28 Sweet Picture Books That Celebrate Fatherhood
by Liz Lesnick
I don’t know about you, but finding the right Father’s Day gift for the dads and father figures in my life has always been a challenge. In the age of remote work and business casual, I can’t possibly give that old go-to gift, the tie. What I can always count on to be a thoughtful, personal gift is a great book.
This year I have picture books on my mind because my brother-in-law will be celebrating his very first Father’s Day. I can’t wait to see pictures of him curled up with my niece reading one of these soon-to-be classics.
-
Haircut Day with Dad
Buy from:A young boy and his dad wake up early and head to the barbershop for a day of bonding, self-care, and fresh cuts. This delightful story celebrates the bond between a father and son and the community they enjoy at the barbershop. It’s perfect for kids who love spending time with their dads.
Buy from: -
My Dad Is a Tree
Buy from:This imaginative picture book celebrates dads who go the extra mile for their children. When little Madeleine convinces her dad to pretend to be a tree so they can spend the day playing outside, he takes his role very seriously, keeping still as a bird nests on his head, a spider spins a web on his arm, and rain falls from the sky. After all, as Madeleine reminds him, "Trees aren't bothered by stuff like that."
Buy from: -
Daddy Speaks Love
Buy from:This beautiful book highlights the many ways that dads show up for their children. From painting nails to banishing monsters, dads play an essential role in their children’s lives. Beautiful illustrations and heartwarming text make this picture book a fantastic gift for new parents or Father’s Day.
Buy from: -
Bluey: The Big Blue Guy’s Book of Dad Goals
Buy from:Bluey’s dad, Bandit, shares his favorite tips and tricks to being a great dad. Whether he’s waking up early to make the most of the day with the kids, dancing like no one’s watching, or showing the kids how to win fair and square, he takes his job as dad very seriously. Sweet and a little silly, this book is a great reminder of all the ways — big and small — you can show up for your loved ones. Kids will especially love drawing connections between all the things Bandit and their own dads do every day!
Buy from: -
My Dad and the Fart That Shook the World
Buy from:Most dads love a good joke, and potty humor is always a favorite. In this hilarious picture book, a dad lets off an explosive fart that blows the hinges off the door. Desperate to stop the fart before it can do further damage, the dad and his son hop in a helicopter and chase the green gas cloud around the world. Kids and adults will giggle through every silly page of this rib-tickling story.
Buy from: -
Hold
Buy from:A simple request from dad to hold his water bottle turns into a fun game for one rambunctious toddler. Can he hold his favorite stuffed toy, a toy plane, and the family pet? What about a tree, the rain, or that big truck driving by? Thankfully, when it all becomes too much to hold, the little boy's dad is there to hold him.
Buy from:
RELATED: Picture Books That Celebrate BIPOC Dads
-
Ahoy!
Buy from:A storm is approaching! While a father is busy finishing some housework, his son starts a pretend adventure across the seas. The father, of course, decides to join in, and together they embark on a delightful tale that celebrates the pleasures of imagination and spending time with dad!
Buy from: -
The Bench
Buy from:Inspired by a poem Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, wrote for her husband for his first Father's Day as a dad, this sweet story explores the many ways love can take shape between fathers and sons, as seen through a mother's eyes. Featuring a range of diverse families, Robinson's ethereal watercolor art beautifully compliments Meghan's poetic text while evoking a sense of joy.
Buy from: -
Going Home with Dad
Buy from:A father and his child head out on a nature walk together. As they observe the other animals and their surroundings, the child asks questions, and his father answers as best he can. Featuring gorgeous, soft illustrations, this sweet picture book highlights the special bond that exists between dads and their children.
Buy from: -
This Is the First Book I Will Read to You
Buy from:A new dad is excited to read to his baby for the first time in this lyrical story centered around the tender ritual of storytime, cementing the love of reading for a lifetime.
Buy from: -
World’s Best Dad
Buy from:Vibrant illustrations and sweet messages make this book an irresistible celebration of dads. Tiny readers will love the sturdy pages while their grownups enjoy the upbeat ode to fathers everywhere.
Buy from: -
Llama Llama Daddy’s Day
Buy from:Calling all little llamas! Gather around with beloved Llama Llama and Nelly Gnu as they figure out what makes the best gift for Daddy Gnu. A delightfully funny tale, that’s based on an episode dads can watch with their little ones on Netflix.
Buy from: -
I Love Dad with The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Buy from:Dads will devour this board book gem featuring Eric Carle’s beloved caterpillar and an adorable cast of furry and feathered friends sharing all of the reasons they love their dads.
