Fathers are precious to us! Families the world over appreciate all that dads do for their wives and children. Here are books to celebrate good old dad! All are picture books and good for ages three through eight unless otherwise indicated.
Forever and Always, by Brittany J. Thurman and gorgeously illustrated using mixed media and Procreate in full color by Shamar Knight-Justice, is a glorious honoring the deep love and respect from a mom and daughter for their dad. The rich tone of color and words behold the bond this family feels for one another as words nestle within and around each open-spread page. Daddy’s hug feels like one thousand I love yous, 1 million I miss yous, 1 billion hellos.
Back Home: Back Home with My Father, by Arlene Elizabeth Casimir and beautifully enhanced with digital illustrations by Ken Daley, serves as a poignant homage to the art of storytelling. The narrative delves into the recollections of Father’s youth in Haiti, intricately woven with rich yet accessible tales, each brimming with vivid descriptions and simplicity. Father also imparts valuable morals and insights for reflection. Additionally, the book offers a glossary and prompts to inspire further storytelling at its conclusion.
Merdaddy, by Wednesday Kirwan, pays homage to father and the love he feels for his daughter. Told from the view of the child, the book describes the sea and animals that live there. The relationship of merdaddy and merbaby hold strong throughout. We float with the jellyfish all the way up, like underwater balloons. The bright illustrations were made with paper collages created with watercolors and glue and edited using Adobe Photoshop. The clever ending makes this a popular re-read again and again.
Dad Jokes: Groan-Worthy Quips, Puns, and Almost-Funny Gags, by A. Grambs, is truly one of the best joke books I have come across! This collection has puns that are modern with many being computer and technology related making the book very relatable to kids and adults alike. What do dogs most fear at the vet? Getting a cat-scan. What type of money gives you rabies? Bit-coin.
Superdads!: Animal Heroes, by Heather Lang and Jamie Harper and illustrated using traditional and digital collage by Jamie Harper, is a fun, funny and informative book delving into eighteen different animal fathers and how they take care of their young. The sungrebe dad keeps his chicks in secret compartments underneath his wings while flying. The picture shows this male bird flying with two babies’ heads poking out. One baby says in a bubble: Whoa! Window seats. The other says in a bubble: Do we get snacks? The father says in a bubble: This is your captain speaking. You’ll find more information about these unusual animals in the back of the book.
The A to Z Dad Joke Book, brightly illustrated by Vasco Icuza, is a fun smallish sized paperback that could help that young comedian, ages eight and up, bring smiles to dad and family. The jokes may bring laughter or perhaps even groans. But the book is sure to bring some chuckles. Did you hear about the giraffe and ostrich race? It was neck and neck. There’s another new joke book kids will enjoy: The A to Z Punny Joke Book also illustrated by Icuza.
Baby Be, by Alison McGhee and richly illustrated using acrylic paint, colored pencil and collage by Sean Qualls, is a beautiful ode to dads and their strong bond with their baby. The book reads with a beat and rhythm that sways with the flow of a dance with father and child. Show me your be and I’ll show you my bop! Baby! Give me your hand and we’ll strike up the band.
My Dad Thinks He’s a Pirate, by Katrina Germein and brightly Illustrated digitally by Tom Jellett, is the perfect book for the dad who loves to joke and kid around. Captain Dad is ready to set sail in search for treasure and he is bringing all his corny pirate jokes with him. “Hoist the angry flag!” says Dad. “Why an angry flag?” I ask. “It has cross bones,” Dad replies. This is a great read-aloud!
Two Wheels, by David Gibb and beautifully illustrated digitally by Brizida Magro, exhibits patience and love as dad teaches his youngest child how to transfer from more wheels to the ultimate two wheels on a bicycle. Throughout this timely story, dad’s forbearance encourages his young son to practice, practice, practice until he can finally achieve riding with two wheels: the ultimate joy!. The precious bond between father and son is truly the ultimate.
