Delightful Dads

Picture Books to Honor Dads on Father's Day and Everyday

Father's Day is this weekend, and fathers certainly deserve a day in the spotlight, but I like to enjoy stories featuring darling dads on more than just one day of the year. Devour these delightful reads for dads to share with their young children.

Nelly Gnu and Daddy Too, the newest title by Anna Dewdney, the author-illustrator of Llama Llama Red Pajama popularity, is a great everyday dad story for preschoolers. Following Nelly Gnu and her father on their quest to complete a fun project together, the book provides adventure, reassurance and love--just like daddies do.

Young kids wonder what happens when Daddy Goes to Work and love the special feeling of spending a day with their parents on the job. In this story, a young girl is thrilled to help her dad at his office one day. The warmth of the daddy-daughter relationship is clear from the colorful, realistic illustrations.

Recognizing that all dads don't live with their kids, A Day With Dad is a gentle story that follows Tim and his dad through a day full of their favorite activities before Dad has to catch his train home. It acknowledges Tim's sadness that he has to say goodbye to his father but reminds readers that another day with Dad will be coming soon.

Many contemporary families don't fit traditional ideas of what makes a family. Dad and Pop acknowledges that some kids may have more than one father figure. This "ode to fathers and stepfathers" demonstrates that there is always enough love for kids to share with all the people they love.