Father’s Day provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this unique and important relationship in the lives of children. Whether they’re dancing with their babies, walking in the park, or teaching their children to be self-sufficient, the fathers in these books know a thing or two about being a great dad. Enjoy!
African-American Books
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
With the help of social media, Zuri’s father learns how to comb, part, oil, twist, and style Zuri’s hair. This experience allowed Zuri to bond with her dad in an entirely new way, and likely instilled a deep pride about the heritage in her hair.
A Card for My Father by Samantha Thornhill
Little Flora has a dilemma. Her first-grade class assignment is to write a Father’s Day Card for her father. But how can she write about an incarcerated father she’s never known? A touching and much needed book about a tough subject not typically written about in children’s literature.
Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama
In this tender, beautiful letter to his daughters, President Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. From the artistry of Georgia O’Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America’s children.
Janna and the Kings by Patricia Smith
On Saturdays, Granddaddy and Janna always head for her favorite place in the world — Terrell’s barbershop. There, Granddaddy and his friends are kings in barber chair thrones, and Janna is a princess, showered with love and attention. When Janna’s Granddaddy passes away, she feels she has lost their wonderful kingdom forever. But with great courage and some unexpected help, Janna finds her way back to the happiness of those special Saturdays.
Kevin and His Dad by Irene Smalls
This book evokes excitement, pride and perfectly shows the love a boy can experience with his father through work and play.
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
With themes of: overcoming fear, courage, family, water safety, positive affirmations, encouragement, patience and determination I think Jabari Jumps is a great book to read around Father’s Day or anytime of the year. Read my full review here.
Always My Dad by Sharon Dennis Wyeth
Though Dad moves around a lot and his jobs keep changing, a young girl and her brother hold fast to memories of his magical, unexpected visits in this portrait of an African-American family held together by a special bond of love.
Leo Can Swim by Anna McQuinn
Leo and Daddy go to swim class where they kick, bounce, and dive like little fish. Joining other babies and their caretakers in the pool is a guarantee for unforgettable fun. Read my full review
here.
The pastel illustrations in this book show the fun and playfulness of this father and daughter sneaking a little special time together as Mommy sleeps nearby. Babies will love the rhythm — and the excuse for a little extra time with Daddy.
A Beach Tail by Karen Williams
This wonderful read-aloud book brings to life a summer experience of spending the day at the beach. A gentle father-son bond is shown in both text and art, reassuring young readers even as they share in little Greg’s moment of worry at finding himself lost and alone.
In Plain Sight: A Game by Richard Jackson
As Sophie and her grandpa talk, he asks her to find items he’s “lost” throughout the day, guiding Sophie on a tour through his daily life and connecting their generations in this sweet, playful picture book illustrated by Caldecott Medalist and Laura Ingalls Wilder Award winner Jerry Pinkney.
My son recently got his first haircut and he loves going to the barbershop with daddy. In this book, a young boy, Miles, makes his first trip to the barbershop with his father. Like most little boys, he is afraid of the sharp scissors, the buzzing razor, and the prospect of picking a new hairstyle. But with the support of his dad, the barber, and the other men in the barbershop, Miles bravely sits through his first haircut. This book captures an important rite of passage for boys and celebrates African-American identity.
When Daddy Prays by Nikki Grimes
In this collection of poems by Nikki Grimes, a child learns about prayer from his father, whose prayers carry the family through each day — no matter what the circumstances. Nikki Grimes believes that spirituality and prayer are signs of true strength and power. When Daddy Prays celebrates fathers who help their children see this.
One Million Men and Me by Kelly Starling Lyons
I love the relationship this father and daughter share during the historic moment of the Million Man March that took place back in October 1995. I also love that this book celebrates an important gathering of men who all came together in peace for one common goal. No violence, no egos, no competition. Just men who were committed to inspiring and empowering themselves and each other to make positive changes in their families and communities.
This story consists of four short verses about the happy home life of a young African-American boy. Family love and the shared stories and symbols that connect the generations are pervasive themes.
This is a book of poetry that testifies to the powerful bond between father and child, recognizing family as our greatest gift, and identifying fathers as being among our most influential heroes.
This powerful and inspiring book shows the love that an absent parent can leave behind, and the strength that children find in themselves as they grow up and follow their dreams.
Will Smith— musician, actor, and father–brings us a moving celebration of fatherhood. Smith’s heartfelt lyrics and Kadir Nelson’s vibrant paintings capture the beauty and intensity of a father’s love as his child grows from a boy into a man. This poignant portrait will resonate with fathers and sons everywhere.
Daddy Do My Hair? Beth’s Twists by Tola Okogwu
I think this book is such a cute testament to the relationship between fathers and daughters which captures the importance of fatherhood perfectly. Not everyone is blessed with parents or dads who are active. Let’s face it, for many dads, doing hair isn’t as easy as most moms make it look. From basic pony tails to buns to complex braids, there’s a lot to learn. Read my full review here.
