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Books by Theme » Family » Our Favorite Children’s Books About Dads!

Our Favorite Children’s Books About Dads!

By Lauren Bercuson ·  Published: Jun 5, 2019 ·  Modified: Mar 24, 2023 ·  This post may contain affiliate links

Children’s books about dads are the most special way to celebrate the men we adore, not just on Father’s Day but all year round. Check out these fabulous picture books to read with daddy, as well as three awesome crafts to honor dad!

The covers of nine fabulous children's books about dads.
Table of Contents:
  1. Children’s books about dads are the best way to celebrate fatherhood!
  2. Snuggle up with your kids and read children’s books about dads at bedtime!
  3. Frequently asked questions
  4. Our favorite children’s books about dads

Children’s books about dads are the best way to celebrate fatherhood!

When I was a child, not a day went by without my dad telling me he was proud of me.

Even when we had rip-roaring battles and stood across the kitchen table from one another, arms crossed tightly against our chests, eyes locked in a stare-down as we both tried to get in just one last word, it wasn’t long before he would once again utter that one little phrase that always meant so much:

I’m proud of you.

Those words will forever be etched in my memory. My Dad regularly says this to me even now, as a grown woman. And guess what? They STILL mean so much.

This is the beauty of fatherhood.

To many little ones, daddies are heroes and idols. They symbolize courage, bravery, and sensitivity. Dads wipe away tears, braid ponytails, and cheer on kids at sports games and piano recitals.

You know what else so many dads do well? They read books to their kids before bed.

RELATED: We have more than 125 amazing children’s book lists on Happily Ever Elephants. Check them out!

Snuggle up with your kids and read children’s books about dads at bedtime!

The following children’s books about dads showcase the tenderness inherent in fatherhood. They also show the myriad of ways that dads are beacons of love and heroism to their kids. Most importantly? These books are incredibly special when read to a child snuggled up with dad before bedtime.

And guess what?

A recent study found that children benefit more when fathers read them bedtime stories. When men read with their kids, the questions dads ask often encourage use of the imagination and spark “imaginative discussions.” This, in turn, enhances language development.

So here’s the moral of the story: get some of these amazing stories celebrating fathers, let dad read with the kids, and watch the magic happen.

Sooner than later, your kids will be the one reading these books to dad, and dad will gaze at his children with love and amazement… and he may even utter those four little words that my dad always said to me:

I’m proud of you.

Enjoy, and happy reading!

RELATED: Looking for more books about family? Check out these incredible children’s books about family diversity!

Frequently asked questions

What is your favorite children’s book about dads?

I will forever adore Jabari Jumps, by Gaia Cornwall. It shares the most authentic, tender moment between a father and his son, and every time I read it, it makes me melt! I love the relationship portrayed in this story!

Do you have books about moms?

Absolutely! Check out these children’s books about moms to celebrate mothers all year round!

Can you recommend a book for a child with two dads?

Absolutely! I love Stella Brings the Family, by Miriam B. Schiffer. It is a beautiful story that normalizes same-sex parents. We have more children’s books about family diversity here!

RELATED: Looking for books about mothers? Check out these fabulous children’s books about moms!

Our favorite children’s books about dads

The cover of Jabari Jumps, one of our favorite children's books about dads.
Jabari Jumps
By Gaia Cornwall

Young Jabari and his family hit the city pool, and today is the day Jabari tells dad he will jump off the high diving board. In fact, he tells his dad he is not even scared at all – he’s just full of courage! Yet, when it is time to climb the ladder, Jabari lets some of the other kids go ahead of him…. and then takes time deciding what kind of jump he wants to do…. and then gets just a little bit tired. Oh, the excuses! Will Jabari overcome his fear of the board and find his way to take the plunge? Jabari’s dad is tender and patient, encouraging Jabari where necessary but also recognizing when to allow his child to step back from a fear-inducing event and take some time to breathe. The two are a perfect pair, and we love this book about having a growth mindset. For our full review of Jabari Jumps, click here!

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The cover of Made for Me, one of our favorite children's books about dads.
Made for Me
By Zack Bush and Gregorio De Lauretis

Oh, how this book made me cry! I’m always looking for great books to give first-time parents — or second, third, and fourth-time parents, for that matter — and this one is so sweet to gift to a new dad! This tender, touching story about a father and his growing infant is so poignant, hitting all of the special moments from the first time the baby says “dada” to those first adorable, wobbly steps. Whimsical illustrations and a sweet refrain make this one a winner!

