In honor of Father’s Day, these are a few children’s books worth sharing that feature great dads.
Ann Heinrichs put together a wealth of information in her book “Father’s Day.” Children can learn the interesting story of how a little girl came up with the idea to honor fathers in the church in 1910. The idea spread but did not become a national holiday until 1972.
Another nonfiction title that easily grabs the attention of young readers is “The Emperor’s Egg,” by Martin Jenkins. This beautifully done picture book depicts the interesting twist in the childbirth process for emperor penguins. While the mother penguin lays the egg, it is the father’s responsibility to keep it warm for two months in the frigid arctic cold while the mom goes out to sea to replenish her nutritional reserves.
Many of the books that feature fathers often feature animal fathers. In Peter Horn’s “The Best Father of All,” a young turtle tells his father how safe he feels when he is with him. Each page is a journey through the animal kingdom showing how fathers support, nurture, and educate their children.
Another book highlighting the mundane little things that really add up is “Every Friday,” by Dan Yaccarino. The story is of a little boy who loves Fridays because it’s a family tradition that he and his father stroll to a corner diner to share a breakfast of pancakes.
“Night Shift Daddy,” by Eileen Spinelli, focuses on the fact that fathers have all kinds of jobs to help support their families, but routines bond father and child.
The sunny story of “Hero Dad,” by Melinda Hardin, opens with the words, “My dad is a superhero.” The reader soon learns that while the boy’s dad might not be Superman with a capital S, he is an American hero—a soldier.
Finally, “Dad and Pop: An Ode to Fathers and Stepfathers,” by Kelly Bernett, is a great tribute to blended families. In this story, a young girl compares the two fathers in her life and comes to understand how both love her unconditionally.
No matter what special father you want to celebrate this year and every day, there is a wealth of children’s books highlighting the relationship between parent and child.