Quick picks: our top recommendations
| Book | Author | Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Big Brave Daddy | Check on Amazon → | |
| Daddy’s Cheeky Monkey | Check on Amazon → | |
| Dads: A Field Guide | Check on Amazon → | |
| My Dad Makes me Happy | Check on Amazon → | |
| Sam and His Dad | Check on Amazon → | |
| Guess How Much I Love You: Pop-Up | Check on Amazon → |
Below are 42 titles in total — we’ve highlighted our 6 favourites above. Each one links straight through to Amazon AU.
If most Dads are anything like my husband then they will jump at the chance to read with their children to steal an extra cuddle. It is really lovely for children to have a special book that they share with their dads.
Big Brave Daddy
By SMILJANA COH
ISBN: 978-1609052119
Find Big Brave Daddy on Amazon AU →
Format: Hardback
Publisher: Blue Apple Books, August 2012
RRP: $14.95 (aud)
A small and bold lift-lift-the-flap book for toddlers. Each page shows Charlie doing something wonderful, such as riding a tricycle. Lift the flaps to reveal a daddy that Charlie aspires to; one that rides a bicycle, swims in rivers and climbs mountains.
Suitable for ages: 2+ (★★★★★)
My Dad’s the Coolest
Author: Rosie Smith
Illustrator: Bruce Whately
ISBN: 978-1742830742
Check current price on Amazon AU →
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Scholastic Press Australia, August 2012
RRP: $16.99 (aud)
Children of all ages will enjoy reading this short and simple book with their dads. Bruce Whately has cleverly used the attributes of various animals to light-heartedly and humorously illustrate the endearing text.
For ages 2+ (★★★★)
Daddy’s Cheeky Monkey
Author: Andrew Daddo
Illustrator: Emma Quay
ISBN: 978-0733331152
Find Daddy’s Cheeky Monkey on Amazon AU →
Format: Board book
Publisher: ABC Books (Find Daddy’s Cheeky Monkey on Amazon AU →
” target=”_blank”>HarperCollins), August 2012
RRP: $12.99 (aud)
Publisher’s Description: Someone′s pretending to be asleep, but Daddy′s cheeky monkey is awake and soon the whole house will be a zoo! A gorgeous board book about the cheeky names daddies give to their little ones.
For ages: 1+
Dads: A Field Guide
Author: Justin Ractliffe
Illustrator: Cathie Glassby
ISBN: 978-1742755496
Find Dads: A Field Guide on Amazon AU →
Format: Hardback
Publisher: Random House Australia, August 2012
RRP: $19.95 (aud)
Publisher’s description: What kind of Dad do you have? Find out with this handy field guide, a celebration of the many & varied types of dad. Recognised as the Universal Authority on Dad Identification, this invaluable book provides an intimate look at dads in their natural environment.
Learn how to identify each species by his distinctive dress, dedicated hobbies and surrounding habitat. Surfer Dad, Handy Dad, Holiday Dad – delight in spotting the idiosyncrasies that make up your beloved Dad.
For ages: 3+
My Dad Makes me Happy
Author: Tania Cox
Illustrator: Lorette Broekstra
ISBN: 978-1742378381
Find My Dad Makes me Happy on Amazon AU →
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, August 2012
RRP: $12.99 (aud)
Publisher’s description: What makes Dad happy? When he builds me a tower and I pick him a flower; when I write him a note for the pocket of his coat; when he helps me to fly way up high in the sky. What makes your dad happy?
For ages: 2+
Sam and His Dad
Author/Illustrator: Serge Bloch
ISBN:978-0980607086
Find Sam and His Dad on Amazon AU →
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Wilkins Farago Pty Ltd, August 2011
This is a warm, beautiful and gently humorous story about a dad’s place in the family. On the very first page of this book Sam tells the reader, “When I grow up, I want to be just like my dad!” Throughout the story he talks about his life with his family: The way his little brother takes his spot in his parents’ bed; that he enjoys listening to stories that his Grandma records for him; that his mum still makes him bottles even though he is too big for them. Most of the anecdotes Sam shares are about his dad though. He tells us what his dad is good at, what his dad says to him and what they enjoy doing together.