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The cover of Hair Love, a wonderful and moving children's books about dads.
Hair Love
By Matthew A. Cherry and Vashti Harrison

Not only is Hair Love an ode to loving your natural characteristics – such as Zuri’s hair that kinks, coils, and curls every which way — but it is also a tender story of the things a father will do for his daughter and the special love shared between them. When Daddy steps in to style sweet Zuri’s locks for a special occasion, he’s got a lot to learn. But for his girl, he will do whatever it takes to make her happy. Such a fun, sweet story!

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The cover of Night Job, a fabulous children's books about dads.
Night Job
By Karen Hesse and G. Brian Karas

A young boy packs his dad’s lunch, and as the sun sets, the two jump on dad’s bike and head to the school, where Dad cleans the facilities during the night. The two pal around as dad cleans. In the gym, the boy shoots baskets. In the theater, they listen to the big game. And in the library, the boy lays down on the couch and reads aloud to his father until he falls sound asleep. When they eventually return home, the sun comes up and dad snuggles into a big armchair — and then the boy snuggles up to dad until sleep overtakes them both. I adore the tender, sensitive relationship in this story! For our full review of Night Job, click here!

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RELATED: Divorce happens. If you need great children’s books about divorce to help your family through challenging days, click the link.

The cover of Big Boys Cry, a fabulous children's books about dads.
Big Boys Cry
By Jonty Howley

Levi is heading to school, and he is awfully scared. Levi’s dad tries to comfort him by telling him that big boys don’t cry — but as soon as the words are out of his mouth, it’s clear dad regrets them. As Levi wanders to school, he sees many grown men expressing their emotions, and once he gets to school, Levi sheds a tear and feels a lot better. When he runs home at the end of the day he finds his father waiting for him, with tears in his eyes, because dad, too, was scared about Levi’s first day. Such a gentle story about the power of letting yourself be vulnerable!

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The cover of My Papa is a Princess, one of our favorite children's books about dads.
My Papa is a Princess
By Doug Cenko

I absolutely adore this sweet story about how one little girl views her doting father. When they play cars, he is a race car driver. When he braids her hair, he is a hairdresser. and when he hangs pictures, he is an art collector. I love seeing how reality has the daughter sees her father as a larger-than-life, oh-so-special figure in her world. This one is just fabulous!

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The cover of Dandy, a darling children's books about dads.
Dandy
By Ame Dyckman and Charles Santoso

This is such an awesome author/illustrator combo! Dyckman’s stories never fail to delight, and Santoso is definitely one of my favorite illustrators. When you combine these two, you get a story that is as authentic as it is awesome! In Dandy, a dad tries desperately to rid his perfectly manicured lawn of an unruly dandelion — even as his determined daughter tries to save it. Dad and his friends are appalled at this weed ruining the otherwise beautiful lawn— but is dad willing to break his daughter’s heart so his lawn maintains its beauty?

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The cover of My Dad Used to Be so Cool, a fabulous children's books about dads.
My Dad Used to Be so Cool
By Keith Negley

Oh, the sacrifices parents make for their children! We all experience it – the thought that we used to be so cool, but now, as parents, we’ve lost our “oomph.” This wonderful book tells the story of a day spent in the life of one father and son duo. The boy knows his dad used to be cool because he was in a band and rode a motorcycle, and though he wonders why dad gave it up, the reader understands that it’s because dad wants to be there for all of his son’s special moments. Modern, tender, and wonderful, we love this book, and we ADORE Keith Negley, who also wrote one of our favorites, Mary Wears What She Wants!

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The cover of Papa Brings Me the World, a beautiful children's books about dads.
Papa Brings Me the World
By Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw

Lulu’s Papa is an explorer! He navigates the world, and his adventures take him from mountains to oceans, from Zimbabwe to China. But Lulu’s favorite thing about Papa is when he gets home and the stories and treasures he brings with him. We absolutely love how this beautiful story highlights cultures worldwide and helps families celebrate and learn right in their homes. A new favorite!

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The cover of My Papi has a Motorcycle, an award-winning children's books about dads.
My Papi Has a Motorcycle
By Isabel Quintero and Zeke Pena

This is a fabulous story set in a vibrant immigrant neighborhood. It beautifully conveys the love shared between a father and his daughter, their joyful ride on Papi’s motorcycle, and their exploration of their evolving neighborhood and community. The sweet girl so adores her hardworking father, and this is a testament to the mutual, unconditional love and adoration between father and daughter.

