The Best Father’s Day Books for Kids You Need to Read

ABCs of Love for Dad by Patricia Hegarty

ABCs of Love for Dad is a sweet, engaging board book celebrating the special bond between fathers and their children. With adorable animal characters and rhyming text, it helps little ones learn their ABCs while highlighting everyday moments of love and kindness. Featuring charming illustrations and a shiny foil cover, it’s a wonderful gift for Father’s Day and beyond.

Counting on Dad by Odd Dot

Little ones will love counting along with Counting on Dad, a charming board book featuring playful animal characters and everyday family moments. From cuddles to helping hands, the story highlights the many ways dads show up for their children. It’s gentle, engaging, and full of warmth.

Your Baby’s First Word Will Be DADA by Jimmy Fallon

Inspired by every dad hoping to hear “Dada” first, Your Baby’s First Word Will Be DADA is a funny, playful read by Jimmy Fallon. With simple text and bold illustrations, this adorable board book captures the excitement and humour of early parenthood, making it a fun choice for dads and little ones to enjoy together. I love this one in particular, but the whole series is wonderful!

Daddy by Leslie Patricelli

Daddy is a sweet, funny board book that captures everyday moments between a father and child. From shoulder rides to silly playtime, the story highlights the little things that make dads so special. With simple text and Patricelli’s signature humour, it’s a delightful read for Father’s Day!

Dads Can Do It All! by Ted Maass

If you want a sweet celebration of dads and all they do, try Dads Can Do It All! With beautiful illustrations and gentle rhymes, this charming board book highlights the special moments children share with their fathers. Thoughtful and fun, it makes a lovely Father’s Day gift that little readers will return to again and again.

I Love Dad with the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

This list wouldn’t be complete without an Eric Carle book. This board book is a colourful, heartfelt tribute to dads of all kinds. As the famous caterpillar meets animal fathers throughout the story, little readers are reminded of all the reasons they love their dad. Sweet, playful, and full of charm, this keepsake makes a wonderful Father’s Day gift.

My Dad is Amazing! by Sabrina Moyle

Filled with colourful illustrations and playful puns, My Dad Is Amazing! is a joyful tribute to all the things that make dads special. From being silly and fun to offering the best cuddles, this cheerful board book is packed with humour and warmth. You won’t want to miss it!

Papasaurus by Stephan Lomp

Dinosaur-loving readers won’t want to miss Papasaurus. This colourful, reassuring board book follows Babysaurus as he searches for his dad, meeting many prehistoric friends along the way. Sweet, playful, and full of affection, it’s a lovely story about the comfort and love fathers provide their children.

World’s Best Dad by Isabel Otter

With adorable artwork and interactive pop-ups, World’s Best Dad is a heartfelt board book that reminds little readers how supportive and caring fathers can be. The sweet messages and engaging design make it a fun read-aloud to share, whether you’re celebrating Father’s Day, a birthday, or simply spending time with Dad.

Ahoy! by Sophie Blackall

Filled with imagination and adventure, Ahoy! follows a child and parent as their living room transforms into the high seas. What begins as everyday chores quickly turns into an exciting make-believe pirate journey full of creativity and fun. Charming and playful, it’s a wonderful reminder of the special moments parents and children create together.

Because I’m Your Dad by Ahmet Zappa

If you’re looking for a playful, silly, and full-of-love story that celebrates the relationship between fathers and their children, try Because I’m Your Dad. From ice cream in the bathtub to breakfast at unusual hours, this story captures the fun and unforgettable moments dads create with their kids. Paired with lively illustrations by Dan Santat, it’s a great read for Father’s Day or for everyday storytime.

Because of Dads by K.E. Lewis

Father’s Day can honour any special male figure in your life. Because of Dads is an inclusive picture book celebrating the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who fill our lives with love, laughter, and support. Balancing humour with heartfelt moments, it highlights the many ways dads encourage children to dream big, be brave, and feel deeply loved.

Call Your Father by Tracy C. Gold

Call Your Father is a touching tribute to the lifelong bond between fathers and sons. Following their relationship through the stages of life, this heartfelt picture book highlights the comfort, guidance, and unwavering support dads offer along the way. Gentle rhymes and tender illustrations make it a particularly meaningful read for Father’s Day or as a gift for new dads and grandfathers.

Dad Jokes are the Worst! by Adam Wallace

If your family loves silly humour, Dad Jokes Are the Worst is a must-read for Father’s Day. This laugh-out-loud picture book follows a little lion cub who adores his dad—except for his endless stream of terrible jokes. Playful and entertaining, it’s the perfect pick for dads who can’t resist a good pun. I feel like we can all relate to this in one way or another!

Father’s Day, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg

I love this series, and this Father’s Day edition captures the excitement of celebrating Dad’s special day. From making homemade cards to enjoying favourite family traditions, this cheerful collection highlights the little moments that make Father’s Day so memorable. Filled with sweet and funny poems, it’s a fun choice for young readers.

Guess How Much I Love You, Dad! by Sam McBratney

A timeless classic, Guess How Much I Love You is a heartfelt story about expressing love in the biggest ways. This special Father’s Day edition is the most thoughtful gift—sweet and sentimental, it’s a story families will treasure for years to come. If there’s only one book on this list you try, I hope it’s this one!

