Books for Kids that Celebrate Dads and Father Figures

There are so many great books for kids that show some extra love to our dads, bonus dads, father figures, grandpas, uncles, mentors, and anyone else who we consider a “dad.”

It's often difficult to find very specific situations so we curated our favorite stories featuring these amazing people. Not only does it help kids feel seen and included when they see their family reflected in a book, these books are an easy way to introduce kids to all the great ways men can show up in life.

Dad By My Side

Best for ages: 0-3 years
Whether they're playing make-believe, making you smile, or warding off monsters under the bed, dads are always there when you need them. Debut picture book artist Soosh celebrates fathers with a gorgeously illustrated and moving story about a parent-child bond. Find it on Amazon and Target.

Hair Love

Best for ages: 2-7 years
Daddy shows affection and love to Zuri as he helps her get ready for a very special day. This book is growing in popularity for good reasons - sharing a feminist family and the loving bond between father and daughter. Find it on Amazon and Target.

My Papi Has a Motorcycle

Best for ages: 4-8 years
Many times love looks like spending quality time together. This main character loves holding on to her papi while riding on the back of his motorcycle. Together they explore the community they live in and build memories that shape their unbreakable bond. Find it on Amazon and Target.

A Different Pond

Best for ages: 3-8 years
Dad takes his son on a fishing trip and opens up emotionally through his storytelling. He tells his son about his upbringing in Vietnam – how his family fished because it was their means for food and how he lost his brother. This dad’s emotional vulnerability allows for connection with his young son leading the boy to be understanding of why his parents work so hard and the deep love they have for him. Find it on Amazon and Target.

Yo Soy Muslim

Best for ages: 3-8 years
This story is written in the form of a letter from father to daughter, encouraging her to confidently show up as she is. The main character comes from a multicultural background, navigating the world as both Muslim and Latina. When she faces challenges from others who may not understand, her father reminds her of the beauty in her history, past and present, and that she will have all that she needs in proudly being herself. Find it on Amazon and Target.

Jabari Jumps

Best for ages: 3-7
Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. It is unfortunately much too hard to find stories of Black dads emotionally supporting their kids, which makes this title even more of a gem, but it is important to note Jabari Jumps is NOT an Own Voices story. You can find it on Amazon and Target.

Ask Me

Best for ages: 4-8 years
A father and daughter spend a day exploring their neighborhood and asking questions to learn more about each other's likes and dislikes and thoughts on the world. It’s a beautiful story about finding connection by just being present and taking the time to be curious about each other. Find it on Amazon.

Where Are You From?

Best for ages: 3-8 years
We all crave to know where we come from. In this story the main character is joined by her Abuelo on a journey to discover all the amazing parts of herself and her ancestors. Find it on Amazon

Grandpa Grumps

Best for ages: 4-8 years
By Own Voices author, Katrina Moore, Grandpa Grumps is full of delight and joy, as it teaches little ones that not everybody speaks the same language (or love language)! We are delighted to get front-row seats in observing how Daisy grows in her cultural literacy as she gets to know her Yeh-Yeh. Their relationship is a sweet and honest example of how to move beyond language, cultural, and love language differences. Find it on Amazon and Target.

Visiting Day

Best for ages: 5-7 years
A little girl misses her daddy but looks forward to heading out with her grandma for “visiting day” where she gets to visit with her daddy away in prison. A story about love between father and child despite the pains of the incarceration system and the hope for the day they are reunited. Find it on Amazon.

Mango Moon

Best for ages: 5-7 years
Maricla, Manuel and their mother’s life is turned upside down when their father is deported because he is not a citizen. There is a wide range of emotions from confusion and sadness as they navigate the new norm and carry Papi with them always in their hearts. This story tells of similar real life experiences many in the U.S. encounter. Find it on Amazon.

Papa, Daddy, & Riley

Best for ages: 5-7 years
The first day of school is exciting until someone at school notices two dads dropped Riley off and wants to know who her real dad is. Riley is confused because she has two real dads and loves them both the same. This story reminds us that what makes a family is LOVE while centering a multi-racial LGBTQ+ family. Find it on Amazon.

Two Dads

Best for ages: 5-7 years
A story of two dads told by their adoptive child. We love how this story frames and normalizes gay parents, an interracial couple, and the adoptive experience. Find it on Amazon.

We are Little Feminists: Families

Best for ages: 0-5 years
We wrote this book ourselves because so few books featured diversity in family structure. This picture book focuses on the moments and feelings that make up a family. This book ensures that no child feels left out because all are blessed with families filled with love. You can find it on the Little Feminist site and on Amazon.

What else would you add?

Have you come across any other great books that celebrate amazing dads and father figures? Let me know in the comments!

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