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The cover of A Brave Bear, a sweet children's books about dads for young readers.
A Brave Bear
By Sean Taylor and Emily Hughes

Who is the best person to help a little bear feel brave? His dad, of course! I adore this story every time I read it, about a bear who tries to impress his father but gets hurt instead. Yet, the little bear doesn’t miss a beat, and he gets up and keeps on going. “I think a brave bear is probably the bravest thing in the world,” says Dad. Cue heart melting. So sweet, such a gentle read-aloud, and a total gem.

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The cover of Daddy Long Legs, an adorable children's books about dads.
Daddy Long Legs
By Nadine Brun-Cosme and illustrated by Aurelie Guillerey

This is a fabulous French import that describes one father’s valiant efforts to assuage his son’s concerns about the challenges that might prevent his dad from picking him up at kindergarten. It melts my heart with each and every read, and I love the way this father will stop at nothing to alleviate his child’s nerves!

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The cover of Stella Brings the Family, a sweet children's books about dads and inclusive families.
Stella Brings the Family
By Miriam B. Schiffer and Holly Clifton-Brown

We adore this story about a young girl with two daddies! Stella is distraught when she learns her class will soon have a Mother’s Day celebration at school. After all, Stella has no moms, so who on earth will she bring to the party? With the help of her classmates, Stella realizes she has two phenomenal, loving dads and a whole crew of people who love and support her. She might have to celebrate with them all!

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The cover of Mitchell's License, a darling children's books about dads.
Mitchell’s License
By Hallie Durand and Tony Fucile

Mitchell got his driver’s license when he was just four years, one month, and five days old. When gets behind the wheel, he has a need for speed! But sometimes, his car doesn’t operate exactly when it should — especially when dear old dad is the “vehicle.” This one never fails to elicit giggles, and we love both its tenderness and wit!

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The cover of Raj and the Best Day Ever, a hilarious children's books about dads.
Raj and the Best Day Ever!
By Seb Braun

Raj and Dad have the best day planned. They are going on an adventure! But — uh oh! — Dad left his wallet at home. Can they still have the best day ever, even if they only have their imaginations and each other’s company to rely on? Such a cute read – an instant hit!

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The cover of My Daddy Rules the World, a lovely children's poetry book about dads.
My Daddy Rules the World: Poems About Dads
By Hope Anita Smith

If you like poetry books for kids, you will LOVE this gorgeous collection! At once tender, funny and powerful, this poetry collection is a sentimental celebration of fathers by a Coretta Scott King honor-winning poet. Told from a child’s perspective, this collection celebrates the heartwarming, everyday moments that fill our lives with magic and meaning, from guitar playing to wrestling matches to snuggling together in bed. I love it.

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The cover of You and Me, Me and you, an adorable children's books about dads.
You and Me, Me and You
By Miguel Tanco

I love the illustrations in this whimsical book! This is a poignant story highlighting those magical, mundane moments that epitomize what it means to be a dad: from answering endless questions to taking time to smell the flowers to journeying to far-off places with nothing more than a bit of imagination. This one perfectly captures how a father’s love is patient and unconditional. Whether sharing a chaotic moment, a routine moment, or a moment of relaxation, a father’s relationship with his child is supremely precious.

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RELATED: Don’t miss these fabulous children’s books about grandparents!

Great craft ideas for dad

Looking for some fun and fabulous craft ideas to make for Dad? Look no further than Sunny Day Family, one of my favorite bloggers on the web. Laura created these amazing crafts, which would make perfect gifts for fathers and grandfathers, too!

Handprint Baseball Father’s Day Gift
By Sunny Day Family

I adore this clever gift to remember when your kids hands were small enough to wrap around a baseball! The perfect, thoughtful present to celebrate Dad! Check it out here!

Father’s Day Coupon Book
By Sunny Day Family

I loved making coupon books for my parents when I was a little girl, and I couldn’t love this adorable printable pack anymore! Your child can decide what she wants to gift daddy, then fill in and color the coupons all on her own! Check it out here!

Printable Father’s Day Survey
By Sunny Day Family

I love fill in the blank surveys where kids can write exactly what they love about their families, and these, celebrating dad and grandpa, are just perfect! These make great gifts for father’s day, birthdays, or any other day when you want to show dad how much your little one cares. Enjoy! Check it out here!

RELATED: Do you have big kids getting ready to read at your house? Don’t miss our fantastic list of the best early reader books!

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Hi! I’m Lauren. I’m a boy mom, former attorney, current elementary school librarian, and moderator of book clubs for kids around the country. My goal is to make storytime with your children both magical and meaningful. Welcome! LEARN MORE 

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