Happy Father’s Day from the Crayons by Drew Daywalt

Fans of The Crayons will love Happy Father’s Day from the Crayons. Full of humour and colourful illustrations, this charming story celebrates dads, grandfathers, and father figures of all kinds, as each crayon shares what makes their loved ones so special. Inclusive, funny, and full of personality, it’s a fun pick for Father’s Day storytime. It’s great for classroom read-alouds, too!

Hike by Pete Oswald

This is another of my personal favourites! Beautifully illustrated and nearly wordless, Hike follows a father and child as they spend the day exploring the outdoors together. From quiet mountain moments to exciting discoveries along the trail, this touching story captures the joy of adventure, nature, and quality time with Dad. It’s thoughtful and immersive, making it a wonderful read for families who love the outdoors.

How to Catch a Daddysaurus by Alice Walstead

The How to Catch series returns with another fun-filled adventure in How to Catch a Daddysaurus. As the Catch Club Kids try to trap the legendary Daddysaurus, readers are treated to silly rhymes, exciting chaos, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Packed with humour, dinosaurs, and heart, it’s a fantastic Father’s Day book for young readers.

How to Surprise a Dad by Jean Reagan

How to Surprise a Dad is a charming and playful picture book about finding the perfect way to celebrate Dad. Filled with funny tips, sweet moments, and creative surprises, it follows children as they plan a special Father’s Day celebration from start to finish. Lighthearted and fun, it’s a delightful read for families to enjoy together.

I Love You, Daddy by Beatrix Potter

How could you not celebrate Father’s Day with Beatrix Potter? I Love You, Daddy is a sweet, rhyming story celebrating dads everywhere. With gentle text and charming illustrations, this adorable picture book is a lovely way to say “I love you” on Father’s Day or any day of the year.

I Love You, Daddy! by Edie Evans

Daddy, I Love You is a sweet, rhyming story celebrating the special moments children share with their dads. From outdoor adventures to quiet time at home, this charming Little Golden Book highlights the joy of simply being together. Warm and comforting, it’s a lovely read-aloud you won’t want to miss!

Made for Me by Zack Bush

Written by a dad for dads, Made for Me is a tender picture book celebrating the unforgettable moments shared between a father and his child. From first steps to first words, this heartfelt story captures the wonder, love, and awe of parenthood. Emotional and uplifting, it’s an especially meaningful gift for new dads, baby showers, or Father’s Day.

PAPA Doesn’t Do Anything! (But Love You) by Jimmy Fallon

Another book by Jimmy Fallon! While this one focuses on grandfathers, Papa Doesn’t Do Anything! is still a wonderful addition to a Father’s Day reading list. This funny and heartfelt story reminds children that even when grandpas seem to be relaxing, they’ve lived incredible lives full of adventure and love. It’s a sweet celebration of the father-figure role grandfathers play in our lives.

The Bench by Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex

The Bench is a heartfelt picture book that explores the special bond between fathers and sons from a mother’s perspective. Through gentle, reflective moments and beautiful illustrations by Christian Robinson, this touching story celebrates love, connection, and the many forms family can take. It also makes a perfect gift!

The Daddy Book by Todd Parr

With bright illustrations and an inclusive message, The Daddy Book celebrates all kinds of dads and the many ways they show love and support. Funny, uplifting, and easy for young readers to enjoy, this colourful picture book is a wonderful reminder that every family is unique and special. It’s full of Todd Parr’s signature style—you won’t want to miss it!

The Night Before Father’s Day by Natasha Wing

Fans of The Night Before series will love this Father’s Day edition. In this fun, festive story, Mom and the kids team up to surprise Dad with a special Father’s Day gift while he’s out on a bike ride. Sweet, playful, and full of family moments, it’s a great read for celebrating Father’s Day together.

Why a Daughter Needs a Dad by Gregory E. Lang

Why a Daughter Needs a Dad is a heartfelt picture book that beautifully captures the special bond between fathers and daughters. Through gentle rhymes and charming illustrations, it highlights the love, encouragement, and support dads offer as their daughters grow. It’s both thoughtful and moving, making it a meaningful gift.

Why a Son Needs a Dad by Gregory E. Lang

If I’m sharing Why a Daughter Needs a Dad, I can’t forget to share Why a Son Needs a Dad. It’s a touching story celebrating the unique bond between fathers and sons. Filled with heartfelt rhymes and charming animal illustrations, it highlights the guidance, love, and encouragement dads offer as their children grow.

You Be Daddy by Karla Clark

You Be Daddy is a funny, charming bedtime story about a tired dad asking his son to take over the parenting duties for the night. Full of playful rhymes and sweet moments, the book captures the imagination, humour, and love shared between parents and children. It’s a cozy read-aloud, perfect for winding down together at bedtime.

You Make the World by Muon Thi Van

Lyrical and beautifully illustrated, You Make the World is a touching story about the love between a father and child. As they journey through an imaginative world together, the story celebrates the strength, emotions, and inner light children carry. Poetic and heartfelt, it’s a stunning picture book that feels both comforting and inspiring.