Picture Books for Father’s Day

by Bethany Edwards

Before you rush out to get dad a new tie or a wrench or a steak dinner for Father’s Day, consider an alternative… I recommend hitting up the local bookstore for a few new books to read together! I have gathered 3 of my favorite new titles below that are perfect for Father’s Day or simply for an expecting father/any day of the year.

These picture books celebrate the warm, tough, hilarious, wise, and devoted feminist dads we know and love.

Disclaimer: I received these books for free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions, as always, are my own.

Sisters & Champions: The True Story of Venus and Serena Williams

On the very day this book was released, Serena made her debut return at the French Open and won her first match in a cat suit!
She made mamas all over the world feel like the superheroes they are!!
This inspiring picture book biography tells the story of two of the greatest female tennis players of all-time, and their dad who told them every day, “you are a champion.”

Venus and Serena are trailblazers and disrupters in the world of professional tennis. And we love every minute! Richard Williams is a celebrated champion of a father for explicitly raising girls who never accepted anyone’s limitations. The exhilarating book takes you from a tennis court in Compton, CA, to Olympic gold medals and becoming the #1 ranked women in the sport of tennis.

This book is written by award-winning sports journalist, Howard Bryant, and the gorgeous illustrations are done by Coretta Scott King Award winner Floyd Cooper.

Be sure to check out the story of these champions ASAP!
Recommended for Ages 4-8.

Purchase Sisters and Champions on Amazon | Shop your local indie bookstore

Follow and support on Twitter: Follow and support on Twitter: Publisher Penguin Random House

On Instagram: Author Howard Bryant

Dad By My Side

I search long and hard to find books about feminist dads who fully support their amazing and fierce daughters. Pet Dad is written and illustrated by Soosh. One of the first things you notice about the book is that the Dad is much larger than his daughter.

When I read the reason behind Soosh making him this way, I melted. The reason is that “this is how she (his daughter) sees him– and this is how many of us see out heroes.”

Larger than life, the story of Pet Dad is a tale of tender interactions and unconditional love. The hula hoop scene where it doesn’t quite fit around Pet Dad; hysterical.

The part of the story where they play chess and make breakfast together full of eggshells, heartwarming. The watercolor illustrations not perfect, just like parenting. They are “natural, personal, and just messy enough to feel authentic”.

Read on for a few more picture books with dynamic feminist dads and daughters.

Recommended for Ages 4-8.

Purchase Dad By My Side on Amazon | Shop your local indie bookstore

Follow and support on Twitter: Publisher Little Brown, Young Readers

On Instagram: Soosh

Pet Dad

Author Elanna Allen already won our hearts with Poor Little Guy. This new picture book, Pet Dad is just as delightful. Another laugh out loud adventure, this time with a dad and daughter duo.

Led by love, and more importantly, mutual respect, Plum and her dad work out the classic battle of a child wanting a pet and a parent wanting to avoid a pet at all costs.

And desperate times call for desperate measures…. so off Plum’s dad goes to becoming the best pet substitute he can be. From playtime to tummy rubs to ear scratching fun, Pet Dad gives Plum whatever she wants!

However, Pet Dad draws the line at fetch. Of course Plum is determined to train him into the perfect pet (while avoiding a time out by pushing too far). This read aloud is sure to be a hit with dads every where this Father’s Day! Don’t forget to use the recipe for Pet Dad treats to enjoy while reading!

Bonus: Hiding subliminally within in the story is also a lesson in manners for children.

Recommended for Ages 3-5.

Purchase Pet Dad on Amazon | Shop your local indie bookstore

Follow and support on Twitter: Publisher Penguin Random House

Hope these books help the dads in your lives enjoy endless hours of reading pleasure and bonding with kids!!