Fathers hold a special place in their kids’ hearts, often acting as role models, protectors, educators, and best friends all at once. So, as we get closer to Father’s Day, it’s a perfect time to celebrate all that dads do for their little ones (even when they’re not so little anymore). From surfing days to at-home concerts, from baking buddies to pretend-play pals, and everything in between, these new and recent releases are a wonderful way for kids to pay tribute to the dads in their lives.
Chicka Chicka I Love Dad by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, Illustrated by Julien Chung
After we featured the adorable Chicka Chicka I Love Mom last month, we couldn’t possibly leave its counterpart off this list! Inspired by the classic style of the timeless Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, this book reimagines that title’s spirited letters as an abecedarian that honors all the little things that dads bring to our lives. From being “D-voted and D-lightful” to being “so ha-P” when they’re together, young readers can get a dose of alphabetical instruction along with a heartfelt expression of the love that they and their dads share.
My Dad Is the Best by Fran Pintadera, Illustrated by Joan Turu
It’s a common playground boast: “My dad is the best dad!” And as the two kids voicing this book square off, it’s easy to understand why they would believe so: when one brags that their dad is strong enough to pick up a truck, the other counters with the claim that their dad can lift a truck… filled with elephants! The one-upsmanship continues to a hilariously ludicrous level, until one of the dads is injured while displaying his feats of strength. When the other dad shows him gentle care, a new dimension of dadhood and family is explored: tenderness and love. A sweetly funny tale that offers representation for LGBTQIA+ families, this one proves that the only thing better than having one awesome dad is having two.
Daddy: Live in Concert by Tyler Hilton, Illustrated by Eugenia Nobati
The young narrator of this book is far too excited to sit still at dinner; who wouldn’t be, when they have an epic concert to look forward to that night? The kiddo and their stuffed animals have been given access to a private, invitation-only concert by the one and only Daddy! Adhering to the strict dress code — i.e., changing into their pajamas, the little one and their plushies gather front row for what promises to be the concert of a lifetime… until tomorrow’s bedtime, of course! Actor and musician Hilton draws from personal experience to create a silly yet touching story of a unique bedtime routine that little music lovers will adore.
Little Big Man by Varian Johnson, Illustrated by Reggie Brown
For so many youngsters, the dads in their lives are their first model of what it means to be a man. In this title, young Elijah wants to spend the weekend flying a kite with his dad, but Daddy gently explains that with a new baby in the house, there’s a lot of work to get done. While initially reluctant, Elijah decides to step up and assist his father around the house. There are some initial stumbles, but Elijah finds pride in working side by side with his father, helping with the baby, cleaning up messes, and helping in the kitchen. A fantastic look not only at the bond between father and son but at what it means for a man to be a supportive father and partner, and how this model of masculinity is passed down to their children.
The Best Daddy of All by Peter Horn, Illustrated by Jessica Meserve
What are some of the things that dads can do? This is the question that a little tortoise named Sebastian ponders with his father as the two relax at the end of the day; he knows that his own Daddy Tortoise is wonderful at warm snuggles. Daddy offers a few suggestions: dads can teach their kids to fly, jump from stem to stem through the grass, and spin intricate webs, for instance. Sebastian wisely notes that these aren’t things that tortoises can do, so Daddy encourages him (and the reader) to guess which animal dads can do them. At last, the two settle in for the night, and Sebastian remarks that of all the splendid things that dads can do, he likes the things that his dad does the best: after all, there’s no dad quite like his own.
Sunshine Baby, Bofrot Cheeks by Bernard Mensah, Illustrated by Islenia Mil
Following a father and his baby through their day, the fond and cozy text of this title introduces the reader to the titular sunshine baby, a precious cherubian infant full of smiles and giggles. As the baby marvels at the big and little wonders of the world around them, Dad works to cook, feed, read to, and cuddle his little one, all the while integrating aspects of Ghanian culture and Twi vocabulary words (bofrots, for instance, are a delicious round donut-type pastry). With glowing artwork exploring the loving bond between baby and father, this book will leave you with a warm heart and a craving for kubecake.
Let’s Be Bees by Shawn Harris
As a father and child read a book about bees, the parent proposes an idea: “Let’s buzz.” The two transform into bees — big and little — and have fun making the buzziest of sounds. From there, the pretend play and onomatopoeic noises continue as the pair shifts from birds to trees to thunder and lightning, and even to the whole world making every sound at once. Harris’s simple text and phenomenal crayon artwork combine perfectly to create an endlessly enjoyable story of imaginative play that celebrates the fun of being creative and silly while also showing a cheerful and poignant interaction between parent and child that readers, young and old, will want to try for themselves.
Papa’s Coming Home by Chasten Buttigieg, Illustrated by Dan Taylor
Papa is coming home from his business trip today, so Jojo, Rosie, and Daddy are all hard at work to give him the warmest of welcomes. They bake a towering cake, make a glittery sign with his name on it, gather his favorite flowers from the garden, and collect all his favorite things, such as his books and bicycle; they don’t want to forget a single thing that they might need. But once they load everything into the car and drive to the airport to collect Papa, Jojo and Rosie realize that the only thing that was truly missing was Papa himself (hopefully, there’s enough room in the car to get him home)! A sweet slice-of-life story from a two-dad family, this adorable tale is perfect for kiddos whose dads are frequent travelers.
Dawn Patrol by Rob Sayegh Jr.
When a father and daughter wake up with the earliest rays of sunshine, they call themselves the “Dawn Patrol,” donning wetsuits and heading to the beach. After watching the other surfers for a bit, the little girl — with gentle encouragement — works up the courage to paddle out on her own, turning nerves into excitement as she tries to catch a wave. Wiping out means trying again, and when the board hits the water just right, the wave wraps around her just like one of Dad’s warm hugs. An absolutely gorgeous and touching ode to father-child traditions and the lasting memories they make, the final pages of this one are sure to bring a tear to any parent’s eye.
We hope that you and your young readers enjoy these books about dads, and that they make your Father’s Day — or any day! — all the more special. Happy Father’s Day, and happy reading!
Looking for kids’ books that celebrate moms? Check out our article on Picture Books That Give Well-Deserved Love to Wonderful Moms.
For all of our recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
