I not only recommend these children’s pictures books as enjoyable, and well illustrated, stories for young children, I also recommend them as Father’s Day gifts. Why? It’s not always easy to put into words the importance of the loving bond between father and child. Use these children’s pictures books, which celebrate that bond, to recognize the special fathers in your life on Father’s Day.
1. Whistling
Greenwillow Books
The love a little boy and his dad share is beautifully told in the story by Elizabeth Partridge and the artwork, miniature quilts by Anna Grossnickle Hines.
While on a camping trip, Jake, with the loving support of his father, experiences the thrill of whistling up the sun at sunrise. This is not only a good book for three- to six- year-olds, it would also be a good gift for a new father to show him how important the bond between father and child is. (Greenwillow Books, 2003. ISBN: 0060502355)
2. Papa, Do You Love Me?
Chronicle Books
In Africa, a young Maasai boy asks, “Papa, do you love me?” After a loving response from his father, the boy goes on to pose many “what if” questions to confirm that his father’s love will remain steadfast at all times. I recommend Barbara M. Jossee’s Papa, Do You Love Me? for four- to eight-year-olds. I would also recommend it as a Father’s Day gift to honor a father who has spent a lifetime providing parental love such as that shown in the book. (Chronicle Books, 2005. ISBN: 0811842657)
3. A Father’s Song
Janet Lawler’s story of a father and son’s day in the park is told in simple verse. With just four lines on each two-page spread, the emphasis is on the paintings by Lucy Corvino, which illustrate the enjoyment that the father and little boy experience in one another’s company. While I recommend this picture book for three- to six-year-olds, I also think it would make a nice Father’s Day gift to honor the dad who regularly takes time for his children. (Sterling, 2006. ISBN: 1402725019)