Father’s Day is coming up Sunday June 16, 2019. If you’re looking for a gifts for the dads in your life, why not give a dad-themed picture book?

This makes an especially sweet present from a child who can then snuggle up with dad and read.

You could also borrow some of these picture books from the library and read them leading up to Father’s Day.

Five Picture Books that Celebrate Fathers:

1. Dad By My Side

by Soosh

Author and illustrator, Soosh, portrays this father/daughter pair with so much love and affection as they play games, snuggle, have puppet shows, chase monsters, and more. I particularly love the pages where they “try new things” (sewing the daughter a dress) and keep in touch when the dad is away by singing lullabies on the phone. This is a book that has become a bedtime staple for our family and I bet the dads and kids in your life will enjoy it as well. To see more of Soosh’s illustrations and read about her inspiration for the book, check out, “Artist’s Tender Illustrations Show The Kind Of Father She Wishes She’d Had”.

“Whether they’re playing make-believe, making you smile, or warding off monsters under the bed, dads are always there when you need them. Debut picture book artist Soosh celebrates fathers with a gorgeously illustrated and moving story about the parent-child bond…

2. Daddy Hugs

by Karen Katz

Karen Katz’s board books are always a hit in our house. This sweet counting book is perfect for Father’s Day or any night at bedtime.

“Daddy loves to give Baby hugs to say “I love you!”

Now Baby and Daddy can cuddle and count along with this hug-and-read book perfect for Baby’s teeny, tiny hands.“

 

3. My Dad Loves Me!

by Marianne Richmond

This sweet board book touches on all the way dads show their love and spend time together, from “My dad teaches me” to “My dad kisses me”. Adorable animal illustrations accompany each page (“My dad hangs out with me” with pictures of a monkey dad and baby). Perfect for babies and toddlers to share with their fathers.

“My dad protects me.
My dad naps with me.
My dad teaches me.

Featuring adorable illustrations from Marianne Richmond, My Dad Loves Me! illustrates all the ways a dad shows his love to his children! Kids can relive their best times with Dad every day!”

4. My Daddy Rules the World: Poems About Fathers

by Hope Anita Smith

This is a wonderful collection of poems that kids will enjoy cozying up with their dads and reading. The poems celebrate the many experiences of fathers and children with love and humor–from breakfast together, to writing letters to a daddy that is far away, to playing catch and reading together.

“A picture book of poems that celebrate fathers from a two-time Coretta Scott King Honor–winning poet.

Who is your hero? Who’s your best friend?
Who says he loves you again and again?
Daddy!

Told through the voice of a child, Anita Hope Smith’s My Daddy Rules the World collection of poems celebrates everyday displays of fatherly love, from guitar lessons and wrestling matches to bedtime stories, haircuts in the kitchen, and cuddling in bed. These heartwarming poems, together with bold folk-art-inspired images, capture the strength and beauty of the relationship between father and child.“

 

5. Because I’m Your Dad

by Ahmet Zappa

This is a sweet, funny story about a monster dad sharing the kind of father he plans to be–from making mud forts in the backyard, to going to all the soccer games (even the far away ones), missing school for travel adventures, and more.

“Because I’m your dad, you can have spaghetti for breakfast, French toast for dinner, and rocky road ice cream in the bathtub.

In a text that’s both playful and loving, a father expresses his hopes and dreams for a one-of-a-kind relationship with his child. Whimsical monster characters bring the silly and sweet scenes to life and keep the book universal. The book’s ending, a moving tribute to the author’s father, guarantees intergenerational appeal.

Because I’m your dad, I will do all of these things for you and more . . .
because that’s what my dad did for me.”

What are your favorite books to celebrate Father’s Day? Leave a note in the comments or let me know on your favorite social media @ABookishHome.

Happy Reading!

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

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