Buy from: -
With Dad
Buy from:When a young boy’s father gets called away for military duty, he reflects on the cherished memories they made together. As he thinks about the times they spent camping and fishing, the memories comfort the boy and give him hope until his father comes home again.
Buy from: -
My Dad and Me
Buy from:Say goodbye to boring Father's Day cards! Along with the characters from Mr. Men and Little Miss, little readers can express in their own words all they love and cherish about their dads. You can't go wrong with this adorable picture book.
Buy from: -
A Father's Love
Buy from:From a penguin papa snuggling with his baby in the cold, white snow to a seahorse father hatching his young in the deep blue ocean, this adorable board book shows that a father's love comes in all forms. Sweet and simple rhymes combine with beautiful artwork to create a memorable bedtime lullaby for dads and kids to enjoy together.
Buy from: -
Here We Are
Buy from:In this beautiful book, Oliver Jeffers outlines his hopes and dreams for his child as they go out into the world. Filled with gentle humor and yet incredibly insightful, it is a wonderful read for anyone who calls Earth home, both on how we should protect our planet, but also how we should treat those who inhabit it.
Buy from: -
Dear Dad
Buy from:A little alligator writes a heartfelt message to her dad in this adorable picture book. Whether they’re fishing, bird watching, or having a tea party, the child loves every minute they spend together. With its beautiful illustrations and simple text, this book makes an excellent gift for little ones who want to celebrate their dads.
Buy from: -
Brick by Brick
Buy from:Luis looks up to his father, who works as a bricklayer and builds up their city brick by brick. At school, where Luis also works hard and dreams of the future, he compares all the ways that he and Papi are similar. The mixed-media artwork and Spanish phrases add vibrancy to a sweet father-son story.
Buy from: -
No Pants!
Buy from:On the day of a family party, Pablo and his dad get ready together. But when Pablo refuses to put on his pants, his dad has to get creative. This hilarious picture book celebrates the unique way fathers relate to their kids.
Buy from: -
Dad and the Dinosaur
Buy from:Unlike his dad, who seems to have no fears at all, Nicholas has a long list of things that scare him — but with his stuffed dinosaur by his side, those fears disappear. When his dino goes missing, Nicholas’s dad teaches him that everyone gets scared sometimes, and you can always ask for help.
Buy from: -
Dads Can Do It All!
Buy from:This sweet board book highlights the importance of dads as role models — working as mail carriers, chefs, astronauts, and stay-at-home dads —while reminding children they do anything they set their minds to.
Buy from: -
I Love You, Daddy
Buy from:You can never go wrong with a Peter Rabbit book for any occasion (or no occasion at all!). In this elegantly illustrated picture book, Peter expresses his affection for his father, wrapping up on a heartwarming note: "Remember, Daddy, I love you, too."
Buy from: -
Back Home: Story Time with My Father
Buy from:Lune loves her father’s stories and the way they transport her to his homeland of Haiti. Often, she will stay up until he gets home from work so that she can listen to another one of his tales. This gorgeous picture book celebrates the stories fathers tell their children, and the significant influence they can have.
Buy from: -
My Dad Used To Be So Cool
Buy from:A total hit for new dads, this one follows a son in awe of his dad's pre-fatherhood days, full of live shows, tattoos, and motorcycle rides. Striking the perfect balance between humorous and emotional (Negley's niche, writes the New York Times, is expanding our ideas of masculinity), My Dad Used to Be So Cool is sure to become a household favorite.
Buy from: -
Just Me and My Dad
Buy from:Little Critter can’t wait to go camping with his dad. Even though things don’t go quite as planned, they still have a blast. Big and little critters alike will delight in their silly misadventures!
Buy from: -
Bluey: All About Dad
Buy from:Young Bluey fans will love meeting Bandit, Bluey and Bingo’s dad in this shaped board book. From his goofy jokes to his heartfelt moments, Bandit’s joyful personality shines through on every page.
Buy from: -
Guess How Much I Love You
Buy from:This beloved classic follows Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare as they try to measure their love for each other. Generations of readers have cherished this endearing story, and it has become a staple of bedtime everywhere.
Buy from:
You might also like:
- Dads on the Picture Books They Love Reading to Their Kids
- Diverse Picture Books That Celebrate Dads
- Unique Parenting Books for Dads
- Why Should Dads Read with Their Kids? I’m Glad You Asked …
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2026.