nothing expresses togetherness like a little storytelling. Before you rush out and buy Dad a new tie or woodworking tool for Father’s Day, consider a gift that will pay off in hours of hugging, snuggling, and bonding.
for all you devoted dads out there: here are some of our favorite “dad and me” books that are filled with affirming messages of love for the best man in your son’s life. These lap time readings are a perfect gift to celebrate dads of all kinds, from the goofy to the insightful, and will create a quality bond with dads, now and all year long.
You are reading: Daddy and me books
1. made for me
These two are made for each other.
Ages: Ages 1-5 Beware: This is a cute and tear-jerking picture book that’s perfect for Dad’s First Father’s Day. This book conveys the joy and wonder of traveling with a child from their first spoken words to their first hesitant steps. From birth to childhood, the sentimental story and warm images recount the many happy moments a father experiences upon receiving “life’s greatest treasure,” a child made especially for him.
get it for me on amazon for $14.08
2. because I’m your dad
Frank Zappa’s son encourages readers to go crazy in this monster-filled book.
ages: 1 to 3 this book is for the wacky dad who likes to go crazy (and wouldn’t mind spaghetti for breakfast, french toast for dinner, and a rocky road sundae ) in the bathtub), and that she hopes for a unique relationship with her son. The whimsical monster characters make this book universally appealing. If the author’s last name sounds familiar to you, it’s because he is the son of the legendary Frank Zappa, an iconoclastic and loving parenting icon.
get it because i’m your dad on amazon for $7.99
3. I love dad, with the very hungry caterpillar
Eric Carle’s inimitable construction paper illustrations bring each image to life.
Ages: 1 to 3 With the recent passing of Eric Carle, we are reminded of the beautiful genius of his paper collage artwork. The title refers to The Very Hungry Caterpillar, one of Carle’s most popular works, but this book features many more of Carle’s most beloved animal creatures in sweet vignettes that celebrate parenthood and the bond between father and son.
get i love daddy, with the very hungry caterpillar on amazon for $7.05
4. my dad is amazing
for the dad who’s cool as a yeti.
Ages: 1 to 3 If Dad is cooler than a popsicle, tougher than a feisty rhino, and cuter than a ton of bunnies, then this is the book for him this Father’s Day! dad. It takes dad out of the “suit and tie” stereotype, so it includes the one who doesn’t work 9 to 5. This book is for a dad who puts the extra in the extraordinary.
get my dad is amazing on amazon for $7.08
5. & 6. why a daughter needs a father and why a son needs a father
for papa bear.
Ages: 1 to 3 These two books celebrate the special bond between a father and his children and show all the ways that fathers support their children and help them grow, through touching rhymes and beautiful illustrations. . These two titles are part of a larger series of books that highlight the bond between children and their parents.
- understand why a daughter needs a father on amazon for $7.93
- understand why a son needs a father on amazon for $9.89
7. my dad has a beard
Hipster dads will rejoice over characters that look just like them. grab your flannel and bourbon!
Ages: 1 to 7 In this adorable book for the bearded dad, and every little boy who dreams of having a beard like his dad, a son ponders the wonders of the epic beard of his father and reflects on how each beard, in each father, is different.
get my dad a beard on amazon for $16.99
8. and the tango makes three
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This 10th anniversary edition includes a poster and author’s note.
Ages: Ages 2-6, this bestselling book is the perfect gift for anyone who wants to celebrate non-traditional families and parental love, regardless of gender roles. A perfect gift for same-sex parents or anyone who wants to introduce the concepts of acceptance and inclusion. and the tango makes three is an illustrated book that tells the true story of two male penguins at the central park zoo who wanted to have a family, and they got it with the help of some zookeepers.
get and tango does three on amazon for $10.33
9. dad, daddy & riley
This book celebrates and affirms how every family can look different, and how beautiful that is!
Ages: Ages 4-8, this book explores how parenting and families may look different but are just as caring and loving, no matter the shape, form, or tone. Even though Riley’s classmates think her family looks different, she knows that she will always be her dad’s princess and her dad’s dragon. Her classmates ask her which is her “real” father and her answer is an emotional and heartbreaking punch that will leave you full of love.
bring daddy, daddy & riley on amazon for $13.10
10. with my daddy
jo witek’s books are both relaxing and emotional.
