15 Best Children’s Books About Dads
Our Reading Boots favorite books about dads celebrate dads as seen through the eyes of kids, as heroes, friends, protectors, teachers, and simply as dad, someone whose love is dependable and unconditional. Father’s Day is a day for dads and their kids to find special ways to express their love and appreciation, and reading together is the ideal activity. Some of the books will make you laugh and some will touch your heart. We even included a book for grandads.
Heartwarming Books about Dads
Dad by My Side
Dad by My Side, by Soosh. A beautiful parent-child bonding story about a little girl and her larger-than-life father and all of the things they do together. Incredibly moving illustrations by Soosh, a Ukrainian artist, make this an inspiring read aloud. (Ages 4-8)
Made for Me
Made for Me, by Zack Bush. A truly special book that conveys the intense love a father feels for his child from the moment the child is born. Heartfelt rhyming text and exceptionally beautiful artwork make this tender story awe-inspiring and a perfect gift for new fathers. (Ages birth-5)
Papa Please Get the Moon for Me
Papa Please Get the Moon for Me, by Eric Carle. A magical story about Monica, who gazes at the moon with her papa, and asks him to bring the moon to her so she can play with it. Her papa gets a long, long ladder and sets off to bring her the moon. Told in simple text, with glorious and dreamlike Eric Carle illustrations, the story carries many layers and can be interpreted from both a child’s point of view and that of a parent: an impossible wish granted and a parent’s desire to go to the moon and back for his child. (Ages 5-10)
Drawn Together
Drawn Together, by Minh Le. A beautiful book with gorgeous illustrations about a young boy who visits his non-English speaking grandfather who has different ways and customs. The two are unable to communicate until the boy starts to draw with marker and the grandfather joins in with pen and ink. Through their drawings, they create a dynamic world of fantasy that builds a bond between the boy and his grandfather and reinforces the inscription on the cover flap, “Sometimes you don’t need words to find common ground.” (Ages 4-10)
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Books About Dads Doing Everyday Activities
Nelly Gnu and Daddy Too
Nelly Gnu and Daddy Too, by Anna Dewdney. A cute story about Nelly Gnu and Daddy and all the things they do together as they build a playhouse from a cardboard box. Fans of Llama Llama books will enjoy reading about Nelly Gnu, Llama Llama’s best friend. (Ages 3-5)
The Daddy Book
The Daddy Book, by Todd Parr. Sweet and simply told, all different kinds of daddies, engaged in activities that kids can relate to. Bold, colorful illustrations with Parr’s signature happy-face characters make this an engaging and interactive read aloud for little ones. (Ages 3-6)
Daddy and Me
Daddy and Me, by Karen Katz. A lift-the-flap book about a father, child, and helpful puppy, who are building something together, although what they are building is not immediately revealed. Children will enjoy lifting the flaps to find the missing tools and will delight in discovering the puppy in its newly built dog house at the end. (Ages 1-5)
Spot Loves His Daddy
Spot Loves His Daddy, by Eric Hill. More adventures of every child’s favorite storybook dog, Spot, this time spending the day with his Daddy. Lots of opportunities for children to respond to the illustrations as Spot and Daddy play soccer, fly kites, feed ducks, eat ice cream, and finally, share a bedtime story. (Ages 1-4)
Mighty Dads
Mighty Dads, by Joan Holub. Lots of big truck dads help their little truck children as they go about their workday together. Although the dad trucks are mighty, they are proud and protective of their little trucks. Rhyming text, truck sounds, and fun illustrations by James Dean (Pete the Cat) make this an appealing read aloud. (Ages 2-6)
Humorous Books about Dads
Your Baby’s First Word Will be Dada
Your Baby’s First Word Will be Dada, by Jimmy Fallon. The celebrity author shares his amusing attempt to teach baby the word, “Dada.” Great first board book, with cute drawings of animal dads speaking one word, “Dada,” and animal babies responding with animal sounds. A favorite of my grandson, and the first time he imitated animal sounds. (Ages 1-3)
If I Didn’t Have You
If I Didn’t Have You, by Alan Katz. Hilarious and heartwarming, with comical illustrations of alligator Dad and son, Mike, musing about all of the things they would do, “If I didn’t have you,” like Dad, drive a sports car and Mike, stay up until midnight. A cute twist at the end when mom enters the scene and adds some extra chuckles. (Ages 4-8)
Dad’s First Day
Dad’s First Day, by Mike Wohnoutka. Oliver’s dad is not quite ready for Oliver to go off to school for the first time. A cute role reversal story making Dad the worrier and Oliver calming Dad’s fears. Humorously relatable for parents and kids embarking on first time experiences. (Ages 4-8)
Monster and Son
Monster and Son, by David LaRochelle. So many kinds of monsters, all of them lovable and non-threatening, in this fun read aloud about monster parent and child activities in all different places and imaginary worlds. Humorous illustrations and rhyming text convey the message that monster parents and children share the same kind of love as humans. (Ages 4-8)
Tribute Books About Dads
My Dad is Amazing
My Dad is Amazing, Sabrina Moyle. A super-fun board book celebrating dads and affirming the inspiring role they play in their kid’s lives. A visual treat, with colors and images that practically pop off the pages and a magical yeti in the proud role of dad. (Ages 2-5)
My Dad and Me
My Dad and Me, by Roger Hargreaves. The lovingly retro Little Men characters are back with a tribute to dad. Different Little Men personalities represent a variety of reasons why dads are special. The paperback edition provides pages to personalize the book with a drawing of Dad and answers to simple prompts like, “My dad makes me laugh when . . .” A great gift that dads will treasure and a favorite amongst our list of books for dad. (Ages 3-7)
Enjoy the celebration and remember:
“To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.”
(Taylor Hanson)
Get your Reading Boots on and enjoy our favorite books about dads!
