This Father's Day (June 16), between the activities, cookouts and family outings, why not take a reading break? Below are a few picture books that kids and dads can read together, and middle grade books that explore and celebrate relationships with dads. Happy Father's Day!
Picture Books
Clifford's Day with Dad (Norman Bridwell)
When Clifford visits his dad in the country, they spend a fun day fetching, digging and playing together!
Mighty Dads (Joan Holub, illustrated by James Dean)
Mighty Dads is an adoring dedication to hardworking fathers and the subtle ways they teach their boys and girls to follow in their tracks. The Dump Trucks learn to get dirty. Crane keeps his little one safe from harm. The busy Cement Mixer gives his daughter a hug. The Forklift cheers his son on.
My Daddy (Peppa Pig) (Eone)
Just in time for Father's Day, read all the things Peppa loves about Daddy Pig. From cuddling up for bedtime stories to playing in the sand at the beach, Peppa and George love spending time with Daddy Pig no matter where they are!
Middle Grade
Confusion Is Nothing New (Paul Acampora)
Ellie Magari just learned that her mother is dead. Perhaps that would be sad if Ellie had ever met the woman. Exactly who was Ellie's mom? Does it even matter that she's gone? Perhaps a dead mom can still help Ellie figure out what it means to be a girl in the world today. Either way, Ellie wouldn't mind a role model beyond her master chef Dad.
Confusion Is Nothing New is about friendship, family mysteries, and the perfect pizza. It's also about fathers and daughters and girls who understand that it's good to make things, but breaking things is okay, too. In fact, sometimes breaking things is required.
Smart Cookie (Elly Swartz)
Frankie knows she'll be in big trouble if Dad discovers she secretly posted a dating profile for him online. But she's determined to find him a wife, even if she ends up grounded for life. Frankie wants what she had before Mom died. A family of three.
But Operation Mom is harder to pull off than Frankie expects. None of the Possibles are very momish, the B&B's guests keep canceling, Frankie's getting the silent treatment from her once best friend, and there's a maybe-ghost hanging around. Worst of all, Gram and Dad are definitely hiding secrets of their own.
If a smart cookie like Frankie wants to save the B&B and find her missing piece, she's going to have to figure out what secrets are worth keeping and when it's time to let go.