Ages: 2 to 6 Jo Witek’s books are always so beautiful and moving, and this one is no different. Like his others, With My Dad focuses on encouraging recognition of a child’s feelings. In this book, the protagonist boy talks about how he feels when he is with his father. he makes them feel strong, powerful, calm and adventurous. This is a wonderful book to talk about a boy’s relationship with his father and the influence it has on their emotions and how they see themselves in the world.
get it with my daddy on amazon for $13.89
11. jump jabari
a boy faces the fear of a formidable “first”, with the help of his father.
ages: 3 to 6 years old With the support of his father, a boy named jabari can conquer anything in life. After completing swimming lessons, Jabari is ready to take a big leap, but he lacks the courage to do it alone. This story tells of a father’s encouragement as a child embarks on a big “first” in life. this is a story about the patience and encouragement of a parent and the determination of a child that you can’t help but root for.
get jabari jumps on amazon for $13.33
12. rory the dinosaur: me and my dad
No matter how brave you are, it’s always good to have a dad to lean on.
Ages: 4 to 8 This book by Simpsons character artist Liz Climo tells the story of Rory the dinosaur, who loves spending time with his dad. Today, however, Dad needs some quiet time, so the intrepid and independent Rory decides to go on an adventure of his own. however, little does he know that, wherever he goes, dad is never far behind.
get me and dad rory the dinosaur on amazon for $15.58
13. a father’s love
From all corners of the animal kingdom, a father’s love is unwavering.
Ages: 3 to 7 years old, whether it’s a daddy penguin snuggling with his baby in icy white snow, a daddy lion playing with his cub on a yellow field, or a daddy horse sea protecting his calf inside his pouch in the deep blue ocean, a father’s love comes in all shapes, sizes and colors. This book uses bright, vibrant imagery to take readers around the world and throughout the animal kingdom, showcasing the many ways parents show their love.
get a father’s love on amazon for $12.79
14. dad by my side
big and small, these two always go together.
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Ages: Ages 4 to 8, this hulking dad and his tiny daughter were first introduced to the world via soosh’s viral instagram feed. the viral sensation turned into a beautiful and emotional book that tells the story of this dynamic duo as they embark on daily journeys that range from the mundane to the exciting. everything they do, they do together as a team with a message that everything they do is better with each other by their side.
have dad by my side on amazon for $13.99
15. dad and me releasing farts
Dad and son will love playing this fun story.
ages: from 2 to 11 years old the only one who likes a good fart joke more than a parent is a child. This silly book tells the story of a little bear who wants to emulate and live up to his father’s skills in every way, including his prodigious farting skills. If he’s looking for a rhyming laugh fest for Father’s Day, this book is the one.
get me and daddy fart for free on amazon for $11.88
16. walk
From the illustrator of The Bad Seed, this is the story of a father and his son on a memorable adventure.
Ages: Ages 4-8, this warm and messy story of love and adventure is for dads and kids who love the great outdoors. This is a nearly wordless (save for a few onomatopoeia) picture book where a father and his son embark on a journey into the mountains, where they bond without needing to say a word. on their journey, they enjoy the magic of nature and become closer with its inspiring experience full of subtle wonders.
get trek on amazon for $14.89
17. if I didn’t have you
The adventures of our youth were certainly fun, but we wouldn’t trade them for our time with you.
Ages: Ages 4-8, this sweet story talks about the riches you have in your loved ones and the way life experiences blossom once you have a child. Sure, Dad could be partying until the wee hours of the morning and driving a cool sports car, but all those experiences pale in comparison to the joys he shares with his son. This story reminds children that nothing is worth more than having each other, through the loving refrain of “but I’d rather have you” repeated throughout.
get it if i didn’t have you on amazon for $10.39
18 & 19. darth vader and his son and vader’s little princess
in a galaxy far, far away, darth vadar was actually a very good father.
Ages: 4 to 8 Let’s face it: Darth Vader could have been a better father. Star Wars fans will delight in these fun books that take Vader, Luke and Leia through all kinds of everyday parenting scenarios. this clever take on what the sith leader would do in mundane situations is fun and funny for kids and parents alike.
- get darth vader and his son on amazon for $6.62
- get vader’s little princess on amazon for $8.74
20. dad and the dinosaur
A boy and his dinosaur can conquer almost anything, but a boy and his father are unstoppable.
Ages: Ages 5-8 In this story of empathy, understanding, and courage, Nicholas wants to be as brave and strong as his father, but he needs a little help. To conquer her fears, she enlists the help of her toy dinosaur. With his dinosaur, Nicholas can conquer the dark, swim in deep water, and even score a goal against the massive goalkeeper nicknamed “Gorilla.” but when his dinosaur disappears, everything becomes scary again. luckily her father is there to help; he lets nicholas know that it’s okay to need someone on your side when you face your fears.
This book is written by Newbery Award winner Gennifer Choldenko and beautifully illustrated by Dan Santat, known for The Adventures of Beekle: The Non-Imaginary Friend and After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Up Again).
get daddy and the dinosaur on amazon for $14.86
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