This collection of books to celebrate dad can be used for any special occasion for a special dad in your life!
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I am a book lover, through and through. Not only do I read a ton for myself, but I read to each of my children for countless hours and now read with my grandchildren.
In honor of Father’s Day I have put together a collection of special books our kids can share with their dad. You might also love these for a dad’s birthday or adoption day, whatever the occasion these books to celebrate dad are sure to bring joy into a special dad’s life!
Board Books for Littles to Share with Dad
1. DADA
I had never seen this book before until my first grandchild was born. It is cute and funny and hits on that age old race for your child to say DADA or MAMA first!
DADA by Jimmy Fallon
Your baby’s first word will be . . .
“Dada!”
Right?
Everyone knows that fathers wage a secret campaign to ensure that their babies’ first word is “Dada!”
But how does it work?
One of the most popular entertainers in the world and NBC’s The Tonight Show host, Jimmy Fallon, shows you how.
2. You’re The Coolest Dad in the Box
You’re The Coolest Dad in the Box is a fun shaped board book full of puns!
Filled with tool-tally awesome puns, cute illustrations, and a special handle cut-out format shaped like a toolbox, this punderful book for children ages 0-3 celebrates a little one’s love for their dad and all they do to help us be kind, bolt, and brave.
3. Daddy and Me
Daddy and Me is a finger puppet board book about a busy day in the jungle.
Wiggle the cute lion plush puppet to engage and interest your little boy or girl. Bright artwork and sweet rhyming text make this finger puppet book a favorite for daddy to ready with their daughter, son or grandchildren!
4. My Dad is Amazing!
My Dad is Amazing! Is your dad cooler than a million popsicles? Tougher than a rhino wrestler? Cuddlier than a ton of bunnies? Celebrate all the things that make Dad amazing with this joyful book!
5. I Love You, Daddy
I Love You, Daddy – Little Bear is ready for some grown-up adventures – at least, Daddy Bear thinks so. But they soon discover that Little Bear needs a helping hand. And who can help out better than Daddy Bear? I Love You, Daddy is a tale of encouragement and unconditional parental love that your little boy or girl will love to read with their father.
6. Because I’m Your Dad
Because I’m Your Dad is both playful and loving, a story where a father expresses his hopes and dreams for a one-of-a-kind relationship with his child.
“Because I’m your dad, you can have spaghetti for breakfast, French toast for dinner, and rocky road ice cream in the bathtub!”
Picture Books to Celebrate Dad and Father’s Day
1. Why a Son Needs a Dad
Why a Son Needs a Dad is a touching picture book for ages 3-7 and beyond showcasing all the ways a father will help his child grow, this is the gift for every dad and little boy to celebrate their special bond!
The animal images and rhyming verse are sure to delight your little ones and remind them of how much daddy loves them!
“Sunshine and laughter, mischief and fun, trouble and tenderness rolled into one. I’m grateful each moment that you are my son, love yourself as I love you, dear boy.“
2. Why a Daughter Needs a Dad
Why a Daughter Needs a Dad is a picture book for kids ages 3-7 and beyond containing a touching story showing all the ways a father will help his daughter grow. Featuring charming animal illustrations and heartwarming rhymes about the moments fathers and daughters share, Why a Daughter Needs a Dad is the perfect story to connect father and child together.
“From the first time I held you, so perfect and new,
I promised to do everything that I could do
To help you become your most wonderful YOU,
My darling, my daughter, my girl.“
3. Dad You are Pandastic – A picture and animal pun book
Dad You Are Pandastic is a delightful picture book that captures the un-fur-gettable bond between fathers and their little ones. Experience heartwarming moments and wild adventures shared by endearing animal families, from wise owls to hoppy Hares, all wrapped up in clever animal puns.
4. How to Catch a Daddysaurus
How to Catch a Daddysaurus introduces us to the Daddysaurus―a mystical creature capable of such amazing acts of kindness, bravery, brilliance and humor. The kids try to trap the creature with all his favorite activities, but will they succeed? Maybe all they need is a little sweetness to make this awesome Daddysaurus appear! The perfect gift for children ages 4-10 to share with Dad at Father’s Day.
5. I Love Dad with The Very Hungry Caterpillar
I Love Dad with The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a sweet message of love from a child to their father in true Eric Carle style.
