to save some ideas for next time!
Now plan the yummiest part of the surprise: the treats! Create a dessert that looks like your dad, bake cookies with extra chocolate chips, and be sure to have his favorites, like spicy chips or smoked oysters.
Think about a shirt and tie, but instead of wrapping them, wear them for an even bigger surprise! You could also include everything you need to make paper airplanes together, a secret treasure map of your yard, or fun coupons.
If your dad gets suspicious and asks, “Hey, is something going on here?” look innocent! Practice in a mirror and say something like, “Behind you, it’s very boring. You shouldn’t turn around.” Think fast and distract him with a silly dance!
Make sure everyone is hiding.
While you wait for your dad, practice whispering “surprise!”
Now, surprise him! Remember, the best surprises are the special ones you dream up just for your dad.
Don’t forget to hide this book! If you want to let your dad read it, have him say this pledge aloud before he starts: “I, Dad, promise not to remember anything in this book, especially anything about surprises.”
Create Your Own Surprise Plan: Think of a surprise you can plan for your dad. It could be drawing a picture, making a card, or even organizing a small treasure hunt in your backyard. Write down or draw your plan on a piece of paper. Share your plan with a friend or family member and ask them for ideas on how to make it even more special!
Nature Treasure Hunt: Go on a nature walk with a family member and try to find some of the surprises mentioned in the article, like a heart-shaped rock or a busy ant hill. Bring a small bag to collect any interesting items you find, like leaves or small stones. When you get home, create a “Nature Surprise Box” to show your dad what you discovered.
Role-Playing Surprise Practice: With a friend or sibling, practice surprising each other. Take turns being the “surpriser” and the “surprised.” Try hiding behind furniture or using props like balloons. After each surprise, talk about what made it fun and how you can make it even better next time. This will help you become an expert at surprising your dad!
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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**How to Surprise a Dad**
By Gene Regan
Illustrated by Lee Wildis
To surprise a dad, you have to be clever! First of all, don’t let him see this book.
**How to Hide This Book:**
Wrap it in paper and cover it with pictures. That way, he’ll never know it’s about him! Tuck it between boring books that no one ever reads.
Make up a secret name for it, like “Polka Dotted Hippo.” Be sure to wink when you say it!
You may already be good at surprises, but do you want to become a super dad-surpriser? Luckily, any day is a perfect day to surprise a dad, and there are so many different ways!
**Some Surprises You Make:**
– Draw hearts and hide them everywhere.
– Build a snow dad.
– Invent something amazing just for him, like a time machine.
**Other Surprises You Do:**
– Get his toothbrush ready.
– Reorganize the shoes and hats.
– Help him with the grocery shopping.
Do you want to make him laugh? Walk and talk like a dad!
**Some Surprises You Find:**
Look up, down, under, and all around. Stay perfectly still and listen. Dig a hole, sift through sand, or kick up leaves. Kids have good eyes for nature; dads, not so much!
Surprises can be finding a caterpillar nibbling on a leaf, a squirrel hiding in a tree, dandelions for a bouquet, a heart-shaped rock, or a busy ant hill.
Now that you’re an expert on surprises, you’re ready for special day surprises! These take a little more planning. If your mom is good at keeping secrets, ask her to help.
**Special Days for Dads:**
– Welcome Home
– Father’s Day
– His Birthday
– Congratulations
First, choose when to have the big surprise and decide who to invite: just your family, pets, friends, relatives, or even stuffed animals. Then decorate with his favorite color. Keep it simple or go wild, and remember to save some ideas for next time!
Now plan the yummiest part of the surprise: the treats! Create a dessert that looks like your dad, bake cookies with extra chocolate chips, and be sure to have his favorites, like spicy chips or smoked oysters.
**Don’t Forget Presents!**
Consider a shirt and tie, but instead of wrapping these, wear them for an even bigger surprise! You could also include everything you need to make paper airplanes together, a secret treasure map of your yard, or fun coupons.
If your dad gets suspicious and asks, “Hey, is something going on here?” look innocent! Practice in a mirror and say something like, “Behind you, it’s very boring. You shouldn’t turn around.” Think fast and distract him with a silly dance!
When it’s surprise time, make sure everyone is hiding.
**How to Hide Everyone:**
– Between pictures, plants, or balloons.
– Behind curtains, couches, or coat racks.
– Under table cushions or blankets.
While you wait for your dad, practice whispering “surprise!”
Now, surprise him! Remember, of all the surprises, the best ones are the special ones you dream up just for your dad.
Don’t forget to hide this book! If you do want to let your dad read it, have him say this pledge aloud before he starts: “I, Dad, promise not to remember anything in this book, especially anything about surprises.”
**The End**
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This version maintains the playful spirit of the original while removing any unnecessary or distracting elements.