Dads teach us to ride bikes, tell terrible jokes and give the best hugs. These picture books celebrate fathers, grandfathers and father figures in all kinds of families.
1. Hair Love
by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison; Kokila, 2019
Zuri wants her curly hair styled just right for a big day, and her dad, who has never done it before, learns how. It is a funny, tender celebration of a Black father and daughter, and it was made into an Oscar-winning animated short.
2. Daddy Speaks Love
by Leah Henderson, illustrated by E. B. Lewis; Nancy Paulsen Books, 2022
Through park outings, music, comfort and pep talks, a Black father shows his child love, courage and self-worth in many ways. The lyrical lines and soft watercolors make this a lovely read-aloud to share on Father’s Day.
3. Dad by My Side
by Soosh; Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2018
A big, bearded dad and his little daughter cook, read, cuddle and chase away monsters together, and they stay close even when he is away. The loose, warm watercolors capture all the everyday ways a dad can be a best friend.
4. A Different Pond
by Bao Phi, illustrated by Thi Bui; Capstone, 2017
Before dawn, a Vietnamese American boy goes fishing with his hard-working father, who remembers a different pond back in Vietnam. This quiet, moving story about an immigrant family and a father’s love won a Caldecott Honor.
5. Jabari Jumps
by Gaia Cornwall; Candlewick Press, 2017
Jabari is sure he is ready to jump off the high diving board, until he gets to the top. His patient dad’s encouragement and the reminder that it is okay to feel scared make this a reassuring book for kids facing something new.
6. Daddy, Papa, and Me
by Lesléa Newman, illustrated by Carol Thompson; Tricycle Press, 2009
A toddler spends a busy, happy day playing, cooking and reading with two loving dads. The bouncy rhymes and cheerful art make it a sweet pick for little ones and for families with two fathers.
7. Owl Moon
by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr; Philomel Books, 1987
On a cold winter night, a child walks with Pa into the snowy woods, hoping to see a great horned owl. This hushed, beautiful Caldecott Medal winner is about patience, wonder and the special time a parent and child share.
8. Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
by Mo Willems; Hyperion Books for Children, 2004
Trixie and her dad take a trip to the laundromat, and somewhere along the way her favorite stuffed bunny goes missing. Dad, who cannot yet understand her toddler talk, has to save the day, and the cartoons set against real photos make it a laugh-out-loud Caldecott Honor favorite.
Looking for a Mother’s Day list too? See my multicultural picture books for Mother’s Day.
More picture book lists
- Picture Books About Grandparents
- Valentine’s Day Books for Babies and Toddlers
- 10 Multicultural Children’s Picture Books About Community and Kindness
- Picture Books About Perseverance and Trying Again
Browse all of Helen’s picture book lists, or see all of Helen’s books.