For ages: 4+ (★★★★)
Guess How Much I Love You: Pop-Up
Author: Sam McBratney
ISBN:978-0763653781
Find Guess How Much I Love You: Pop-Up on Amazon AU →
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Candlewick (Walker Books), August 2011
We all love this endearing and classic tale of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare trying to out-do each other with extravagant ways to say “I Love You”. Now it’s here in an elaborate pop-up version.
For ages: 1+ (★★★★)
Some Dads…
Author/Illustrator: Nick Bland
ISBN:978-1741697933
Find Some Dads… on Amazon AU →
Format: Hardback
Publisher: Scholastic Australia, August 2011
Sweet and comical, this book describes all sorts of dads from the worrisome to the naughty. The illustrations are bright and colourful and poke a little fun at dads. The rhyming text is succinct, and will definitely have you giggling as you read along.
For ages: 1+ (★★★★★)
No Kind of Superman
Author: Danny Parker
Illustrator: Matt Otley
ISBN:978-1921136771
Find No Kind of Superman on Amazon AU →
Format: Hardback
Publisher: Windy Hollow Books, July 2011
This book stands out from most of the other Father’s Day titles because it’s written from a dad’s point of view. This dad doesn’t always get things right, and certainly doesn’t do things the way mum does, but there are some skills he has that could certainly give him the title of super dad. He can make sacrifices, move heaven and earth to help his son, and show him the world- just to name a few.
For ages: 6+ (★★★★★)
My Dad Is Beautiful
Author: Jessica Spanyol
ISBN:978-1406330946
Find My Dad Is Beautiful on Amazon AU →
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Walker Books, May 2011
Publisher’s Description: Let me tell you all the ways my dad is beautiful… Playful, tender and so very true, this beautifully illustrated picture book celebrates the relationship between a little bear and its dad, showing all the different ways that fathers can be wonderful. It perfectly conveys how love is measured in a child’s eyes.
For ages: 3+ (unrated)
Daddies are for Wild Things
Author: Catriona Hoy
Illustrator: Mal Webster
ISBN:978-0734412263
Find Daddies are for Wild Things on Amazon AU →
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Lothian Children’s Books (Hachette), 2011
Some people think that daddies are for washing dishes and changing light-bulbs. This family loves their dad for the wild things he gets up to like pillow fights, rolling around on the ground and getting wet in the mud. This book is an ode to the fathers who love spending quality time with their children, getting up to mischief and making their children laugh.
Ages: 2+ (★★★)
Can We Lick the Spoon Now?
Author: Carol Goess
Illustrator: Tamsin Ainslie
ISBN:978-1921504259
Check current price on Amazon AU →
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Working Title Press, June 2011
It’s dad that helps bake a chocolate cake with his children in this story. This multi-tasking dad helps with the beating, whisking and whipping while also watching the baby and keeping the kids entertained as they wait to eat the cake. This is a lovely Father’s Day title because it celebrates the quality time children enjoy with their fathers.
Read about our Can We Lick the Spoon Now? inspired Father’s Day Gift Idea here
For ages: 2+ (★★★★★)
I Love My Dad
Author/Illustrator: Anna Walker
ISBN:978-1741697940
Find I Love My Dad on Amazon AU →
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Scholastic Australia,
For ages:1+ (★★★★)
I Love My Daddy
Author: Giles Andreae
Illustrator: Emma Dodd
ISBN:978-1408313008
Find I Love My Daddy on Amazon AU →
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Orchard Books (Hachette) April 2011
The sweet rhyming text and adorable illustrations are a great combination in this book about all the things a child loves about his daddy, from his prickly chin to the stories he tells from his head. A particularly charming page is of the boy and his dad snuggled on the couch eating chocolate bickies while mum’s not at home.
