McGraw book on dads and daughters: It's about time

[October 21, 2008]  NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- As the father of three girls, Tim McGraw understands the challenges that face dads who want to please their daughters.

So the children's book he's co-written with Tom Douglas has some simple advice: As long as you're spending time with them, it doesn't really matter what you do.

"My Little Girl," to be published Tuesday by Thomas Nelson, tells the story of a father -- in a dark cowboy hat, of course -- who spends a fun day with his little girl Katie doing ... nothing in particular.

They stop by the farm co-op, gaze up at the clouds and play on a tire swing.

The 41-year-old country singer said he enjoys spending time with his daughters -- ages 11, 10 and 6 -- but if he did what they liked doing, he'd be spending a lot of time shopping at the mall or getting pedicures.

"It's something that as a father you kind of have to sacrifice what you want to do, because boys do what you want to do. If I want to go to the farm and shoot guns or ride four-wheelers in the mud when it's 40 degrees ... the girls aren't really interested in doing that," he said.

But McGraw said he's found that his daughters like coming along while he does simple, everyday stuff, like running to the grocery store or stopping by the office.

"Do what you have to do in your regular routine and take them with you. It makes all the difference in the world," he said.

McGraw's wife, Faith Hill, wrote in the forward: "I hope this story provides quality time for fathers and daughters to enjoy each other's company and make memories reading together."

While Hill loved the book, McGraw said, his daughters were far less enthusiastic.

"If it doesn't have Chris Brown or the Jonas Brothers involved, they don't care," he joked.

___

On the Net:

http://www.timmcgraw.com/

[Associated Press; By JOHN GEROME]

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.