Some of our favorite picture books about fathers and fatherhood together with Father’s Day writing prompts, wordplay, free printables and a link to our Father’s Day board on Pinterest.
Dad and Pop: An Ode to Fathers and Stepfathers is the story of the two special men in a young girl’s life. Outwardly they are very different. They wear different clothes and they have different hobbies but, there are also similarities between the two men. Both teach the girl how to cook and both enjoy music.
Pop is bald. Dad is not. Dad is tall. Pop is not. Dad wears suits. Pop wears boots. Pop takes pictures. Dad takes naps.
This breezy, happy look at a family that includes both a ‘Dad’ and a ‘Pop’ celebrates differences and commonalities. A good choice for children aged four years and up.
Bright, cheery illustrations depict a baby girl and her father. As the day unfolds, they share all sorts of affectionate, happy moments.
One “I’m so glad you’re my baby!” hug. Two teeny, tiny finger hugs. Three pat and burp the baby hugs.”
A great choice for infants and toddlers, Daddy Hugs 1 2 3 is all the more special because it shows a dad who takes responsibility for all aspects of his daughter’s care.
Every Friday written and illustrated by Dan Yaccarino Picture book about a boy’s relationship with his father published by Henry Holt and Company
Such a lovely story – an excellent choice for preschool storytime or a bedtime story. Each Friday, a young boy and his dad leave their city apartment and walk through the bustling streets. They walk past shops and building sites, people rushing to work and people who are already going about their business.
Everyone is rushing, but we’re taking our time. We get friendly waves and we give them right back.”
Eventually, they arrive at a familiar diner. They sit together in a booth, enjoy breakfast, chat and watch the world go by. Their happy relationship and joy in being each other’s company is clear and very endearing.
I’d Know You Anywhere written by Hazel Hutchins and illustrated by Ruth Ohi Picture book about a child’s relationship with his father published by Annick Press Ltd
This story is especially suitable for a Dad’s Day at preschool or for celebrating Father’s Day. Young Jeremy attempts to hide amongst the toys in his bedroom. Daddy finds Jeremy and reassures him that he would know him anywhere and in any form. The father-son game continues as Jeremy imagines wonderful hiding places and disguises. He could disguise himself and hide near a creek or in the ocean or up in the sky…
If I became a sheep upon a mountainside, one of many thousand sheep, a woolly, moving tide- If I became a sheep, would you know me then?
Daddy reassures his son that no matter where Jeremy might hide, he would find him.
Reminiscent of The Runaway Bunny, I’d Know You Anywhere concludes with Daddy and Jeremy disguising themselves and sneeking up on mom.
Ruth Ohi’s illustrations do a lovely job of depicting the playful relationship between father and son. The story is best suited to very young children, aged two and up.
A lovely picture book, Little Boy is a celebration of play and a reminder – especially for adults – that small moments can have great meaning and impact. We watch from morning until night as a young boy plays with his dog, enjoys time in the out-of-doors, has fun with a large cardboard box, helps with cooking, plays with his toys and spends time with his dad.
Little boy, so much depends on a blue mixing bowl, a ball in the goal, the tree that fell, that wet-dog smell, and… your big cardboard box.
Note,although the adult male in the illustrations is not specifically named, we assume he is the boy’s father.
Little Boy is a great gift book for expectant parents and also dads. Do take time to enjoy Peter H. Reynolds’ illustrations. Each page tells a story and children will enjoy watching for the boy’s toy robot and his yellow cup as they accompany him throughout the day.
A happy celebration of the relationship between a boy and his father. It is clear that the pair enjoys spending time together and they have fun adventures – flying in a small airplane, snorkeling, riding bikes, painting and studying insects. All the while, the boy is learning from his father.
My father knows the names of things, Each different sort of bell that rings, And stones, And knows the names of planets, Stars, And even human bones.
Mr. Jorisch’s joyful illustrations capture emotions and the pair’s close relationship. Will be enjoyed by children aged four years and up.
In 1988 the Caldecott Medal was awarded to Owl Moon. A special 20th- anniversary edition is now available and provides an opportunity to discover the picture book’s wonderful, timeless magic.
It is very late at night when a father and his young daughter venture into the cold. They are seeking a glimpse of a great horned owl. The companions walk together silently and eagerly under an Owl Moon.
Beautifully illustrated, this is a remarkable book that will be enjoyed by the entire family. The depiction of the young girl’s excitement will no doubt inspire parents to bend their bedtime rules and enjoy a moonlit, late night walk.
