As a former boy, a father immediately understands why his son builds a tower of blocks, calls it a boom crane, and then knocks it down. But why does his daughter build the same tower, call it an ice-cream cone, and then offer a taste? As Harry Harrison, author of the chunky little bestseller Father to Son, would suggest, fathers of daughters should simply enjoy that imaginative treat, and every other she's likely to dream up.

Filled with short, sweet, inspirational words of wisdom, Father to Daughter is a book of guidance for Dads on loving, shaping-and learning to comprehend-their inscrutable little girls. Divided into stages from infancy on up, it offers a pithy lesson on every page. Helpful reassurance: Tickle her, play with her, give her piggyback rides. She's not breakable. Advice on passing down skills: Show her how to climb up a tree. Also, how to climb down. Your role: Be home for dinner on time. This is very important. Make sure she knows she can call you at any time and you will go get her. This is why the cell phone was invented. Guideposts, both material and spiritual: Give her a piggybank when she's little. She's never too young to learn the value of saving. And, Help her understand that there's more to life than wearing the right jeans. And finally: Prepare for the day when you're not the most important man in her life.