Picture Books About Fathers
Updated: Updated 8/4/2025 with new books.
Overview: Picture books about fathers illustrate the unique roles dads play in different cultures and family types. These picture books about dads are perfect for exploring father-child dynamics. Read on for more.
Book Takeaways
Family Structures: Different types of families and the unique contributions of fathers through father and child-bonding books.
Empathy and Compassion: Teach empathy with dad books that offer multiple perspectives.
Discussions: Reflect on paternal roles and values with discussion questions about fathers.
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Why Read Picture Books About Dads?
- Convey understanding and nuances of paternal relationships.
- Illustrate different family types and structures.
- Highlight the different roles of fathers.
- Give an insight into different cultures and traditions.
- Show the world from various perspectives.
These are books for Father’s Day that can be enjoyed all year long.
Picture Books About Fathers and Father Figures
These books feature dads, papas, daddies, babas, otosans, etc., from various cultures. The characters mirror real dad-child relationships like sharing laughs, adventures, or lessons. The dads also
- express frustration, learn to braid hair, shield from harm, and show love.
- act as guides, companions, and sources of wisdom.
- show negative actions like being absent or unreliable.
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson
In Central Park Zoo, Mr Gramzay places an egg in the nest for two male penguins, Roy and Silo, to care for. When the egg hatches, the zookeeper named it Tango, “because it takes two to make a Tango.”
And Tango Makes Three explores non-traditional families, acceptance, love, and feeling different.
Asha and the Toymaker by Sakshi Mangal
Asha lives in the Blue City of India, Jodhpur, with her father, a toymaker. He crafts and sells wooden toys to fund Asha’s education, but he struggles to find buyers for his toys, risking Asha’s schooling.
Asha and the Toymaker explores preserving traditional art forms and the sacrifices parents make for their children.
Baking with Dad by Aurora Cacciapuoti
A father and daughter gather the ingredients, mix the batter, and decorate a cake for a surprise birthday party. The anticipation builds as we wait to see who the surprise is for.
Baking with Dad explores shared experience, teamwork, and the joy of preparing a surprise for someone special.
The Best Daddy of All by Peter Horn
Little tortoise Sebastian spends a perfect day with his dad, learning about different animal fathers and their unique ways of caring for their young.
The Best Daddy of All explores family, love, and the different ways fathers show their care.
Dad By My Side by Soosh
A father supports, teaches, and plays with his daughter. From fantastical adventures at home to everyday tasks, he encourages his daughter’s independence and imagination.
Dad By My Side explores unconditional love, strength, security, and a father’s nurturing role in their child’s life.
Daddy Long Legs by Nadine Brun-Cosme
A young child wrestles with worries about being picked up from school. With his creative responses, his father offers reassurances that help the child feel at ease.
Daddy Long Legs addresses first-day school jitters, growing independence, and confronting and managing fears
Days with Dad by Nari Hong
A daughter narrates how her dad regrets everything he can’t do with her because he uses a wheelchair. She tells him she loves everything they do together, like drinking hot chocolate, watching the rain, and building sandcastles.
Days with Dad explores disability, inclusivity, acceptance, and that a physical limitation does not define a person’s ability.
Dear Wild Child: You Carry Your Home Inside You by Wallace Nichols
A father and daughter lose their home to a wildfire. The father comforts his daughter, sharing that home is not a physical structure but the love and memories we carry.
Dear Wild Child explores loss, resilience, what makes home, and how love and memories remain constant despite other changes.
A Different Pond by Bao Phi
Inspired by the author’s childhood in Minneapolis, a father and son navigate the challenges and triumphs of adapting to life in a new country.
A Different Pond explores the immigrant experience, resilience, unfamiliar circumstances, family bonds, and adaptability.
Enemy Pie by Derek Munson
A new boy, Jeremy, snubs the protagonist. His father suggests making an enemy pie, but it will only work if he spends the day with his enemy (Jeremy). They end up having so much fun the boy doesn’t need the pie.
Enemy Pie explores making friends, overcoming prejudices, resolving conflicts, and reevaluating first impressions.
Every Friday by Dan Yaccarino
Every Friday, a boy and his father enjoy a weekly ritual. They start the day at their favourite diner for breakfast, then walk through the neighbourhood before ending the day with pancakes.
Every Friday explores family traditions, the bond between parent and child, creating memories and the security of routines.
The Girl With Two Dads by Mel Elliott
Pearl is curious when new student Matilda says goodbye to different dads on successive days. Pearl thinks having two dads must be fun, but realises that Matilda’s parents are just as boring as hers.
The Girl With Two Dads explores open-mindedness, inclusivity, challenging assumptions, and accepting differences.
Gorilla by Anthony Browne
Hannah wished for a real gorilla for her birthday, but her single father gave her a stuffed gorilla. To her surprise, the toy transforms into a real, friendly gorilla and takes her on a magical adventure.
Gorilla exploresloneliness, imagination, companionship, and the complexities of single-parent families.