For ages: 1+ (★★★★)
Don’t Worry Douglas
Author: David Melling
ISBN:978-0340999806
Find Don’t Worry Douglas on Amazon AU →
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books (Hachette), April 2011
Douglas is worried he’ll disappoint his dad. While frolicking in his new hat (which his dad gave him), it becomes unravelled. He asks almost everyone to help him fix it, but eventually it’s Dad that comes to the rescue. This is a warm story about how being honest with your dad really isn’t so bad. After all, dads are understanding and helpful.
For ages: 3+ (★★★★)
My Two Super Dads
Author: Bronny Fallens
Illustrator: Munsta Vicente
ISBN:978-0987107015
Find My Two Super Dads on Amazon AU →
Format: Paperback
Publisher: BG Fallens, December 2010
For ages: 3+(unrated)
Publisher’s Description: Families come in all different shapes, sizes and makeup these days. This family has two dads and shares the story of day to day life: cooking, games and fun all around!
Dads
Author: David Bedford
Illustrator: Leonie Worthington
ISBN:978-1921541551
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Little Hare (Find Dads on Amazon AU →
” target=”_blank”>Hardie Grant Egmont), September 2010
A lift-the-flap book that looks at dads-in all shapes and sizes
For ages: 1+ (unrated)
Daddy Kiss
Author: Margaret Allum
Illustrator: Jonathan Bentley
ISBN:978-1921541308
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Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Little Hare (Find Daddy Kiss on Amazon AU →
” target=”_blank”>Hardie Grant Egmont), August 2010
This beautiful red-headed girl just loves all types of kisses both big and small. She likes to kiss butterflies and snowflakes, and gives them away when she’s sorry. Although she loves snuggly-cuddly-mummy kisses, her favourite kiss is a great, big bristly-growly-daddy-kiss. The colours in this book are subdued and beautiful.
For ages: 1+(★★★)
My Dad Thinks He’s Funny
Author: Katrina Germein
Illustrator: Tom Jellett
ISBN:978-1742031217
Find My Dad Thinks He’s Funny on Amazon AU →
Format: Hardback
Publisher: Black Dog Books (Walker Books), August 2010
Suitable for children aged 5+ (★★★★★)
Katrina Germein pays tribute to the ‘Dadism’: when dads play on words to create a clever gag. This book will be entertaining for all members of the family because dads do think they’re funny and kids love to roll their eyes at their dad’s jokes. You’ll be laughing out loud with this big collection of bad jokes and terrible puns.
Me and My Dad
Author: Sally Morgan and Ezekiel Kwaymullina
Illustrator: Matt Ottley
ISBN:978-1921541810
Find Me and My Dad on Amazon AU →
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Little Hare (Find Me and My Dad on Amazon AU →
” target=”_blank”>Hardie Grant Egmont), August 2010
A young boy spends the day at the beach with his dad. Together they laugh, play, tease and explore. The young boy shares with the reader all the things that make his dad brave and strong, like the way he flexes his muscles at a hungry shark. His dad is his hero but there’s one thing that makes him braver than his dad- he’s not afraid of seagulls.
For ages: 3+ (★★★★)
My Aussie Dad
Author: Yvonne Morrison
Illustrator: Gus Gordon
ISBN:978-1741692280
Find My Aussie Dad on Amazon AU →
Format: Hardback
Publisher: Scholastic Australia, August 2010
Aussie dads are great. They are classy, happy, sporty, polite, cool and calm. The comical illustrations might tell a different story though. There are a few slang words in this book but it humorously highlights the man our dad publically portrays and the real dad we all love, even when he burns the meat on the barbeque or gives up on the camping tent. The opening cover features a special space for children to attach a photo of their own dad.
For ages: 6+ (★★★)
My Dads
Author: Kelly Bennett
Illustrator: Paul Meisel
ISBN:978-1406327731
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Walker Books, June 2010
A young girl is putting together a scrap book of her favourite memories of her two dads; one is her biological dad and the other is her step dad. As she puts her scrap book together she compares her two dads. Although they are very different (“Dad likes to fish. Pa is a fish”), they do share similar interests. They both like to paint; one paints art and the other paints fences. They both like to cook; one cooks in the kitchen and the other cooks on the barbeque. Most important of all, they both love this little girl.
