From going to work in faraway or dangerous jobs to walking with their kids around the neighborhood or reading bedtime stories, these fathers offer support and encouragement and set an example for their kids. As Father's Day approaches, or all year long, share these titles with little ones and families to recognize the important role Dad plays in their lives.

Board Books

Hey Now, Little Man by Dori Elys. illus. by Chris Park. S. & S./Little Simon. ISBN 9781665948746. 
Toddler-PreS–A range of father figures encourage a group of young boys to enjoy all the ways there are to be a boy. Celebrating the uniqueness of each boy and the “thousands of ways to be,” this colorful title breaks conventions and presents all kinds of possibilities. VERDICT Highly recommended.

You’re the Coolest Dad in the Box by Rose Rossner. illus. by Gareth Williams. Sourcebooks/Wonderland. ISBN 9781728284385. 
Baby-Toddler–Dads are the focus of this tool-themed tale. The text celebrates a child’s love for the father figure in their life, and how fathers are always there when we need them, teaching us to be brave and kind. VERDICT A good fit for new dads and a fun bedtime read-aloud to share on Father’s Day.

Lionel Is Just Like Dad by Éric Veillé. illus. by author. Gecko Pr. ISBN 9781776574650. 
Baby-Toddler–Readers are introduced to Lionel the lion cub and his dad in this brightly colored board book. Lionel loves to do all of the things that his father does: comb his hair, scratch his itches, and sing very loudly. VERDICT Simple illustrations and text on bright, solid backgrounds will keep the attention of young Lionels in the world.

Picture Books

Daddy, Tell Me a Story by Kathleen Long Bostrom. illus. by Ela Smietanka. WorthyKids. ISBN 9781546004332. 
PreS-Gr 2–A touching story about a girl and her dad at bedtime. Sophia, with brown skin and pigtails, asks for a story—but she continues to make suggestions and changes as her daddy makes it up. VERDICT Any child who enjoys a bedtime story will love this imaginative tale spun by Sophia and her dad.

 Harlem at Four by Michael Datcher. illus. by Frank Morrison. Random House Studio. ISBN 9780593429334. 
PreS-Gr 2–This book tells the story of two Harlems. The first part follows a modern Black family, a single father and his daughter Harlem. The second part tells the story of the Harlem neighborhood in 1904. VERDICT A moving tribute to two Harlems, and a must-purchase for all school and public libraries.

 A Flicker of Hope: A Story of Migration by Cynthia Harmony. illus. by Devon Holzwarth. Viking. ISBN 9780593525760. 
K-Gr 3–Lucía and Papá love watching the monarch butterflies outside their Mexico home. When spring comes and the monarchs must fly north, Lucía knows that her father will travel north as well. He is looking for work to help support their family. Lucía anxiously awaits the return of the monarch butterflies in autumn, knowing they signal the imminent return of her father. VERDICT This magnificent and hopeful tale of journeys and returns is recommended for first purchase.

[Read: Celebrate Mom With These 9 Board Books and Picture Books]

Unicycle Dad by Sarah Hovorka. illus. by Alicia Schwab. Amicus Ink. ISBN 9781681529028. 
K-Gr 2–Revolving around a father-daughter relationship, this touching tale adeptly relates the challenges of learning to ride a unicycle to the broader struggles in the father and daughter’s life. VERDICT A heartwarming story of family resilience and an empowering narrative about overcoming obstacles—a valuable addition to any collection.

 Forever and Always by Brittany J Thurman. illus. by Shamar Knight-Justice. Greenwillow. ISBN 9780063140783. 
K-Gr 3–The father leaves in the morning, and returns at night or works late, very late. Feelings, worried looks, and palpable tension in the beautiful painterly illustrations are the only clues of the pain this family feels during every moment of separation until Daddy returns home, safe. VERDICT Understateding that it’s sure to give flight to discussions, this book offers a reality right out of the headlines, but by leaving it child-sized has a huge impact. A necessary title.

The Words We Share by Jack Wong. illus. by author. Annick. ISBN 9781773217970. 
PreS-Gr 2–When Angie and her dad arrive in Canada, they know very little English. She learns a lot in school, though, and helps her dad translate grocery store items and restaurant menus, and creates signs for his work as a janitor. VERDICT A must-buy for every library.