Father’s Day Books That are Way Better Than a Tie

Father’s Day is fast approaching! It’s a great moment to honor Dad—and all the special men and masculine people in you and your child’s life. This year, why not create a celebration of dads, uncles, and grandpas on your bookshelf? The gift of a book is wonderful in and of itself, but the gift of time spent reading together is priceless. We’ve curated a list of some favorite Father’s Day picture books to celebrate all the men we care about. Let’s have some fun and read together!

My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero

A young girl wearing a purple helmet hugs her father as she rides on the back of his motorcycle

Winner of the Tomás Rivera Award, My Papi Has a Motorcycle is a story about a young girl and the quality time she gets with her father on the back of his motorcycle. We see through her eyes how even when love may not be expressed in words, you can see it in a loved one’s actions. It’s available in both Spanish and English.

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

Two adult chinstrap penguins cuddle their chick

This nonfiction book tells the true story of Roy and Silo, a pair of male chinstrap penguins living in New York’s Central Park Zoo who fall in love. They keep creating nests in which to lay an egg, so one day the zookeeper gives them an abandoned egg to hatch and raise. A touching tale that shows how adoption and LGBTQ+ families exist around the world, the story of these cold-climate birds will warm your heart.

The Daddy Book by Todd Parr

A father holds the hands of his two children

Todd Parr creates colorful, silly books that delight kids and adults of all ages. This book teaches us that every daddy may be different, but they all love their children. It’s so fun and is sure to bring a smile to the face of every dad you know.

Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems

a toddler holding a stuffed rabbit called Knuffle Bunny walking with her father

Every parent can relate to the dreaded moment when their child can’t find a favorite blanket or stuffed animal: The tears, the panic, the frantic searching. In Knuffle Bunny, Mo Willems tells with sensitivity and humor the story of little Trixie, who loses her beloved bunny somewhere in Brooklyn. It’s up to her daddy to find Knuffle Bunny and save the day!

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

a young Black boy stands at the end of a diving board looking into a pool

Jabari is afraid to jump off the diving board at the swimming pool. He wants to, but he just doesn’t think he can. With the love and support of his father, Jabari finds his courage and takes the plunge!

Papá and Me by Arthur Dorros

A father hugging his son surrounded by swirls of color

Arthur Dorros is such a wonderful children’s book author. In fact, you’ll find him on our Mother’s Day list as well! This Spanish and English bilingual book has rich illustrations filled with movement. A boy and his papa spend the day cooking, having adventures in the park, and visiting family together, creating memories filled with laughter and love.

My Dad is Amazing by Sabrina Moyle

a smiling yeti dad is holding a trophy and wearing badges for being a great dad

This book is a hoot. A yeti kid tells us all about how amazing their yeti dad is. The illustrations by Eunice Moyle are bright and playful. It’s a happy and fun Father’s Day read that reminds Dad: “You’re the best!”

Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty

Bathe the cat is a hilarious story about how two dads and their three kids are trying to clean the house before grandma arrives. They’ve got everything organized to be as productive as possible. However, the cat has other plans. A loving and silly story that gives peek into the everyday life of a family, it’s queer representation and father’s day all rolled into one.

Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons

Four black children walking along a leafy path while holding a drawing a of a family tree and a picture frame

Daddy takes his children on a road trip to visit his family in this Caldecott Honor book. Lil’ Alan learns about the history of his family for generations and the love, wisdom, and strength they have passed on to him.

My Papa is a Princess by Doug Cenko

A close up of a father's face who is wearing a tiara

This book is the adorable companion to My Mama is a Mechanic, recommended in our Mother’s Day List. It shows what a hero a dad is in the eyes of his daughter. She reimagines her papa as a princess, a hairstylist, a hide-and-seek champion, and so much more, as they use their imaginations while spending time together.

A Different Pond by Bao Phi

A father and son fishing at night at a pond

Poet Bao Phi has created his first picture book, earning a Caldecott Honor. Father and son get up before the sun (or even mom) and travel to a pond to fish and spend time together. It’s a simple story filled with love and beautiful details.

My Daddy Rules the World: Poems About Fathers by Hope Anita Smith

A father lovingly lifting his son's chin to look at him with his index finger

Hope Anita Smith has created a rich collection of poems that view fatherhood through the lens of a child. It is a heartwarming read and I love it to bits. Rather than silly or splashy, this book is a wonderful display of love between dads and their children in a unique and touching way.

Bonus: Father’s Day Reads for the Other Men in Your Kid’s Life

What Uncles Do Best by Laura Numeroff

Laura Numeroff (of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie fame) has struck gold again with What Uncles Do Best. (Hint: They play, explore, and spend time with us whenever they can.) It’s a great book that shows just how special uncles are.

Uncle Bobby’s Wedding by Sarah S. Brannen

Two men getting married in a rose garden with their niece in front of them as the flower girl

Chloe’s Uncle Bobby is getting married! Chloe worries that once Uncle Bobby marries his boyfriend Jamie, he won’t have time for her anymore. Throughout the story, Chloe learns that the love she shares with Bobby only grows once Jamie becomes her uncle, too. This book is a celebration of the loving relationships children can share with various male relatives.

Drawn Together by Minh Lê

A Thai grandfather and grandson hugging and smiling with their drawings floating in the background

Drawn Together is a touching book about a grandfather who doesn’t speak English and a grandson who doesn’t speak Thai. They learn that through art, they can share a language. Based on the experiences of the author Minh Le and the illustrator Dan Santat, this beautiful story shows the love that crosses generations, countries, and languages. The book’s so good that it was awarded the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature.

Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji by Farhana Zia

A Southe Asian grandson presenting roti to his grandfather

Aneel’s Dada-ji tells the best stories. Dada-ji tells stories of his childhood, when he ate the most delicious roti in the world. It gave him the strength of a tiger! Aneel wants Dada-ji to be this strong again and vows to recreate the delicious roti. This story even includes a recipe for roti!

Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate

a grandaughter, grandad, and dog sit in a pink camper van with a Pride flag flying as they drive through the English countryside

A young girl loves listening to her grandad tell stories of the adventures he and Gramps (his husband) had when they were younger. She decides to help Grandad reignite his love of travel by helping him repair their old camper and make new memories, while still honoring Gramps’ memory. Additionally, we have a interview with the author, Harry Woodgate about the sequel to this book, Grandad’s Pride.

Written by Chrysta Naron