June is around the corner, and that means that Father’s Day celebrations are too! In June, we gather with our dads, papas, grandfathers, papis, and peres to celebrate the important roles they play in our lives. Whether we bring him breakfast in bed, take him fishing, or shoot golf balls, whether we eat barbecue for dinner or have an evening campfire, we create special moments together to celebrate our dads.
Being a parent is a special gift and one not to be taken for granted. On Father’s Day, I encourage all dads to take time for themselves, celebrate themselves, and reflect with gratitude. Enjoy your family, send love to your own father, and count your blessings.
Just in time for Father’s Day, I’ve selected a diverse collection of books from the library where I work, in the hopes that many families can see themselves within the pages.
I encourage you to explore some of these reads with your little ones, as you reflect on what it means to be a father. Or perhaps the stories will inspire some ideas on how to honor Dad this year.
Here are some of the best-loved picture books to celebrate Father’s Day this June.
Counting On Dad By Valentina Jaskina
It’s all about the animal dads in this precious board book illustrated by Valentina Jaskina. Toddlers can count all the amazing animal dads on each page and learn about the special ways they show their love.
Bird dads whistle, cat dads cuddle, bear dads hunt, and dog dads snore. Visiting all of the different animals’ homes reminds kids that there are dads all around us!
Why We Love ‘Counting On Dad’: Toddlers love to count, and in this board book for Father’s Day, there is so much counting fun. The pages of animals count from one to ten, as we learn about different dads and their young in their habitats—a simple book with the most adorable illustrations.
Bright swimming seahorses and cute cuddling otters are among my favorite animals to count in this book—the perfect read for a dad and baby or toddler.
Recommended Ages: 1-3 years
Daddy By Leslie Patricelli
‘Daddy tickles, Daddy dances, Daddy snuggles!’ Baby shares all the things Daddy is, and Daddy does in this charming ode to dads. Patricelli’s board book for Father’s Day is told from the perspective of a little baby.
‘Daddy wrestles, daddy plays, daddy cooks, and daddy cleans!’ ‘All daddies look different,’ baby says, but ‘my daddy is just right for me!’
Why We Love ‘Daddy’: ‘Daddy’ has all the quintessential pieces for intriguing little readers. Bright and funny illustrations, rhyming texts, and simple, repetitive phrases. This darling board book for Father’s Day follows daddy through a typical day of activities.
It normalizes equal division of labor in the household. Yes, daddy bathes baby; daddy cooks dinner and vacuums too. This book also lands on my favorites for its inclusive illustrations, so that every child sees their dad amongst the pages.
Age Recommendations: 0-3 years
Grandpa And Me By Karen Katz
Another board book for our littlest readers, ‘Grandpa and Me’ is an interactive lift-the-flap book perfect for an intergenerational Father’s Day. Katz is famous for her adorable lift-the-flaps, and this story about making pizza with grandpa is a winner.
Babies and toddlers can lift the flaps and find the missing utensils and ingredients as they learn to make a pizza. They will want to read it repeatedly!
Why We Love ‘Grandpa and Me‘: Kids love interactive books, and with lift-the-flaps, you can never go wrong (until the flaps are torn off, of course), especially when trying to grasp a new reader’s attention.
Introduce that intergenerational bonding experience, in this case, making pizza with your babies and toddlers. This book is a great opportunity for a grandfather to share a read with their grandchildren this Father’s Day.
Age Recommendations: 0-3 years
Happy Father’s Day From The Crayons By Drew Dewalt And Oliver Jeffers
From the creators of the number one best-selling children’s book, ‘The Day the Crayons Quit’, the crayons are back in ‘Happy Father’s Day from the Crayons’. The Crayons love their dads so much that they decided to draw a book about it!
Red Crayon loves his dad because he knows all the right answers to his questions… “Better ask Mom,” Dad always says. Beige Crayon loves his mom because that’s the only parent he has, while Blue-Green Crayon loves both of his dads. Yellow and Orange Crayons love their grandpa, who has been like a dad to them.
