Honoring Fathers Through Stories: A Father’s Day Booklist for Children

Father’s Day is a time to recognize the love, care, and presence that fathers and father figures offer every day. Whether through bedtime stories, big hugs, life lessons, or simply showing up, fathers shape our children’s lives in quiet and powerful ways.

We celebrate Father’s Day to show appreciation for the ways dads protect, guide, nurture, and help children feel seen and supported. Reading stories together is one of the most meaningful ways to honor these relationships. Books help children see the many forms fatherhood can take and open the door for love-filled conversations, handmade gifts, and new family rituals.

📖 Why Read About Fathers?

When selecting Father’s Day books for read-alouds or independent reading, consider stories that:

• Celebrate the bond between fathers and children

• Reflect the diverse roles and experiences of families

• Emphasize the values of love, gratitude, and everyday connection

As both a parent and teacher, I often choose books that gently teach a lesson, without me doing all the talking. Whether to prompt a Father’s Day craft, express thankfulness, or simply share a quiet cuddle, great stories help children connect emotionally and meaningfully to the fathers in their lives.

📚 Thoughtful Father-Themed Books for Kids

 For the Littlest Listeners (Ages 0–3)

📘 I Love You, Daddy by Jillian Harker, illustrated by Kristina Stephenson 

A sweet board book following Little Bear and Daddy Bear through simple daily adventures. A warm introduction to fatherly love and support.

 Books That Celebrate the Everyday Magic of Dads (Ages 3–7)

📘 Me and My Dad! by Alison Ritchie, illustrated by Alison Edgson 

A gentle, rhyming story about a bear cub and his dad sharing cozy adventures. This comforting, classic-feeling book is full of warmth and love, perfect for snuggling up with Dad.

📘 A Father’s Day Thank You by Janet Nolan, illustrated by Kathi Ember 

When a little bear named Harvey struggles to find the perfect Father’s Day gift, he realizes that his heartfelt gratitude is the most meaningful gift of all. A great springboard for encouraging children to make something special.

📘 Daddy Speaks Love by Leah Henderson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis 

A poetic and emotionally rich tribute to the many ways fathers show love—in presence, protection, and protest. Inspired by George Floyd’s daughter’s words, “Daddy changed the world,” this powerful book honors fatherhood with emotional depth and grace. Best for ages 5–8.

For Reflective Conversations About Love, Change, and Dreams (Ages 6–10)

📘 Knock Knock: My Dad’s Dream for Me by Daniel Beaty, illustrated by Bryan Collier 

A deeply moving story about a boy who finds strength and wisdom through his father’s written words after a sudden absence. It explores hope, healing, and legacy with honesty and care—ideal for older children ready for deeper conversations.

Beyond the Books: Meaningful Ways to Celebrate

• Talk Together: Ask your child what they love about their dad or a father figure in their life.

• Create Something Special: Encourage a handmade gift or letter instead of a store-bought item.

• Honor All Dads: Include stepdads, uncles, grandfathers, and chosen family who show up with love.

• Start a New Tradition: Choose a book to reread together every year as a Father’s Day tradition.

 Books shape how children see the people around them. On Father’s Day, stories give children a way to understand love, express appreciation, and connect more deeply with the father figures in their lives. This year, let your Father’s Day celebration begin with a book—and grow from there.

Find ideas on how to celebrate mom through story time and reading in our Mother's day blog:

• Stories that celebrate Moms, Caregivers, and Self-Love