Visiting Day by Jacqueline Woodson
Life isn’t always sunshine and roses. All some incarcerated dads want for Father’s Day is for their children to come and visit them in prison.
Father’s Day Blues by Irene Smalls
A great book to read if a child doesn’t have a father present in the home or is being raised by a single mother. This book sends the message loud and clear that love is what makes a family. Little Cheryl learns this from her sage grandmother and her mother. Once Cheryl understands this, she is finally ready to complete the Father’s Day essay she has to write for school. Although Cheryl’s dad left and is no longer present in her life, she isn’t sad by the end of the book.
A Father Like That by Charlotte Zolotow
A heartwarming and touching story about a boy who imagines how his absent father would be if he were in his life. Another great book for children with absent fathers in the home or for kids being raised by single mothers.
Baby Blessings: A Prayer for the Day You Are Born by Deloris Jordan
This touching story from bestselling author Doloris Jordan celebrates the blessings new parents wish for their babies all through their lives.
Diverse/Multicultural Books
My Two Dads and Me by Michael Joosten
Families with same-sex parents are celebrated in this board book that follows busy dads and their kids throughout their day—eating breakfast, getting dressed, heading out to the park, and settling back in at night with a bubble bath and a good-night lullaby. Great for LGBTQ+ parents.
Bowwow Powwow by Brenda J. Child
I absolutely adore this story about a young girl and her uncle attending a Native American powwow! Bonus points for it being an #ownvoices story which makes it so authentic. And I love the way the uncle tells stories! A fun read for giving children an introduction to what a powwow is all about.
Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
Alma and How She Got Her Name is a story about a little girl named Alma who is initially unhappy with her long name. She has six names: Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela. After Alma’s father tells her the story of her name she appreciates it and fully accepts it. I love that Alma’s father goes on to tell her different stories of where each of the remaining names came from. Each story provides Alma with a sense of identity through time, and helps her understand who she is in the world. A cute book that not only shows the bond between a father and daughter, but also has wonderful messages of acceptance, family, heritage, culture, love and individuality.
My Daddy Rules the World: Poems about Dads by Hope Anita Smith
My Daddy Rules the World features fifteen heartwarming poems about fatherhood told in a child’s voice. Children are shown being involved in everyday activities such as reading, dancing, playing music, and eating. A lovely ode to every man either fathering a child or men who stand in the gap offering guidance, love, and support to children in need.
Night Shift Daddy by Eileen Spinelli
An adorable story about a hardworking father who works third shift. Every night him and his daughter play, eat dessert and read together for storytime before he tucks her into bed.
Papa, Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joose
This follow-up to the best-selling Mama, Do You Love Me? captures the universal love between a father and child. Set in Africa and featuring the Maasai culture, the beautiful watercolor illustrations, lyrical text, and enduring message are sure to make this another instant classic.
A Morning with Grandpa by Sylvia Liu
Mei Mei s grandpa is practicing tai chi in the garden, and Mei Mei is eager to join in. As Gong Gong tries to teach her the slow, graceful movements, Mei Mei enthusiastically does them with her own flair.
Papa and Me by Arthur Dorros
In Papá and Me, a young boy and his papa may speak both Spanish and English, but the most important language they speak is the language of love.
Yo Soy Muslim: A Father’s Letter to His Daughter by Mark Gonzales
Written as a letter from a father to his daughter, Yo Soy Muslim is a celebration of social harmony and multicultural identical. The beautifully written verse highlights the diversity of the Muslim community. There are themes of acceptance, cultural identity and faith.
Daddy, Papa and Me by Lesléa Newman
Rhythmic text and illustrations with universal appeal show a toddler spending the day with its daddies. From hide-and-seek to dress-up, then bath time and a kiss goodnight, there’s no limit to what a loving family can do together. Share the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children.
Other Books
Pet Dad by Elanna Allen
Do you have a child who wants to get a pet? Would they settle for having a pet dad instead? In this book, a little girl named Plum is in search of the perfect pet. In the end, she realizes she has the perfect dad which is way better than having a pet.
Dad By My Side by Soosh
Dad by My Side is a heartwarming story of a father and his daughter and the wonderful bond they share. The father is depicted as a protective, gentle giant who understands the emotional needs of his daughter. Readers will see the father sewing, plaiting his daughter’s hair, cooking and playing. I think adults will appreciate the very positive father daughter relationship shown in this book, while making it relatable to children.
Daddy, Me and the Magic Hour by Laura Melmed
While summer boasts of outdoor activities and larger-than-life experiences, this book serves as a beautiful reminder to slow down and make special memories with those that you know and love best. I love the bond between the father and son and the nightly routine they follow outside during their “magic hour”.