Some Dads… written and illustrated by Nick Bland Picture book about fathers published by Scholastic
In his cheery tribute to fathers, Nick Bland depicts all sorts of animal parents exuberantly interacting with their offspring. We laugh at an over-protective elephant papa who fills a swimming pool with life rings and a mischievous sheep who can’t resist throwing a water balloon at his child.
Readers, both young and old, will enjoy the playful rhyming and the jubilant illustrations. Some Dads… is an excellent choice for Father’s Day or Dads’ Day at preschool, delivering a fun and affectionate message about diversity and unconditional love.
Some dads like strolling. And some dads rock ‘n rolling. And some dads just love the outdoors.
Beautiful pastel illustrations are the highlight of this tribute to animal fathers and their offspring. Children will enjoy looking at a variety of male mammals, amphibians and birds as they feed, groom, house, protect and play with their offspring.
Some tuck you in, safe and warm, when the sun’s about to go. And my daddy… haven’t you guessed? From all of the daddies, tall or small, mine is the best, the very best, the very best daddy of all.
What Does Daddy Do? written and illustrated by Rachel Bright Picture book about a girl’s questions about her father published by Puffin
An energetic, colorful and imaginative look at what Daisy’s dad does when he is at work and she is at school and playing with her friends.
“My daddy is an explorer!” said Daisy. “Is he?” said Evie. “Yes, he is!” said Daisy. “He climbs to highest of high-up places because he has mountains of paperwork to get on top of.”
Best suited to children aged four and up, older children will have fun with the author/illustrator’s treatment of Daisy’s interpretation of Daddy’s job description.
Quick Father’s Day writing and language arts activities for kindergarten and early primary grades
Father’s Day Wordplay
How many words you can spell with the letters in “Father” ? – at, fat, hat, hate, he, hear, her, rat, rate, the
How many synonyms you can discover for Father? Dad, daddy, pa, papa, pop
Make a list of words that rhyme with dad bad, fad, glad, had, lad, mad, pad, sad
with pop Bop, cop, crop, drop, flop, hop, mop, pop. stop, top
Try one of these Father’s Day writing prompts We were so surprised when my dad…. We decided to surprise my dad with… My favourite thing about Dad is… The best thing my dad taught me was… When I was four years old my dad…
Free Father’s Day Printables for Children
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Engaging and fun, these three Spring themed picture books feature gorgeous illustrations and delightful wordplay. It is no wonder that each is part of a popular series of children’s books.
Fans of Bear and his forest animal friends will enjoy reading about his springtime awakening. He is hungry and thin – eager for fresh berries, clover and fish but nothing seems to satisfy his enormous appetite. Bear Wants More is a read-aloud delight and features alliteration, onomatopoeia, rhyming and repetition.
They nibble on their lunch,
with a crunch, crunch, crunch!
But the bear wants more!
Rich, vibrant illustrations make this an ideal read aloud for groups. The story will be enjoyed by children aged three years and up.
Fletcher is relishing the sights and sounds of spring until he arrives in the orchard. When he sees the flakes falling amongst the fruit trees, he worries for his friends. He knows that the birds, Porcupine, Squirrel and the rabbits are ill-prepared for cold weather. He rushes to warn them. It is only when all of the friends are assembled that they realize that the ‘snowflakes’ are actually blossoms.
So the rabbits hoppity-roly-poly-plopped down the hill, through the woods.
They were chased by Squirrel, Porcupine,
the birds, and a bouncy, full-of-importance fox, all the way to the orchard,
where the ground was white with…
A sunny celebration of friendship and the seasons,Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms features onomatopoeia, alliteration and repetition. Delightful illustrations will engage readers, including in group situations. Great for children aged four years and up.
Rich with rhyming, onomatopoeia, alliteration and predictable text, Mouse’s First Spring is a happy look at the sights and sounds of springtime. Young Mouse and Momma venture outdoors on a windy spring day. Together they discover a butterfly, a snail, a bird, a frog, a flower and their love for each other.
There under a leaf,
Mouse found something
slithery and slimy.
What can it be?
wondered Mouse.
Luminous illustrations highlight the wonders waiting to be discovered in the out-of-doors. An excellent choice for babies and toddlers.
We hope you will enjoy these fabulous Fall-theme picture books with children and inspire them to create their own beautiful autumn-theme artwork.
Isn’t it wonderful to feel the subtle changes in the weather and once again welcome the gorgeous colours of autumn?