6. Girl Dad
Girl Dad is a picture book that honors the strong men who raise, love, and uplift strong girls. A fun read-aloud written in upbeat rhyming verse.
Celebrate Dad with Activity Books
1. Between Dad and Me – A Father Son Guided Journal
Between Dad and Me is a very special journal meant to foster a lasting relationship between father and son.
Together father and son will:
- Answer Thought Provoking Journal Prompts: What are your thoughts on kindness? What would we do if we had the whole day together with no work or chores?
- Record Memories: One of my favorite traditions is; our favorite thing about the season is…
- Compare Perspectives: What were you like when you were my age?
2. Just Between Dad and Me – A Father Daughter Keepsake Journal
Just Between Dad and Me has all the necessary tools that every father and daughter needs to strengthen their relationship.
There is a lot of space for:
- Recording precious memories;
- Telling the most memorable/funny/emotional stories;
- Comparing each other’s answers and reflecting on them;
- Doodling about different experiences and situations;
- Going through mindfulness activities that will grow and strengthen the father daughter relationship
3. Draw with Dad! – The Two Person Doodle Book
In this unique parent-child doodle book, dads and their kids create joint works of art by following over 100 creative prompts that get them both working on the same drawing. Co-create a robot, a spaceship, or a secret treasure map!
Some prompts can be done simultaneously, while others require your child to do the part first and Dad to do his after. You’ll also find mini conversation starters to get child and father talking along the way.
Sample Prompt:
Child: It’s Donuts with Dad! Draw a box full of all your favorite donuts.
Dad: Draw your favorite donuts, too!
Conversation Starter: Did you pick the same ones? Different ones? Is there a new type you’d like to try?
4. Coupons for Dad – a collection of coupons
Coupons for Dad is a great gift to give to dads of all around. Make his day extra special with this booklet filled with fun and thoughtful gestures and special treats that he can choose to use whenever he feels like. One-time use, but does not expire.
- 16 pages with 2 prefilled coupons each
- 5 pages with 4 prefilled mini coupons each
- 2 pages with 2 blank coupons each
5. Dad Tell Me Your Story – a memory book to fill out
I feel like so often as adults, with parents who have passed on, find ourselves having questions about their lives we can’t answer. This book is a wonderful gift for the next generation to know their father better. It will matter so much to them as they grow into adulthood themselves.
Dad Tell Me Your Story contains 140 questions to write down the most beautiful and emotional moments of his life.
Here are just a few:
- How did you meet Mom and marry?
- Which moments in life are you especially happy about and do you like to think back to?
- How did you overcome difficulties and problems?
- What goals and dreams do you have for the future?
- What brings you joy?
6. How to Surprise a Dad
How to Surprise a Dad – The pages of this book are full of tips on how to become a super dad surpriser, including tips for things you can make, do, or find—just for your dad.
Here are a few things you’ll find:
- Yummy treats and presents for a dad
- What to do if he starts getting suspicious
- How to prepare for the big moment (where to hide everyone, and how to practice whispering “Surprise!”)
Books for Dad My Teens Would Like!
1. The Dad Break
Meet Dad. He takes VERY long potty breaks.
His kids are starting to get suspicious. Now they’re on the hunt to figure out why it takes so long.
Is he a rootin’-tootin’ cowboy?
Or an astronaut ready to blast into space?
And why does he say he’s dropping them off at the pool?
The Dad Break is a hilarious read-aloud adventure where potty talk is encouraged and Dad is our fearless hero! Featuring clever rhymes and wonderful illustrations, it’s the perfect book for kids and adults who enjoy fun bathroom humor and puns.
2. There Are Dads Way Worse Than You
There Are Dads Way Worse Than You sets out to prove to dads all over the world that, however bad they think they are at parenting, there are dads way worse. Dads Way Worse showcases fictional dads (and their parenting failures) across history and in popular culture. What dad would think he’s doing poorly when compared to Jack from The Shining, Tywin Lannister from Game of Thrones, or…Walter White from Breaking Bad?:
The pages include plenty of Easter eggs for the true pop-culture nerds and history buffs, plus an informative and hilarious appendix that expands on the faults and foibles of the dads featured within.
More Themed Books for You To Enjoy
Be sure to check out our Themed Book Lists for all your holiday and unit study needs! Things like fall, Thanksgiving, gardening, art, homeschooling, and so much more!
We are always adding new themed lists and would love your input if you have favorites to suggest!
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