The Hairdo That Got Away by Joseph Coelho
A boy’s overgrown hair symbolizes his unprocessed feelings about his father’s absence. His monthly trip to the barber, a routine shared with his father, has now become challenging.
The Hairdo That Got Away explores family separations, a child’s perspective, expressing emotions, coping mechanisms, resilience, and continuity.
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
Zuri adores her curly hair, even though it has a mind of its own. Her daddy steps up to the challenge, ready to learn and do whatever it takes to make Zuri and her hair shine with joy.
Hair Love explores self-esteem, positive relationships, cultural pride and identity, self-expression, individuality and inclusivity.
The Haunted Lake by P. J. Lynch
When fishing with his father, Michael sees a ghostly figure emerge from the mist and disappear beneath the lake. When he finally catches a fish, he realises it’s not a monster but a beautiful trout.
The Haunted Lake explores overcoming fear, accepting differences, and appreciating nature’s beauty.
Hike by Pete Oswald
A father and his son have a shared love for nature. On an adventure in the mountains, they plant trees, play in the snow, and take photos, creating lasting memories.
Hike, a wordless book, explores bonding, shared experiences, and respect for nature.
I Am Okay to Feel by Karamo Brown
A boy talks with his father about positive and negative feelings and how it is okay to feel like we do. His father shows the boy how to calm down when faced with fear or anger.
I Am Okay to Feel explores feelings, self-management, and self-awareness, and it’s okay to feel different emotions and dialogue.
If My Dad Were The Tooth Fairy by Mark Sperring
A boy wonders how fun it would be if his dad were the Tooth Fairy. He imagines his dad collecting teeth in creative ways, using gadgets and flying machines to get the job done.
Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein
A chicken interrupts her father while he reads a bedtime fairy tale. The tired father suggests she write her own story. As she reads her story “Bedtime for Papa”, she is interrupted by his snoring.
Interrupting Chicken explores patience, parent-child relationships, and the joy of storytelling.
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Jabari resolves to jump off the diving board for the first time. Despite his determination, fear and uncertainty hold him back. But with his father’s encouragement, Jabari finds the courage to make the leap.
Jabari Jumps explores a growth mindset, courage, risk-taking, determination, and overcoming fears.
Jhupli's Honey Bee Box by Achintyarup Ray
In the Sundarbans, Jhupli anxiously awaits her father’s return from gathering honey in the jungle inhabited by tigers. She suggests creating honey bee boxes to prevent honey gatherers from venturing into danger.
Jhupli’s Honey Bee Box explores the bravery it takes to face our fears and creative problem-solving.
Just Because by Mac Barnett
As a father tucks his daughter into bed, she asks profound questions. He offers imaginative and fantastical explanations, sparking curiosity and imagination.
Just Because explores asking questions and seeking answers, and factual information, and imaginative storytelling.
Knock Knock: My Dad's Dream for Me by Daniel Beaty
A boy’s father knocks on his door every morning, but when the knock doesn’t come, the boy feels lost. He finds a letter filled with advice and guidance that helps him navigate life without his father.
Knock Knock explores resilience in the face of loss, separation, incarceration, parental love, and self-reliance.
Made for Me by Zack Bush
A father shares his everyday moments and milestones with his young daughter—from holding her in his arms for the first time to watching her take her first steps.
Made for Me explores paternal love, the joys of fatherhood, and the role a father plays in his child’s life.
Mango Moon by Diane de Anda
A daughter recalls when her father was deported. The family has to move home, and she feels emptiness without her father, but she learns that her love for him is everlasting.
Mango Moon explores immigration, family separation, resilience, hope, community support, and facing adversity.
My Dad Is Big And Strong, BUT… by Coralie Saudo
A boy narrates how difficult it is to get his dad to bed. Dad comes up with all sorts of excuses. He wants to sleep with his son, listen to a story, and have the hall light on.
My Dad is Big and Strong, BUT… explores role reversal, vulnerability, family dynamics, and being in someone else’s shoes.
My Father's Arms Are A Boat by Stein Erik Lunde
Grieving for his mother, a boy’s father provides comfort, patiently answering his questions and offering reassurance. He provides a safe space for his son as they navigate their loss.
My Father’s Arms Are A Boat explores emotional self-management, handling fears, resilience, and the grieving process.
My Night in the Planetarium by Innosanto Nagara
The author’s father was an Indonesian political playwright who wrote against General Suharto’s oppressive regime. The police arrive to arrest him, forcing Innosanto and his mother to hide in a Planetarium overnight.
My Night in the Planetarium explores courage, politics, family support, and the power of art to challenge injustice.
My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero
Daisy Ramona loves zooming around the neighbourhood with her Papi on his motorcycle. She witnesses her rapidly changing community but knows her Papi’s love will always be there.
My Papi Has a Motorcycle explores community, resilience, preserving memories, and embracing the past and the present.
My Shadow is Pink by Scott Stuart
A boy who, unlike other boys with blue shadows, has a pink shadow and loves princesses and all things ‘girly’. The boy feels out of place, but with the support of his father, he embraces his uniqueness.