For ages: 4+ (★★★★)
The Daddy Book
Author: Todd Parr
ISBN:978-0316070393
Find The Daddy Book on Amazon AU →
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, June 2010
Publisher’s Description: With his trademark bold, bright colours and silly scenes, kids will learn that while no two dads are exactly alike, “all daddies love to hug and kiss you”, and that is what is so special about them! Perfect for young children just beginning to read, The Daddy Book is designed to encourage early literacy, enhance emotional development, celebrate multiculturalism, promote character growth, and strengthen family relationships.
For ages: 2+ (unrated)
I’m Glad You’re My Dad
Author: Cathy Phelan
Illustrator: Danielle McDonald
ISBN: 9781742030470
Find I’m Glad You’re My Dad on Amazon AU →
Format: Paperback/Novelty
Publisher: Black Dog Books (Walker Books), May 2010
Publisher’s Description: Dads are excellent! So make sure your dad knows just how much you appreciate him with this fantastic doodle book! With space for colouring, writing and your own drawings this is the perfect gift to complete and give to someone special.
For ages: 4+ (unrated)
Daddy Does The Cha Cha Cha
Author: David Bedford
Illustrator: Bridget Strevens-Marzo
ISBN:978-1921541162
Find Daddy Does The Cha Cha Cha on Amazon AU →
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Little Hare (Find Daddy Does The Cha Cha Cha on Amazon AU →
” target=”_blank”>Hardie Grant Egmont) February 2010
Publisher’s Description: Dougie’s daddy loves dancing the Cha Cha Cha. Meera’s daddy loves dancing the Scratch. But when the dads get dancing, poor Dougie and his friends have no room to move. So when Dougie has a party, he says: no dancing dads! This is a playful look at music, movement, and personal expression that is perfect reading for fathers and sons.
For ages: 2+ (unrated)
My Dad
Author/Illustrator: Anthony Browne
ISBN:978-0552560061
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Corgi Children’s Books (Random House), August 2010
Publisher’s Description: My dad can wrestle with giants, eat like a horse, swim like a fish …Can yours? This is a brilliant, humorous look at fatherhood from a child’s point of view
For ages: 2+ (unrated)
To My Daddy: Doodles For You
Editor: Philippa Wingate
ISBN:978-1921759000
Find To My Daddy: Doodles For You on Amazon AU →
Format: Paperback/Activity Book
Publisher: Find To My Daddy: Doodles For You on Amazon AU →
” target=”_blank”>Hardie Grant Egmont, 2010
This is an activity book for children to complete and decorate for their dad. There are pages to colour, spaces to draw and each page can be personalised just for one special dad.
Ages 4+ (★★★)
What Does Your Daddy Do?
Author: Gordon Reece
ISBN:978-0734411129
Check current price on Amazon AU →
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Lothian Children’s Books (Hachette), August 2009
Publisher’s Description: Tina tries to claim that her dad is an astronaut, but all the other kids know the truth, and say that he’s a garbage man. Why doesn’t my daddy do something important?’ Tina asks her mum. But he does, Mum says. Let me see… He does silly things to make you laugh, he plays games with you till way past your bedtime, he tickles your feet until you beg him to stop, he listens for hours to all your tall stories, he reads to you at bedtime, he does all these things because he loves you and that is the most important job in the world. Just then Daddy comes home from work and Tina rushes to give him a great big hug for being the best dad in the whole wide world!
For ages 3+ (unrated)
I Spy Dad
Author: Janeen Brian
Illustrator: Chantal Stewart
ISBN:978-1921042171
Format: Hardback
Publisher: New Frontier Publishing, July 2009
A little girl is playing eye-spy and searching for her dad. She can spot lots of dads, from a splashing dad to a dashing dad, and they’re all playing with their children. Eventually she spots her dad who’s just the one for her.
