I’ve gathered some great books celebrating Father’s Day. These are all picture books except for a board book. The board book is good for babies and toddlers. Most featured picture books are good for ages four through eight. The last two are good for all ages.
Little Big Man, by Varian Johnson and nicely illustrated digitally by Reggie Brown, shows the strong love and bond between father and son as Daddy shows Elijah the importance of work. But Elijah also shows his Daddy the importance of having fun as well. This is a delightful and perfect read aloud with entertaining onomatopoeias found throughout!
You Make the World, by Muon Thi Van and colorfully illustrated digitally by Phung Nguyen Quang and Huynh Kim Lien, begins with a father and son camping and his father describing how his son positively affects the world around him. When you smile, you make the world shine. When you hug, you make the world love. The lyrical prose affirms the strong connection with father and child.
Daddy Dressed Me, by Michael Gardner and Ava Gardner and nicely illustrated digitally by Nadia Fisher, showcases the strong bond made by father and daughter in this empowering story. Young Ava has a special program she will be a part of. She desires her daddy to sew her a special dress for this occasion. She draws a picture of what she wants it to look like, they select the fabric, and he begins sewing. As he recuts the neckline, he reminds her worried soul that she will remember her lines for the program by practicing. They both realize it takes effort for success along with continual support from each other. There is an interesting backstory along with photos of dad and daughter.
I’m Always Loving You, by Kathy Wolff and brightly illustrated by Acamy Schleikorn, shows the tender love of dad and child throughout. However, this rhyming tale shows the love of both parents for their daughter and all that they do to show their love and form a strong bond with her. It’s a nice celebration and demonstration of the importance of both parents actively being a constant part of their child’s life. I love you when you’re close to me,/ and also when you’re not,/ and no matter what I’ll doing,/ I sure think of you a lot.
My Father’s House, by Mina Javaherbin and beautifully illustrated using mixed media by Lindsey Yankey, is a sweet day adventure with daughter and father as they explore father’s old haunts and places of cherished memories to share. You learn in the back that the author, who based much of this book on her life, had to flee Iran with the change of power. There is so much to enjoy and learn about family life in a country many know little about.
Chicka Chicka I Love Dad, based on Bill Martin Jr’s famous book by John Archambault and illustrated by Julien Chung, is a companion to Martin’s beloved Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. This delightsome board book takes you through the alphabet with dad as every letter emphasizes the love and bond between father and child! And the rhyming pattern practically brings a tap to the foot. To me you are A-mazing. As beautiful as can B. Our bond is strong. It’s something to C.
Ballpark: The Story of America’s Baseball Fields, by Lynn Curlee, is a reissue that was first published in 2005. This magnificent book, which is highly researched and beautifully illustrated, showcases some of the most famous ballparks and gives an interesting account of the history of each. There are brief tidbits about Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Busch Stadium and more recounting how each ballpark is unique with its own vibrant history. The glorious full-page illustrations were rendered in acrylic on canvas. Here’s a gift for your baseball loving dad!
Dive, Dive into the Night Sea, by Thea Lu, is the perfect book for dads who love the ocean. It is a most unique and amazingly illustrated picture book that reveals manta rays, giant whales, and bioluminescence that seem to swirl like stars in the sky. The text is brief yet powerfully written. And the inventive flaps reveal secrets of the deep. The muted mixed dark with color gives a feeling of the deep depths of the sea. What a great gift dad would enjoy!