Why We Love ‘Happy Father’s Day From the Crayons‘: Daywalt and Jeffers ‘Crayon’ books always hit the mark for fun and engaging children’s picture books. They are funny, the illustrations are adorable, and they inspire kids to get creative with color. In this favorite picture book for Father’s Day, The Crayons come together for an inclusive celebration of all kinds of families.
The Crayons show just how much they love celebrating their dads (and other family members) on Father’s Day. You can also check out my review on ‘Happy Mother’s Day from the Crayons’ and ‘Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Crayons’.
Age Recommendations: 4-8 years
Caillou Loves His Daddy By Christine L’Heureux
Love him or despise him, Caillou has been a staple for kids for the last fifteen-plus years. Both on television and in picture books, Caillou and his family are always sharing life lessons. In this picture book for Father’s Day, the little boy and his dad talk about the day Caillou was born.
The pair shares baby photos from old albums, not only when Caillou was a baby, but when his father was a baby, too. The story then welcomes Grandpa into the conversation, and Caillou learns about intergenerational relationships and the cycle of time.
Why We Love ‘Caillou Loves His Daddy’: This sweet story follows Caillou as he wants to be just like his dad. After learning about his dad’s childhood and how he grew into an adult, Caillou realizes that one day he will grow up too.
This inspires Caillou to wear the same clothes as Dad and carry his toys like tools in Dad’s toolbox. For little readers, this board book will invite a conversation about intergenerational relationships as Grandpa also joins the story. I also enjoy this book as it encourages children to help their parents, as we see Caillou raking leaves with his dad.
Age Recommendations: 3-6 years
Because Your Daddy Loves You By Andrew Clements
‘Because Your Daddy Loves You’ tells the story of a little boy and his father, and their trip to the beach. From packing up the car and playing in the sand to packing back up and arriving home, readers will relate to the dad’s unconditional love for his child.
All the little things we as parents do for our children when we could choose a quicker, easier, less frustrating way. When the boy forgets his shoe, when the boy wants to stay longer at the beach, when the boy needs to be carried to bed, we see Dad respond with love.
Why We Love ‘Because Your Daddy Loves You‘: A beautiful story about the patience of parenthood. I love this book for its exploration of the relationship between a dad and his young son. It reminds us how simple actions translate to big love for our children.
We could always choose the easier route, but being a parent sometimes means living in the moment and putting our little ones’ needs ahead of our own. This is a perfect Father’s Day Picture book for families.
Age Recommendations: 4-8 years
Father’s Day Blessings By Mike Berenstain
Another Berenstain book is in my favorite book list! This classic children’s book series never fails to capture the special moments of childhood.
This picture book for Father’s Day is no exception. When June arrives, Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear are very excited to plan a special day for Papa Bear. As Mama Bear overhears their conversation, it sounds like their ideas, however, are more for cubs than papas.
Mama suggests that Papa and Gramps may enjoy a day of fishing, and the cubs think this sounds perfect. The whole family gets up early on Father’s Day, packs a picnic, and heads out to the lake.
Why We Love Father’s Day Blessings: I haven’t met a child or parent who doesn’t enjoy a Berenstain Bears story. I read them when I was growing up 40 years ago, read them to my children when they were younger, and still use them today at our library’s story time.
‘Father’s Day Blessings’ is jam-packed full of traditional Berenstain Bears’ fun and community sentiment. It may be worth noting that this picture book by Mike Berenstain (son of Jan and Stan) does have some religious connotations.
Berenstain Bears once again lands on my favorite book list, this time to celebrate Father’s Day. Find other Berenstain Bear favorites in my book list for Mother’s Day and Celebrating Fall.
Age Recommendations: 4-8 years
My Daddy Rules The World By Hope Anita Smith
‘My Daddy Rules The World’ is a collection of poems about dads, all written and illustrated by Smith. This different selection of picture books for Father’s Day is about what it means to show up and love as a father.