Tell Me a Tattoo Story by Alison McGhee
This book shows the positive side of having a tattoo. It’s told from the perspective of the father of a young boy who asks his dad after dinner to tell him the story of his tattoos. Each story serves as a great reminder of the things that matter most to his dad.
Made for Me by Zack Bush
A beautiful story with rhyming text that shows the loving bond between a father and a new child. “Of all the children that ever could be,
You are the one made just for me.”
Daddy’s Busy Day by Miriam Cohen
Daddy stays home with their toddler while Mommy works. They do everything together: they do the laundry, dance, and race to the park. Everything is fun with Daddy! At bedtime Daddy reads to the toddler making every day a good day!
My Dad Used to Be So Cool by Keith Negley
Keith Negley’s playful and emotional art tells this story of a new father who is no longer the cool guy he once was. He looks back wistfully on his crazy times playing in a band, riding a motorcycle, and getting tattoos. Those days may be behind him, but his young son still thinks he’s the coolest guy in the world.
Dad and the Dinosaur by Gennifer Choldenko
A heartwarming and charming story of bravery, courage, facing fears and father-son bonding.
When Dads Don’t Grow Up by Marjorie Blain Parker
An endearing celebration of dads who are young at heart. This playful book follows four father-child pairs as they spend happy, silly times together, popping bubble wrap and watching cartoons and taking part in shopping cart races. These are dads who aren’t worried about looking goofy or getting their hair wet – dads who still remember what it’s like to be little. Don’t be fooled. They may look like grown-ups on the outside, But underneath they’re just like you . . . Kids!
Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins
Bruce the bear likes to keep to himself. That, and eat eggs. But when his hard-boiled goose eggs turn out to be real, live goslings, he starts to lose his appetite. And even worse, the goslings are convinced he’s their mother. Bruce tries to get the geese to go south, but he can’t seem to rid himself of his new companions. What’s a bear to do?
A really cute book about a girl and her dad. For Mimi, the best day of the week is always Saturday, because she gets to spend it with just her Dad.
Before your very eyes, this little redhead is about to do something extremely daring. And scary. And she’ll show you-she’ll actually document, step-by-step-exactly how she does it. First, she takes her Daddy and makes him stand very still. Then, balancing herself on his shoe, she wraps her arms tightly around a leg and starts her perilous ascent to the summit.
From the author of the popular Llama, Llama series comes a delightful story starring a loving daughter and daddy duo! Nelly Gnu loves painting, building, and drawing — but everything is better with Daddy Gnu! Over the course of a special day, Nelly and her daddy plan an exciting project to build together. Daddy listens carefully to Nelly’s ideas, but Nelly also learns to listen to Daddy’s thoughts, too. Filled with fun rhyming text, this charming story is sure to delight your little ones. Vivid illustrations perfectly capture the special day of a loving and attentive father and his doting daughter.
Daddies Are For Catching Fireflies by Harriet Ziefert
Daddies do so many terrific things. A daddy always gives you the best seat at the parade, he reads you bedtime stories, and he tries his best to fix your toys when they break (even if he doesn’t always succeed). Filled with soft, beautiful watercolor artwork and lilting text, this lift-the-flap book about all the great things fathers do is perfect for young children.
Because I Am Your Daddy is a great read-aloud book at story time or a soothing book at bedtime.
Does your Daddy wear a business suit or mismatched socks? Have lots of hair or none? Work at home or work away? Todd Parr’s distinctive illustrations show a fun, brightly-colored, diverse bunch of Daddies. His depictions of the wide variety of fathers out there is sure to hint at some of the father in your family — and, he reminds you, there are some things all Daddies do: they all want to be with you, and they all love you!
How many daddy hugs does it take to say I love you? Cuddle and count with this hug and read book with darling illustrations.
My Dad is the Best Playground by Luciana Navarro Powell
Powell delivers an exuberant, lively board book celebrating dadNtold from a child’s point of view.
It’s the night before Father’s Day, and Mom and the kids have a plan to surprise Dad with a special gift. When Dad goes for a bike ride, everyone gets to work. Dad wakes up the next day to find his garage newly organized and his car sparkly clean. So, of course, he celebrates by taking everyone for a spin! I love the rhymes in this book that are similar to “The Night Before Christmas”.
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson
And Tango Makes Three is the bestselling, heartwarming true story of two penguins who create a nontraditional family.
At the penguin house at the Central Park Zoo, two penguins named Roy and Silo were a little bit different from the others. But their desire for a family was the same. And with the help of a kindly zookeeper, Roy and Silo get the chance to welcome a baby penguin of their very own.
Your turn: Did you enjoy my book suggestions? What books would you add to this list? Feel free to let me know in the comments!
