20 Children's Books About Dads to Celebrate Father's Day
A special collection of picture books that shine a light on the diverse and dynamic roles of the dads in your life
Whether celebrated on Father's Day or any day of the year, these stories highlight the many ways these figures enrich our lives—not just as family members but as guides, friends, and companions.
From heartwarming tales of everyday adventures to inspiring narratives of support and wisdom through adversity, each book captures the essence of paternal influence and the various forms it can take.
These stories are not specifically about Father's Day; rather, they are a tribute to the lasting impact our families have on our journeys.
Featured Title
Climb On! by Baptiste Paul and Jacqueline Alcantara
This book that invites families to explore the great outdoors together through a heartwarming father-daughter adventure. This story begins with a young girl eager to remind her dad of their planned hike. Despite his initial hesitation to leave a soccer game behind, her infectious enthusiasm soon has them both ascending to new heights. The book features a list of creatures at the end, encouraging readers to take a closer look and make discoveries of their own.
As the city sleeps, a school custodian's work begins, and his son joins him in a quiet, magical journey through their evening full of small, beautiful moments together. This book does a wonderful job celebrating the simple, profound love between father and son.
Daddy and Me and the Rhyme to Be by Chris Bridges and Halcyon Person
This delightful picture book celebrates the joyous bond between a father and his daughter through music and rhyme. Karma and her dad love creating raps together. When Karma faces the challenge of writing a birthday rap for her dad all by herself, she struggles to find the perfect words. Filled with humor and heart, this story beautifully unfolds as Karma discovers that the best creations come not from striving for perfection alone but from collaborating with those you love.
The Thing About Bees: A Love Letter by Shabazz Larkin
This tender book celebrates the love between a father and his sons, while also poetically exploring the important role bees play in our ecosystems.
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
Big-hearted and inspiring, this love story celebrates fathers and daughters, the beauty of natural hair, and the little things loved ones do to make each other feel better during difficult times.
Graddaddy's Turn: A Journey to the Ballot Box by Michael S. Bandy and Eric Stein
The narrator in this emotional story recounts his memory of accompanying his grandfather to vote for the first time in the civil-rights era South. Each thoughtful page will both illuminate this historical moment and impress on young readers (and their grown ups) how important the right to vote really is.
My Two Border Towns by David Bowles
This story follows a boy and his father, living at the Southern U.S. border who travel across the border to a town that he feels mirrors his hometown. The dad and son’s kindness awakens an appreciation for the humanity of those waiting at the border.
I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott
Discover the healing power of nature as you step into the shoes of a boy whose stutter has kept him from connecting with the world. When his father takes him to a nearby river, he learns that nature can help him find his voice.
Stolen Words by Melanie Florence
In this fictional tale of a relationship between a grandfather and granddaughter, the author explores the impact of the residential school system across generations -- and the importance of preserving Native language.
A Different Pond by Bao Phi
This beautiful story illuminates the struggle working class immigrants face while trying to make ends meet for their families. The fishing trip at the heart of this story is described in beautiful detail, both the universally recognizable moments of childhood, like grimacing at the slimy feeling of your freshly caught fish, and the unique worries and triumphs of this father and his son.
My Dad Used To Be So Cool by Keith Negley
What dad can’t relate to holding some nostalgia for years gone by? This fun and heartfelt story of a father who’s life, which was once filled with concerts, motorcycles, and tattoos, now looks quite different. While he may not be “cool” in the eyes of the world, you may find a differing opinion if you ask his young son.
Leaving Vietnam: The Journey of Tuan Ngo, a Boat Boy by Sarah S. Kilborne
Join Tuan Ngo and his father as they escape Vietnam by boat, spend time in a refugee camp and ultimately arrive in the United States. Ages 6 and up.
Armando and the Blue Tarp School by Edith Hope Fine and Judith Josephson
A young boy longs to go to school, but he must help his father sift through trash for items to sell to support the family. This book grants kids a new perspective on the privilege of school.
Cups Held Out by Judith L. Roth
A wonderful story for inspiring a discussion about the power of friendship, appreciation for what we have, and the true meaning of gift giving.
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
What does it take to overcome your fear, take the leap toward your goal? Jabari’s sweet story encourages young readers to dig deep for their courage. And parents will love the gentle example of patience and encouragement offered by Jabari’s father.
The Biggest House in the World by Leo Lionni
The heartwarming story of a snail who dreams of having a bigger shell. When his father tells him about another snail that had the same dream, he begins to rethink his wish.
Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting
This heart-wrenching yet hopeful book follows a boy and his father through their daily routines as they shelter in an airport, obviously before airline security became so strict. This book perfectly presents the heartbreak of being a homeless child in a non-threatening, non-frightening way.
Our Table by Peter H. Reynolds
This poignant and beautifully illustrated picture book explores the importance of family connection and shared time. Violet reminisces about days when her family would gather around the table filled with food and laughter, before distractions and technology caused them to drift apart. As the physical table shrinks to symbolize their growing distance, Violet endeavors to rekindle the warmth and closeness they once cherished.
A Family Like Ours by Frank Murphy
Celebrating families in all their diverse forms, this book reminds us that every family structure is unique and valuable. It reinforces that family, in every configuration, is a foundation of support, safety, growth, and inspiration.
Buddy the Bucket Filler by Maria Dismondy and Carol McCloud
This heartfelt story illustrates the concept that we all carry around an invisible bucket and that we can fill or dip from ours and others buckets. Buddy, a boy who lives in the city, can't wait to visit his Uncle Frank in the countryside. Buddy ends up learning so much more than just farm life as he and his Uncle find opportunities for simple acts of kindness.
Back to Read Together for more book lists...
Haven't found what you're looking for?
Visit our Complete Resource List.
Or check out these projects to inspire your next act of kindness.
Disclaimer: Doing Good Together™ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.