From wrestling matches to guitar lessons, from haircuts in the kitchen and learning to ride a bike, ‘My Daddy Rules The World’ explores the dynamic relationship between a father and child through poetry. My favorite poem from the collection is titled ‘Dancing’. It depicts a dad and his daughter spinning around, her riding the tops of his feet. This sweet action is something many small readers will relate to.
‘Why We Love ‘My Daddy Rules’: This picture book for Father’s Day can be read all at once or revisited often to discover different poems. I selected this book to introduce children to poetry and its many forms.
The book also offers folk art-inspired illustrations by the author, reminiscent of torn pages designed to create a collage. ‘My Daddy Rules’ is an important, timely read representing a population unrepresented in picture books.
Age Recommendations: 7-11 years
Daddy And Me And The Rhyme To Be By Halcyon Person And Chris Bridges
Based on the Netflix series Karma’s World, created by Chris Bridge AKA Ludacris, ‘Daddy and Me (and the Rhyme to Be)’ introduces us to Karma and her dad’s special relationship. (Like Ludacris himself) Karma’s dad loves to play music; he can rap and rhyme.
He is so good at it that he can finish any of Karma’s lyrics with a rhyming one to match. One day, Karma wants to show her dad just how much she loves him, so she decides to write a rhyming rap all by herself. The only problem is she can’t quite rhyme like her dad.
Determined to surprise her dad with a song, Karma keeps practicing her rhyming skills.
Why We Love Daddy And Me And The Rhyme To Be: This fun picture book for Father’s Day is perfect for music-loving families to share. Children will love the rhyming lyrics throughout the book that Karma and her dad create. Karma’s World was created to showcase the black culture and community that is underrepresented in mainstream entertainment…especially for children.
This story explores the relationship between a father and daughter, and how they connect through music. Children love seeing their favorite shows come alive in a picture book, making this an exciting choice at the library.
Age Recommendations: 4-8 years
Daddies Do By Lezlie Evans
From walruses, to elephants, from penguins to owls; in ‘Daddies Do’ children will a wide variety of animal children with their dads who do! Explore all the wonderful things dads do for their children in this fun picture book perfect for Father’s Day.
The panda lifts his panda cub up so he can see the show, the mouse dad measures how tall his wee mouse is on a growth chart, the lion dad wrestles with his lion cub, and the kangaroo dad reads to his joey each night before bed. What else do Daddies do?
Why We Love ‘Daddies Do’: Kids will really enjoy the illustrations in this story; they remind me of images from a baby’s nursery…bright, detailed, and adorable. ‘Daddies Do’ is a rhyming book, which is always engaging for young readers. The story also features a realm of different animals and their children, adding to the appeal of the pages and illustrations.
The message delivered reminds us of how much dads do for their families. Kids will love exploring each picture with their daddies. Check this one out this Father’s Day.
Age recommendations: 3-6 years
On The Trapline By David A Robertson
This picture book for Father’s Day celebrates not only intergenerational relationships but also Indigenous culture. A boy and his grandpa (Moshom) take a trip to a trapline where Moshom grew up.
During their travels northward, the boy begins to imagine what it must have been like two generations ago, living and hunting off the land. This story is co-written by a Cree-Metis author and illustrator, making it a tribute to the past fathers, connections to the land, and Indigenous traditions.
Why We Love On the Trapline: I included this poetic story on my list for Father’s Day, as it’s important for children to learn about both Indigenous culture and the people whose lands we live on today. As a society, we can take the time to learn about the history of Indigenous people, and what a beautiful way to do it is to read a book together.
This story is a testament to the appreciation of those who came before us, regardless of the culture they descended from. It is also a reminder that many children are raised by their grandparents, and stories should reflect those families, too.
Age Recommendations: 6-10 years
Your Baby’s First Word Will Be Dada By Jimmy Fallon
From the Tonight Show’s host, Jimmy Fallon, comes one of my favorite board books for Father’s Day, ‘Your Baby’s First Word Will Be Dada’. The idea of writing this book came when Fallon was hoping his children’s first name would be “dada; but instead, his daughters said “mama” first.
