Book Nook: The Fun Book of Fatherhood

In 1973, Jerry Cammarata made history by becoming the first father in the United States to fight for and win paternity leave from the New York City Board of Education. As a result of the national attention he received, Dr. Cammarata was appointed to the White House Conference on Families by President Carter and later served as Commissioner of the Department of Youth and Community Development under New York City Mayors Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg. 

I had a chance to read the newly revised edition of his book The Fun Book of Fatherhood: A Paternity Leave Dad – Tale of a Pioneer. The book is written in a friendly, funny tone, sharing his experiences as he seeks to teach and inspire his kids with lessons from the animal kingdom. 

The book wasn't exactly what I expected - I expected something a little more how-to or with tips on fun activities for dads and their kids. However, I really appreciated what the book was - a set of memories that share one dad's experience, an experience that can inspire families to do what works for them, incorporating ideas from other people but mostly being confident in the choices that they've made.

The revised book has an expanded prologue and epilogue that reflect on the current state of affairs as it comes to leave, and ways to reach out to legislators to create policies that support paid family leave.

DR. JERRY CAMMARATA wrote the original The Fun Book of Fatherhood in the early 70s and went on to becoming a weekly columnist on parenting in New York. In 1979, he was appointed to the White House Conference on Families by President Carter, where he worked with Coretta Scott King, among others, on reshaping parenting issues in the U.S.

As a result of his activism in family issues throughout the 70s and 80s, as well as his commitment to public education, Dr. Cammarata was appointed by New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani to be the Commissioner of the Department of Youth and Community Development, while also maintaining his position as a Member of the Central Board of Education of NYC (the same BOE which gave him his historic Paternity Leave). In this unique capacity, Dr. Cammarata was involved in the education of over 1 million public school students, as well as after school programs in community centers, schools and parks throughout the five boroughs of NYC.

For more information on please visit the author’s website:www.thefunbookoffatherhood.com

The Fun Book of Fatherhood: A Paternity Leave Dad – Tale of a Pioneer is available in hardcover and trade paperback at booksellers nationwide, Amazon and other online retailers.