Top 5 Children’s Books for Father’s Day Gifts

Many of our favorite memories of childhood center on family traditions. Every Friday, a picture book written and illustrated by Dan Yacarino, celebrates one such ritual. The narrator of the story, a young boy, recounts how he and his father, who live in the city, go out for breakfast at their favorite diner every Friday morning. They take their time walking to the diner, enjoying one another’s company and all the sights of a busy city. At the diner, the boy says, “While we eat, Dad and I talk about all sorts of things.” It’s no wonder that Friday is the little boy’s favorite day of the week. Every Friday features appealing illustrations with a 1950s retro look. (Henry Holt and Company, 2007. ISBN: 9780805077247)

A Day with Dad celebrates the bond between a young boy and his father that can't be broken by divorce. Although Tim and his mother have moved to a new town, his father is coming by train to spend the whole day with him. Tim takes great pleasure in introducing his father to everyone they meet. Together, Tim and his dad share hot dogs at a hot dog stand, a movie, and pizza. By then, it is getting dark. When it is time for his father to leave, Tim is reluctant to see him go. Tim's dad invites him onto the train. Then, his dad introduces Tim to everyone on the train. While Tim is sorry to see his father leave, he knows his dad will be back to visit him soon. (Candlewick Press, 2008. ISBN: 9780763632212)

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)

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)