In this silly read, daddy animals try to get their babies to say “dada,” but of course, the wee animals just quack, moo, bark, and oink. In a last-ditch effort, the narrator gathers all the animals together to try and get them to say ‘Dada’. Will he succeed?
Why We Love ‘Your Baby’s First Word Will Be Dada’: Jimmy Fallon brings his late-night humor to toddlers’ book; how can we not love it! The illustrations are adorable, bright, and fun for little imaginations to explore.
The text is simple and repetitive, and wee ones will learn to make all their favorite animal noises. This is one of those books that toddlers will reach for again and again… better yet, parents won’t mind reading it over and over, too!
Age Recommendations: 2-4 years
Daddy Hugs By Nancy Tafuri
It’s not just human babies that love their daddies; animal babies do too. Visit a variety of little animals and their dads in this picture book all about hugs! Everyone loves hugs; furry foxes, feathered owls, scaly turtles, and fluffy rabbits all love a hug from their dads.
Explore the woodland to meet all the creatures embracing in ‘Daddy Hugs’.
Why We Love ‘Daddy Hugs’: Children will enjoy the large-scale pencil crayon-sketched illustrations of all their favorite woodland animals. This picture book for Father’s Day features simple, repetitive text, perfect for babies and toddlers.
Kids will learn all about animals and their young as they explore their natural habitats. Tafuri celebrates all the hugs that are extra special because they are” just-daddy-and-me hugs”. We also love this selection for it includes a list of critters to seek and find on each page, along with their scientific names.
Age Recommendations: 1-3 years
Saturday Is Dadurday By Robin Pulver
Ever since the twins were born, Mimi and her dad have made Saturday ‘Dadurday’. A day for just the two of them to spend time together while mom is busy with the babies. They make pancakes, read comics, ride their bikes, or play checkers.
For Mimi, ‘Dadurday’ is the best day! But when Mimi’s dad’s work schedule changes, and he must work Saturdays, will ‘Dadurday’ be ruined forever?
Why We Love ‘Dadurday’: The message of this sweet picture book centers on the importance of time with dad and the role dads play in their children’s lives. We love this book for its conversational language, its imaginative illustrations, and for the solution to the ‘Dadurday’ dilemma.
I won’t spoil the ending! Kids will love this story as it will, no doubt, inspire Dadurdays in many homes. I know a few moms who would love this too! Wink Wink. A perfect read for Father’s Day and Dadurday!
Age Recommendations: 5-8
Dad By Christian Robinson
Brand new for 2026, ‘Dad’ is a tribute to all types of dads and all they do. The coverlet includes a quote from the author that sums up this picture book: “There are as many ways to be a dad as there are dads in the world.”
The story begins with animal fathers and their young. From the seahorse “Dad holds tight”, from the lion dads “make you feel safe”, from the penguin’s “dad picks you up”, and from the human “dad wipes away your tears.”
Then, for the child who has lost a father, “Dad is with you, even when he is not.” Just a glimpse of the sentiment in this timely new release I found at our library.
Why We Love ‘Dad’: With Eric Carle‘s vibrant illustrations, ‘Dad’ will catch the eye of readers young and old. Author and illustrator Chris Robinson has created a beautiful classic by capturing the love between dads and their children, both animal and human. This picture book caught my eye for its inclusiveness.
You will find a dad in a wheelchair, a child whose dad has passed, and children of different cultures. A bonus in this book is the final two pages dedicated to all of the featured animal dads and their babies. Not only naming the animal but noting the role that dad plays in its young’s life. For Example, wolf dads help mom raise their pups, and stay with them for life.
Age Recommendation: 2-5 years
I hope all dads and grandfathers out there have a wonderful Father’s Day full of hugs, cuddles, wrestling, and adventure. From this mom of four, I know the ups and downs of parenthood can be wonderful and wild, hard, and then so soft all at the same time. Be kind to yourselves, be present with your children; YOU ARE doing a great job. I hope you find time to do some of your favorite things with your family, maybe even read one of these favorite picture books for Father’s Day. Enjoy your day, dads!
