Reading is fundamental.
The origin of the Very Flannel Dino lives in a poem I wrote called I am Dad –– hear me roar! I attended Scribblecon and Battle of the Books events with my oldest daughter, I saw very few boys in attendance. After speaking with librarians and teachers, I realized it might be because there aren’t enough males reading to boys in school, which might make a young lad think reading is a female activity. I thought the simplest thing I could do to help was to read. And so the Very Flannel Dino was born.
If you have kids ages 2-10 and are looking for storytime, bring them to Vita Nova on the third Thursday of the month from 10 to 11 AM. Each child who attends will receive a free book sponsored by Hardhits Community Branding. If you don’t have kids but love reading and want to encourage others to read, share it with others.
I am Dad –– hear me roar!
I am dad, kisser of boo boos–– tamer of tantrums.
In your eyes I am larger than life, in your eyes I can do no wrong. Strong and smart, never failing; I work to be the man you see.
I am Dad –– hear me roar!
Lost in the wilderness with no guide.
I must find the way.
A state of feeling, all the feelings. Fear, Joy, happiness, sadness, frustration. Anger is my being, but in my heart–– is love. Love for you, love for all, my children.
Here to guide you so you will not be lost.
Here to teach you so you do not have to teach yourself.
Still learning; Flawed and failing, I will not let you down.
I open myself up to you, I share my heart, my mind, my soul.
I let you in so you can find comfort in my failures.
I am Dad –– hear me roar!
Your mother’s love gives me strength to be the father I was destined.
Her need for me does not compare; do not look down upon her, for without her, we would not stand here today.
Like the sun and the moon, each guiding you to your destiny.
I am Dad –– hear me roar!
Insecure, hot-tempered, I fail.
Long hours with no reward, I fail.
Always in search of answers, never-ending, always failing; persevere.
I am Dad –– hear me roar!
Do not be afraid of me; it is only my being, not my heart.
Take from me, learn from me, but do not be me; be my strength.
I shall carry you in the morning
Feed you in the afternoon and abandon you in the evening.
Scared you find yourself, but do not fear
In your heart, I still live always.
I am Dad –– hear me roar!
My thoughts and inspiration for the poem.
Being a parent is hard. We want to be good role models for our kids, but that can prove more difficult than anticipated. Nobody is perfect. Stress and tribulations bring our flaws to the surface. And nothing brings on stress like being a parent. I wrote this poem when my twin daughters were 5, and my oldest daughter was 11. I wanted them to know that while I may get loud sometimes, which could be scary, I loved them. I wanted them to know I am not perfect, but I am trying my best, and that’s all I want from them. If I do my job to the best of my ability, their job when they become parents will be just a little easier.
Thank you for letting me share.
Peace and Love,
Jeff Mayhugh