I love books that celebrate dads. However, It seems like for every great picture book featuring dads there are over five great picture books featuring mothers. Don’t misunderstand me, I love the books featuring mothers just as much. It’s just that I wish that there were more books featuring fathers because their roles and relationships with children are equally important and beautiful. Don’t you agree? All hope is not lost though because there are some truly wonderful options in the children’s literature world for books featuring dads. In fact, below you will find ten of our favorite kids books that celebrate dads. They are great for Father’s Day gifts and all year round. Each one is beautiful and wonderful and pays great tribute to fantastic dads everywhere.
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A Hug Is for Holding Me by Lisa Wheeler and Lisk Fen- In this book a father and daughter go on a nature walk and the little wonders they discover are explained as metaphors for fatherly love. It is the sweetest book.
My Dad by Susan Quinn and Marina Ruiz- This book shows a father and son enjoying time together with simple and meaningful daily activities. The illustrations are positively fantastic and it has such a warm and sentimental vibe to it.
What is Daddy Going to Do? (Flap Flap, 3)by Carly Madden and Juliana Perdomo- This board book features a diverse group of fathers and fun flaps. Each page shows a new dad and you use the clues there (such as the outfit the dad is wearing) to guess what daily activity he is going to do before you open the flap to find out.
Side by Side : A Celebration of Dads by Chris Raschka- This book features a diverse group of dads, super simple text and charming illustrations with a lovely vintage vibe. It is a celebration of the little and meaningful moments that children share with fathers that build relationships.
A Brave Bear by Sean Taylor and Emily Hughes- In this story baby bear wants to impress his father badly and does his best only to fall short. However, through the experience he learns about the ever accepting and supportive love of fathers. Love!
“Daddy Long Legs” by Nadine Brun-Cosme and Aurelie Guillerey- In this story a small child is anxious when they are dropped off at school and ask their father what would happen if he couldn’t come to pick them up. This father lovingly reassures his child that nothing can keep him away and that he will always be there. It is written in a playful format sure to have you smiling.
Cave Dada by Brandon Reese – This book is definitely a fun one and my kids find it hilarious. It doesn’t have a lot of text, but it is so much fun to read with a silly voice. In the story a tired father is trying to please his baby and put him to bed. However, baby is just a tad demanding and things get sillier and sillier.
“It’s Great Being a Dad” by Dan Bar-el and Gina Perry- This is such a creative book! It follows a game of make believe between a father and some children as they pretend to be different magical creatures. IT celebrates the fun role that fathers can play and all the joy that is spent with them.
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen and John Schoenherr – This book is one of my personal favorite picture books ever. In the story a father and sone go bird watching one winter night and share a special experience together. It has all the warm and enchanting vibes you would expect from an award winner. (Which it is, of course.)
Because I’m Your Dad by Ahmet Zappa and Dan Santat- This is a playful and fun book that celebrates father and child relationships from the silly to the sentimental. It is super cute and makes you think of the quirky and fun things that may exist in your relationship with your father.
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