Book excerpt: Ages 3 to 8 years. Thousands of children are forced to grow up without their fathers. This book helps kids with absent, deceased, and unknown dads talk about and deal with this difficult situation. In the story, Erik, a preschooler, is teased by other children about not having a dad. His mother explains that there are many kinds of fathers, and not all of them live with their children. The story serves as a conversation starter and can be adapted to meet a childs specific needs. Parents learn the importance of being honest while allowing their children to retain a positive view of the absent parent.