My Shadow is Pink explores acceptance, understanding, societal pressures, biases, self-expression, and personal growth.
Nasreddine by Odile Weulersse
Local people criticise Nasreddine and his father because of how they travel to the market. When they change their ways, the locals still disapprove, and they understand that people will always judge.
Nasreddine explores wisdom, individuality, pressure to conform, and the value of our judgments and beliefs.
Night Driving by John Coy
A father and son drive through the night. As the sun sets, they watch the beautiful colours in the sky. It’s hard to stay awake, but they keep each other company and make it through the night.
Night Driving explores bonding, adventure, the joy of shared experiences, and making memories.
No Longer Alone by Joseph Coelho
A small girl who is shy and quiet feels less alone when she talks to her dad.
No Long Alone explores being yourself, different emotions like sadness and loss, and how family can help us through struggles.
Only a Trenza Away: A Tale of Trust and Strength by Nadine Fonseca
Xia’s father braids her hair and tells tales about her bravery. When she fears real-life challenges, she wonders if the strength she needs could be woven into her braids.
Only a Trenza Away explores family bonds, courage, resilience, trust, and the power of traditions.
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
A child goes owling with her father on a quiet winter night. Their journey captures the beauty of the wintry landscape and the anticipation of spotting an owl.
Owl Moon sparks explores shared experiences, the beauty of nature, and patience.
Papa, Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse
A Masai father calls his son Tender Heart. The boy questions his Papa about how much he loves him and is reassured he will always love him unconditionally.
Papa, Do You Love Me? explores unconditional love, parental reassurance, the Masai culture, and a sense of security.
Red Kite, Blue Kite by Ji-li Jiang
During China’s Cultural Revolution, Tai Shan is separated from his father after he is arrested. They find a creative way of greeting each other by flying kites every day until his father is freed.
A Tale of Two Daddies by Vanita Oelschlager
A girl is curious about her friend’s two daddies. Her friend explains which daddy helps her with her hair, which one cooks, and who teaches her to play soccer.
A Tale of Two Daddies explores the normalcy of the girl’s family life, and how her parents’ roles are based on interests rather than traditional gender roles.
Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie
Thunder Boy Jr., a Native American boy, longs for an identity separate from his father’s name. After sharing his feelings, he receives a name that celebrates his achievements and individuality.
Thunder Boy Jr. explores identity, individuality, and the bond between father and son.
Town is by the Sea by Joanne Schwartz
A boy’s day is intertwined with the realities of his father’s life working in the coal mines beneath the sea. It juxtaposes the simplicity of a child’s life with the complexity of adult life.
Read Town is by the Sea to explore first-person narration, a sense of community, and local traditions.
A Way to the Stars by David Almond
A boy and his father embark on a journey to make the boy’s dream of reaching the stars a reality. Their adventures show perseverance, teamwork, and a growth mindset.
A Way to the Stars explores ambition, family support, and striving beyond our limitations.
What the Kite Saw by Anne Laurel Carter
A boy’s life is disrupted by the absence of his father and brother, leaving him and his family under curfew. Amid the fear, he flies a kite, imagining the freedom and perspective it has from above.
What the Kite Saw explores resilience, hope, and the power of imagination amidst adversity.
What We'll Build by Oliver Jeffers
A father and his daughter create cherished memories and a home filled with love and dreams using their unique tools.
What We’ll Build explores fathers and daughters, love, the power of dreams, future planning, and forgiveness.
When Father Comes Home by Sarah Jung
June’s father is often away from home. When a tree topples over, June fears his family will change forever. He learns that families can rebuild and grow stronger, like replanting a fallen tree.
When Father Comes Home explores the strength of family bonds, resilience in the face of challenges, and dealing with change.
The Words We Share by Jack Wong
Angie helps her father navigate their new life in a country where she understands the language better. She helps her dad and other Chinese immigrants settle into a world of new words and customs.
The Words We Share explores the challenges and rewards of learning new languages and adapting to different cultures.
Yo Soy Muslim: A Father's Letter to His Daughter by Mark Gonzales
Mark Gonzales writes a letter to his daughter about the richness of their Muslim faith and assures her it’s okay if others may not understand her experiences or identity.
Yo Soy Muslim explores identity, respecting cultural diversity, and the significance of faith to many people.
Questions to Pair Picture Books About Dads
- How is the father shown in the story?
- What activities do the father and child enjoy together?
- How does the father support his child during tough situations?
- What cultural traditions are highlighted in the father’s role?
- How does the story show the father’s personality?
- How does the child’s perspective of their father evolve?
- What lesson does the father instill in the child?
- How do the father and child resolve conflicts?
- How does the setting influence the father’s role?
- How do you connect to the father-child relationship?
In Summary
Picture books about fathers illustrate different family dynamics and the diversity of paternal roles. Children can read about the themes of love, guidance, and support that fathers provide.
What do you think of the suggestions? If you have any suggestions for books about dads, add them to the comments below.
