Bonding with Daddy over a Story (or Two!)

I love this quote from Albert Einstein, “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” We know that story time is important for children’s development; reading helps kids learn language and promotes imagination. However, telling tales with your little's is also a wonderful bonding experience.

While we may have moved away from traditional fairy tales in this era of gender equality, it is still difficult finding good children’s books featuring cool dads. For my hubby, who is “in charge” of bedtime stories in our household, this is a serious gripe!

Well, to help put a smile on every daddy’s face, we have put together the ultimate list of kiddies books featuring dads.

Your Baby’s First Word Will Be Dada

Hollywood celebrity Jimmy Fallon was on a quest to ensure his baby’s first words were ‘Dada’. Now, fathers all over the world can learn his secrets. Okay, that is a grand promise that is not quite fulfilled in this miniature storybook. However, there are loads of fun pictures that are sure to produce a laugh from your little (and your big!). We recommended this for children under 2 years old.

Find it on Amazon here.

Does Your Dad Roar?

This book is just too cute for words! Filled with colourful animal faces, Does Your Dad Roar is a fun way to teach young children about emotions. Daddy’s gonna be so popular trying to mimic all the wonderful sounds and rhymes in this book too.

Find it on Amazon here.

Daddy’s Girl

This is the perfect read during daddy-daughter time. Daddy’s Girl details all the fabulous preparations for a grand tea party where Daddy is the guest of honour. The hand drawn illustrations are both beautiful and delicious - I wish I could go to such a scrumptious tea party! We recommend this for children 4-7 years of age.

Find it on Amazon here.

Stick Man

Stick Man is a ridiculously funny story that both adults and children (6 and under) will find addictive reading. From the author and illustrator of The Gruffalo, meet Stick Man and his little Stick Family. Life is not easy being a stick - it’s a fire hazard!

Find it on Amazon here.

My Dad is Amazing

It’s easy to understand why Dads are larger than life figures in the eyes of our children. In this book, Daddy is a giant - but friendly - white yeti! This is a joyful tribute to all the things that make fathers special. Your little will squeal with delight over the exuberant illustrations and wild metaphors. Fun reading with babies and toddlers.

Find it on Amazon here.

I Love My Daddy

Ah, the classic fabric book, when your child is at an age where they like to read with their mouth. Maybe your big is too, ha ha. This gorgeous book about a cub and his big papa will make Daddy love storytime even more.

Find it on Jellycat here.

My Father Knows the Names of Things

It is so true. Dads seem to know everything. Take a walk outside with a boy and his father, and learn all sorts of weird and wonderful things - from the names of clouds to which type of moss is the fuzziest and what beetles are the smallest. This is recommended reading for curious children 4-8 years of age.

Find it on Amazon here.

Darth Vader and Son

Star Wars fans alert! If Daddy is keen to share his passion for the force with the next generation, then you might wanna check out this unique page-turner. It explores many ridiculous (ahem, I mean serious) questions, such as ‘What if Darth Vader took an active role in raising his son?’.

Find it on Amazon here.

Papa Please Get the Moon for Me

This book is pure delight. Monica wants to play with the moon so her Papa sets out to get it for her! Everyone will have fun opening the pages - they unfold outward and upward, while reading aloud a tale that epitomises a father’s love for his child.

Find it on Book Depository here.