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Dear kids out there,

Want to celebrate the guy who's the dad in your life this Father's Day?

Here's one idea: Make a list of the little life lessons you've learned from him and tuck it in a card — preferably one you made yourself.

My own dad taught me the true way to eat an apple. I'll let you guys in on the secret. Here's what you do:

1. Pick an apple.

2. Take a BIG bite out of it so that the flesh is exposed.

3. Which sounds kind of violent.

4. But whatever.

5. Then find a salt shaker.

6. Salt the apple where you've bitten it.

7. Enjoy.

Yes, I know that human beings can eventually explode if they eat too much salt. I was there in health class that day they talked about salt and exploding human beings. But here's the thing — you salt an apple and, just like that, it goes from good to better to juicy best.

Here's another idea for celebrating dads. Pick up a picture book about fathers and share it with yours. Here are a few of my favorite titles.

"My Father the Dog" by Elizabeth Bluemle: You've probably noticed that dads are like dogs sometimes, right? They fetch the paper in the morning. They drive with the car windows rolled down. They chase after balls when you throw them. But what's not to love about that?

"Dad and the Dinosaur" by Gennifer Choldenko: This is one of my new favorite dad books. A kid named Nicholas wants to be like his dad, who isn't afraid of anything. Nicholas, on the other hand, is afraid of the dark. Also bugs. Also anything hiding beneath a manhole cover. His solution? To keep a fierce toy dinosaur in his pocket. The dinosaur makes him as brave as his dad. But what happens when a kid loses a toy like that?

"What Daddies Like" by Judy Carey Nevin: They like all kinds of things. Roars. Snuggles. Boats in baths. This book is especially good for young kids getting ready for bed (and the fathers who love them anyway). Plus, adorable illustrations!

"My Daddy Rules the World: Poems About Dads" by Hope Anita Smith: Does your dad make you breakfast? There's a poem about a dad like that here. Does he like to wrestle? Or give you a haircut? Or tickle you? Or take you by the hand and dance around a room with you? There are poems here about dads like that, too. The point is that there's more than one way to be a dad.

"How to Surprise a Dad" by Jean Reagan: Hey! What dad wouldn't love a surprise? And if you need a few ideas (such as making a cake that looks like your dad's head), this book is full of great suggestions!

"Things to Do With Dad" by Sam Zuppardi: Wash the dishes. Build the bookcase. Vacuum the carpets. Make the beds. Hang out the laundry. Water the garden. Ugh. Can you and your father have fun doing chores together? It's possible — if both of you are willing to use your imagination.

"It's Great Being a Dad" by Dan Bar-el: So after you read a few books to your dad, ask your dad to read a book to you. This one is a good choice because it'll give him a chance to explain what he likes about being your father. (A unicorn, a robot and a sea monster make guest appearances.)

Now here's one last idea for celebrating dads. Do BOTH of these things—make a card, share a book—and wish your dad a Happy Father's Day.

Sincerely,

Ann Cannon

Ann Cannon can be reached at acannon@sltrib.com or facebook.com/anncannontrib.