Parents nowadays are strongly encouraged to read to their children, starting from birth. It is also a great way for Dads to bond with their babies. Recent studies even suggest that kids develop better language skills when Dad reads to them. For these reasons and more, we’ve been including Dad-themed books in our boxes. If you are looking for Dad-themed books in your child’s library collection, please read below to see our picks.
- Daddy Cuddles (author Anne Gutman, illustrator Georg Hallensleben). Hallensleben’s soft, pastel-like illustrations were what attracted me to this board book. Each page features a dad-and-baby pair from different animal species and how each dad hugs and cuddles with his baby. We included this book in our July “Animal Kingdom” box.
2. My Dad Loves Me! (author and illustrator Marianne Richmond). Similar to Daddy Cuddles, this board book goes through different father-child animal pairs and talks about how each Dad animal cares for his child. I also love the illustrations, especially of the polar bears and the penguins. (Note: astute readers may notice the similarities between the penguins in this book and our logo, but I sketched our logo based on observations of penguins in the wild.) This book was included in our February “Beat the Winter Blues” box.
3. Papa, please get the moon for me (author and illustrator Eric Carle). Eric Carle of “Very Hungry Caterpillar” fame has also written and illustrated a sweet book about the father-daughter relationship! Monica wants the moon to play with, so her father builds a ladder to reach it – only to find that it’s too heavy! Available in board book and picture book formats.
4. Because I’m Your Dad (author Ahmet Zappa, illustrator Dan Santat). The fun-loving Daddy monster in this board book would let his child have spaghetti for breakfast, French toast for dinner, and rocky road ice cream in the tub! This book is a fun tribute to Dads.
5. Papasaurus (author and illustrator Stephan Lomp). A companion to “Mamasaurus”! Babysaurus loves playing hide-and-seek with Papasaurus, but when it’s Papasaurus’ turn to hide, Babysaurus can’t find him! This picture book is also great for older babies and toddlers who have graduated from board books. We are also huge fans of the illustrations. Look for this book in a future Rad Dad Box!
6. You and Me, Me and You (author and illustrator Miguel Tanco). This book takes us through a father and son’s day in the city, during which they discuss life, and bond with each other. We also love Tanco’s retro-style illustrations. This is also a good book for toddlers and older children.
7. My Dad Used to be so Cool (author and illustrator Keith Negley). All dads have probably felt this way at one time or another! A new dad looks back wistfully on his pre-baby days, when he was in a band, rode motorcycles, and got tattoos, and laments about his lack of coolness. But his baby still thinks he’s totally rad!
Tributes to dads are important not only in helping men feel more confident as fathers, but also in helping children appreciate their dads. If you need more inspiration, The Guardian also has a list of their favorite Dad-themed children’s books!
What are some of your favorite dad-themed books?
Rad Dad Box 
Pingback: Ways that dads can be involved during baby’s early days (besides changing diapers) | Rad Dad Box