Today’s post highlights picture books that beautifully celebrate Fall and the changes it brings to the world around us. Lush green trees and fields gradually change to yellow, gold, orange and red. Pumpkins, squash and corn ripen while cooler breezes blow and the days shorten.
By the Light of the Harvest Moon written by Harriet Ziefert and illustrated by Mark Jones Fall picture book, set on a farm published by Blue Apple Books
Highlighted by luminous illustrations of a beautiful moonlit autumn night, By the Light of the Harvest Moon begins as the farmers wearily carry their last loads of the day. The full moon illuminates the animals grazing nearby and the quiet farmyard. Suddenly, a breeze blows through the farm, picking up the colourful dry leaves and swirling them about. A cloud of leaves settles in the pumpkin patch. When the gusts subside, leaf people emerge from the pile. First, come grown-ups. Then come children… and then pets. All through the night, the leaf people celebrate the beauty of Fall; bobbing for applies, stringing popcorn necklaces, stacking pumpkins and making wreaths. After play, it is time to savor delicious pies ~ pumpkin, apple, pear and pecan ~ before the wind blows the leaf people into the sky.
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves written by Julia Rawlinson and illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke Fall picture book, set in a forest published by Harper Trophy
When the world around him changes from lush green to gold, Fletcher worries that something is terribly wrong. His mother explains that it is autumn but Fletcher continues to watch with alarm as the leaves on his favorite tree change color and then start to fall. “Don’t worry, tree. “I’ve got your leaf. I’ll fix you.” Fletcher looked around, picked a piece of grass, and carefully tied the leaf to a branch. As the tree’s transformation continues, Fletcher does his best to collect the leaves, despite reassurances from Squirrel and Porcupine. They want to use the leaves to stay warm and cozy.
Young readers, familiar with the changes that autumn brings, will enjoy watching Fletcher discover the wonders of the seasons. The gorgeous ice laden tree is certain to inspire artists to read for their pastels and some glitter.
Kitten’s Autumn written and illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes Fall theme picture book for toddlers or preschoolers published by Kids Can Press
Beautifully vibrant and intriguing mixed media illustrations highlight this picture book for very young children. Written in rhyming couplets, the book is second in a series about Kitten. As the young cat explores the out-of-doors, young children will delight in the many animals that are encountered. Each is eating and preparing for winter.
For Leaf Man, author illustrator Lois Ehlert used color copies of beautiful Fall leaves from many different trees (including maple, ash, oak, birch, elm, poplar, hawthorn, beach, fig, cottonwoood, sweet gum). She crafted the beautiful rich colours, textures and shapes into an inspired story that will encourage young readers to discover the possibilities in a pile of autumn leaves. Die cut pages show us a fascinating world of chickens, ducks, geese, mics, vegetables, orchards, cows grazing, turtles and fish, butterflies, birds, and forestland, all created using leaves, acorns, maple seeds and sweet gum fruit .
Mouse and Minka spend a joyous day celebrating the gorgeous rich colours of Fall. Mouse saw round leaves and skinny leaves and pointy leaves and smooth leaves. The two friends celebrate the many colors and shapes while happily playing together in an enormous pile of orange, brown and red leaves. Best suited to preschool-age children, extension activities could include classifying leaves by shape or color.
Jack is an adorable orange and white terrier, brimming with personality. One busy morning, his family gets up, feeds the cat, eats breakfast and rushes off to school and work. Sadly, no one remembers to feed Jack. He is completely bewildered by the situation and he does his best to remind them that he is hungry. It is not until they are all out the door that his best pal remembers to feed him.
The Jack series is a great introduction to the wordless picture book genre. Relatively simple storylines will be easy for youngsters to understand. As well, the size of the books (7″ wide X 8 1/2″ high) makes them well-suited to small hands. Best for children aged three years and up.
When a six year old boy, his grandmother and her new husband go on vacation to a theme park, all is well until Hortense arrives. Hortense is Bob’s granddaughter and she is suddenly a threat. Nana shares her hotel room with Hortense, she sings “Lavender’s Blue” to her and she sits next to her for all the scary rides. To add insult to injury, Hortense even devises a special name for Nana!
Nana’s grandson is despondent. He can’t believe that Hortense has taken his special place with his grandmother.
It is not until Nana and Gramps take a ride in the Tunnel of Love that the two children are able to gain perspective and learn to like each other.
Note: Here Comes Hortense! is a follow up to Heather Hartt-Sussman and Georgia Graham’s picture book titled Nana’s Getting Married
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Father's Day Word Search
