Dads on the Picture Books They Love Reading to Their Kids
by Jennifer Garry
Few things in life make my heart go all aflutter like the sight of my husband curled up on the couch reading to one of our daughters. The snuggles, the reading voice, the attentiveness — I just know that I’m witnessing a cherished memory being made, and it feels like magic.
We asked 13 dads to talk about their favorite picture book to read to their kids.
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My Dad Thinks He’s Funny
Buy from:An ode to dad jokes, this story of a boy and his dad is filled with classic dad one-liners that are sure to make you groan while also warming your heart.
A dad’s take: "It reminds me of my dad and how he was funny about everything — from the corny jokes he used to tell to how he’d use humor to get me to do anything. The book also shows how you pass those ‘dad’ things on to the next generation." –Alex
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Wee Hee Hee
Buy from:This is definitely the best-looking joke book you’ve ever seen, and it even gives kids tips on how to deliver the perfect punchline.
A dad’s take: "I’ve read Wee Hee Hee so often with my kids that they’ve memorized all the jokes — which just means now they start laughing before the punchlines hit." –Court
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You might also like: Sweet Picture Books That Celebrate Fatherhood
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Llama Llama Red Pajama
Buy from:This is a well-known classic from Anne Dewdney. It provides laughs, love, and an important lesson for all children, and even parents.
A dad’s take: "I have read this story to my daughters more times than I could count through the years, either by request or personal preference. However, I will admit that there were times when instead of Mama, there was a Llama Dadda standing in to witness the drama."
–DennisBuy from: -
Hike
Buy from:This wordless picture book about a dad and kid going on a big adventure in the woods is filled with delightfully detailed illustrations for kids and parents to pour over.
A dad’s take: "Unapologetically wholesome, but this book is a major source of bonding for me and my three-year-old, especially in periods where she only wants her mom. She loves to “read” it over and over, and without words, she can make up the story!" –Dan
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The Gruffalo
Buy from:The story of a young mouse that invents a terrible creature named the Gruffalo to keep the other animals from eating him is guaranteed to be read over and over again.
A dad’s take: "The book is so fun to read aloud. I’ve exclaimed, 'Oh help! Oh no! It’s a Gruffalo!' so many times, but I like to think I bring something new with each performance." –Rich
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Eat Together
Buy from:A delightful guessing game book where ants creatively deconstruct and reconstruct shapes to make various food items that's full of possibility and fun.
A dad’s take: "My kids and I love reading Eat Together, a delightful (and beautifully illustrated!) board book which combines the art of counting, the interaction between shapes, and colorful foods all into one." –Taylor
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The Book with No Pictures
Buy from:A book with no pictures might sound unexciting to young readers, but when they realize the person reading it has to read every word out loud — even total nonsense words — things can get pretty interesting (and really, really silly!).
A dad’s take: "I love reading The Book with No Pictures because it teaches my 4-year-old that reading can be entertaining in various ways, and I get a chance to practice a bunch of funny voices and words. I mean, how often do you get to say BLORK in real life?" –John
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If I Built A School
Buy from:Young Jack is counting down the days to the new school year by daydreaming about the totally awesome, state-of-the-art school he’d create, complete with hover desks, robo-chefs, and intergalactic field trips for all.
A dad’s take: "My 5-year-old is obsessed with this book (and the whole series) — she even begged me to read it to her class as a guest reader! It’s wonderfully wacky, surprisingly smart, and the rhyme-y text paired with vibrant artwork sparks big laughs and creative conversations. It’s perfect for bedtime or anytime — and best of all, it’s a quick, fun read, that even I enjoy reading over and over!" –Adam
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Peek-a-Moo!
Buy from:With vibrant barnyard animals and oversized flaps to lift, this book is one part read-aloud, one part peek-a-boo game.
A dad’s take: "When we sit down in my daughter's room after a long day and I reach for this book, she automatically smiles, perks up, and can’t wait to mimic the peek-a-boo gestures and sounds. This book has truly become a staple in our household library." –Pete
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The Day the Crayons Quit
Buy from:In this classic story, Duncan’s crayons have gone on strike and are letting him know just how they feel in a series of hilarious complaint letters.
A dad’s take: "I really enjoy reading The Crayons series with my 11-month-old daughter. The artwork and stories are goofy and fun, making her belly laugh - which is my favorite sound in the world! I never get tired of reading them and neither does she!" –Ryan
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The Monster at the End of This Book
Buy from:This classic, giggle-inducing book stars a frantic Grover desperately trying to keep readers from turning the pages and finding the monster at the end of the book.
A dad’s take: "My son and I really enjoy reading this book together. He energetically turns the pages because Grover is asking him not to, and — as a rebellious threenager — he enjoys doing the opposite of what he’s told." –Nick
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Yummy Yucky
Buy from:This funny board book teaches kids about opposites with the help of bright, bold illustrations that are sure to get a belly laugh or two.
A dad’s take: "I love hearing my kids’ voices when they repeat the text on each page. Also, my youngest always calls the peach ‘butt cheeks,’ and it makes me laugh every single time." –Pete Z.
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Magical Secret Garden
Buy from:Lily, a new Flower Fairy, uncovers a message guiding her to a magical secret place. Little readers get to explore with Lily on her journey through the help of pop-ups.
A dad’s take: "I love this book because it’s beautifully illustrated and has a character my daughter can connect to, because she’s curious and adventurous, too." –Jay
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You might also like:
- Sweet Picture Books That Celebrate Fatherhood
- Why I Love My Husband for Reading at Bedtime
- Great Read-Together Books for Dads and Daughters
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2021 and updated in 2025.