Father to son (Workman Publishing)

It's the warm hearted, sensible advice that sets these books apart. Each page offers up a nugget of wisdom that's often touching, funny - and surprising in its simple profundity. Beginning with The Five Keys of raising a daughter or son, each book accompanies Dad on the journey from his child's infancy straight through the toddler and teenage years and into college.

For fathers of sons, there are reflections on the joy of the first days: treasure the time with your son. The wonder of toddlerhood: take him for walks and introduce him to the world of bugs. The challenges of the tumultuous teen years: don't adjust the house to his moods.

Let him adjust to yours. And most importantly: believe in him. And for fathers of daughters: let her sleep on your chest when she's a baby. This is when the world begins to make sense. And Never undervalue her intelligence.

And the bitter sweetness of the day she leaves for college: tell her that great love and great achievements involve great risk. All is leavened with a shot of humour: show him how to gargle. If you don't, your bathroom could be irreparably harmed.

And Yes, girls play hockey. They can clean your clock!It's the stuff of parenting, contained in one portable volume that will surprise and delight Dad every time he picks it up.