Because I’m Your Dad

A rowdy catalogue of Dad moments gets enacted by a creature who resembles a green ’60s-era Nauga monster and his purple (gender-neutral) offspring, in this picture book from the son of the late Frank Zappa (and a father himself). It quickly becomes clear that this dad is all about noise, mischief, and good times: “Because I’m your dad, I’m going to teach you how to burp like a champion,” writes Zappa as parent and child deliver toothy, wide-mouthed belches; other escapades include rocky road ice cream baths, rocking out on drums, missing school for trips to New York City and Australia, and “sometimes stay[ing] up late with me to watch TV.” Throughout, Zappa and Santat maintain an entertaining balance between sweet and goofy, protective and raucous. Ages 1–5. Author’s agents: Jody Hotchkiss, Hotchkiss and Associates, and Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. Illustrator’s agent: Jodi Reamer, Writers House. (Apr.)