Sure, you could give dad a tie. Or some golf balls, or grilling utensils, or whatever else dads seem to like.
But why not give him the joy of snuggling close for a read with his children? Picture books singing dad’s praises give him an intimate moment with his child, a love song across generations. (Or, some burp jokes. There are lots of those, too.)
Here are 21 books that are the perfect gift ideas for Father's Day.
1. "Cave Dada," by Brandon Reese
In this prehistoric bedtime story, big, strong Cave Dada is no match for the cry of his baba. Baba wants another book. (Even if that book isn't exactly a paperback.)
2. "Hike," by Pete Oswald
This nearly wordless picture book celebrates the bonding ritual of a father-child hike.
3. "Hair Love," by Matthew A. Cherry and Vashti Harrison
Zuri's hair lets her have superpowers, but she'll need Daddy's help to get ready for a special day. A short feature film of the story was funded by a Kickstarter campaign seeking more diversity and hair love in animation.
4. "Dandy," by Ame Dyckman and Charles Santoso
Daddy's lawn is perfect until a pesky dandelion appears and his daughter gets attached. In this funny tribute to a father's love, Daddy may need to change his idea of perfection.
5. "A Father's Love," by Hannah Holt and Yee Von Chan
Fathers come in all stripes in this rhyming book about fathers in the animal kingdom. They all share love for their babies.
6. "Daddy-Sitting," by Eve Coy
Daddy needs lots of exercise (and a little rest) in this sweet role-reversal. Taking care of Dad isn't always easy.
7. "Friday Night Wrestlefest," by J.F. Fox and Micah Player
It's Friday night and Dad is the star of the main event — a tag-team match against the kids before bedtime.
8. "Lion Needs a Haircut," by Hyewon Yum
Dad is ready to reassure little lion about getting a haircut — and little lion is ready to do the same for Dad.
9. "Pet Dad," by Elanna Allen
Dad does not want a pet, so Plum gets the only pet she can: Dad. He’s lots of fun, but the training is more complicated than she expected.
10. "Dad By My Side," by Soosh
With Dad by her side, this little girl can do anything. Tender illustrations show the special relationship between father and daughter.
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11. "Your Baby's First Word Will Be DADA," by Jimmy Fallon
Join the whole animal kingdom in trying to get baby to say Dada in this debut from "The Tonight Show" host.
12. "My Papi Has a Motorcycle," by Isabel Quinteroand Zeke Peña
When Daisy Ramona soars across asphalt with her Papi, she feels his love and explores their changing neighborhood.
13. "My Dad Used to Be So Cool," by Keith Negley
What could possibly have made Dad give up rock bands and motorcycles? Don’t worry, Dad’s still cool to his son.
14. "Daddy, Papa and Me," by Leslea Newman, Carol Thompson
Two dads means double the fun in this rhyming board book. Or check out these picture books that celebrate LGBTQ pride.
15. "Drawn Together," by Minh Lê, illustrated by Dan Santat
This one is for grandpas. A boy and his grandfather have trouble bridging their language gap, until they find a new way to communicate beyond words.
16. "My Dad Is Amazing," by Sabrina Moyle, illustrated by Eunice Moyle
Dad is tougher than a rhino wrestler and cuddlier than a ton of bunnies in this Technicolor board book for your littlest ones.
17. "If I Didn’t Have You," by Alan Katz, illustrated by Chris Robertson
What could a father and child do without each other? They entertain ideas of staying up late and using the child’s room for a personal butler, but each knows they’d rather have each other.
18. "Daddy Depot," by Chana Stiefel and Andy Snair
When Lizzie sees an ad for Daddy Depot, she thinks she can find the dad of her dreams, but discovers the model she has isn't so bad.
19. "Lawrence in the Fall," by Matthew Farina and Doug Salati
Lawrence doesn't know what to share for show-and-tell, but Papa has just the answer.
20. "Tell Me a Tattoo Story," by Alison McGhee, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
This tattooed dad has touching stories behind his ink, indelible illustrations of his love.
21. "Be Glad Your Dad… Is Not an Octopus," by Matthew Logelin Sara Jensen, Jared Chapman
Your dad might be perfect, but at least he’s not a dung beetle (who would pile poop in your room). This funny take on animal dads has fun animal facts for kids.
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