Carol Faulkner's 'Dads Have No Shame' is a charming and genuinely funny chapter book that captures the universal experience of childhood embarrassment. The story centers on Sarah Allen, whose dad decides to host a garage sale. Things take a hilariously mortifying turn when the neighbor, Mr. Doggett, starts a competing sale, leading to an escalating battle of ridiculous tactics to attract customers. Sarah's internal struggle with her dad's lack of inhibition is highly relatable, offering young readers a chance to see their own feelings of cringe-worthiness reflected on the page. The book handles the sensitive topic of embarrassment with a light touch, focusing on humor rather than deep emotional distress, and ultimately reinforces the underlying love and acceptance within a family, despite its quirks. The emotional arc is gentle and uplifting, starting with Sarah's mortification but ending with a sense of warmth and understanding. This book is ideal for a child who might be feeling embarrassed by a parent's unique personality or who simply enjoys a good laugh about family dynamics. A parent might reach for this when their child is navigating social anxieties related to family behavior, or just seeking a lighthearted, engaging read-aloud. There are no scenes requiring specific previewing, as the humor is innocent and the 'danger' is purely social. Younger readers (4-7) will enjoy it as a read-aloud, focusing on the funny antics, while older elementary children (8-11) can read it independently and connect more deeply with Sarah's internal monologue about embarrassment and family acceptance. Its focus on a specific, relatable scenario like a garage sale competition gives it a fresh angle compared to other books about embarrassing parents.