For ages: 2+ (★★★★)
My Dad’s a Wrestler!
Author: Matt Zurbo
ISBN:978-0734411136
Find My Dad’s a Wrestler! on Amazon AU →
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Lothian Children’s Books (Hachette), July 2009
This book is perfect for dads to share with their sons. It is humorous and fun, with bold and extravagant caricature-style illustrations. The story is indicative of many father-son relationships. The young narrator of the story is his father’s number-one fan. He exudes pride and admiration for his father.
Suitable for children aged 5+ (★★★★)
Molly and Her Dad
Author: Jan Ormerod
Illustrator: Carol Thompson
ISBN:978-1921272554
Find Molly and Her Dad on Amazon AU →
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Little Hare (Find Molly and Her Dad on Amazon AU →
” target=”_blank”>Hardie Grant Egmont), August 2008
Molly looks like her dad and she tells stories like her dad, but she doesn’t see him very much. When he does come to stay, they take a little while to get to know one another. But spending time with her dad is the best thing for her. She loves his wild stories, his pizzas and his loud music. Her dad does return home but she’s happy to talk to him on the phone. This gorgeous story and the warm illustrations will pull at your heart strings. It is a particularly lovely story for children who don’t live with their fathers.
For ages: 3+ (★★★★★)
My Dad’s a Birdman
Author: David Almond
Illustrator: Polly Dunbar
ISBN:978-1406313246
Find My Dad’s a Birdman on Amazon AU →
Format: Paperback/Illustrated Fiction
Publisher: Walker Books, August 2008
Publisher’s description: Join a father and daughter as they find their wings together in this funny, tender tale from a master of storytelling. Lizzie and Dad live in a rainy town in the north of England. It’s just the two of them, and Auntie Doreen, who pops round to check Lizzie’s spellings and tell Dad he’s daft — and make them nice hot dumplings. But today there’s something unusual going on: why is Dad building himself a pair of wings and studying the birds to see how they fly? The Great Human Bird Competition of course!
For ages: 8+ (unrated)
A Dad Who Measures Up
Author: Davide Cali
Illustrator: Anna laura Cantone
ISBN:978-0958557191
Find A Dad Who Measures Up on Amazon AU →
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Wilkins Farago, July 2008
A young girl and her mum have put an ad in the paper for a new dad. It’s a hard position to fill because Mum is so brilliant. He needs to be strong, handsome, intelligent, kind and athletic. They find a new dad who doesn’t quite measure up to the advertisement, but he is kind, loves to cook and reads stories each night before bed. He has his own skills and that makes him loveable.
For ages: 4+ (★★★★)
Read our full review here and inspired activity here
Me and My Dad
Author: Alison Ritchie
Illustrator: Alison Edgson
ISBN:978-0864617835
Find Me and My Dad on Amazon AU →
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Koala Book Company, August 2007
The illustrations in this book are enough to make you feel warm and fuzzy. This little bear just loves exploring and having fun with his dad. When he gets tired, or scared or needs help, his dad is always by his side.
For ages: 2+ (★★★)
Kisses for Daddy
Author: Frances Watts
Illustrator: David Legge
ISBN:978-1877003783
Find Kisses for Daddy on Amazon AU →
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Little Hare (Find Kisses for Daddy on Amazon AU →
” target=”_blank”>Hardie Grant Egmont), January 2006
This is an adorable story about the game a grumbly little bear plays with his dad before bedtime. Dad is trying incredibly hard to get a kiss out of his son but with no luck. The story is warm and the detailed and almost life-like illustrations are fun. There are cleverly hidden animals to be found on each page.
Suitable for children aged 3+ (★★★★★)
The Shack That Dad Built
Author: Elaine Russell
ISBN:978-1877003943
Find The Shack That Dad Built on Amazon AU →
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Little Hare (Find The Shack That Dad Built on Amazon AU →
” target=”_blank”>Hardie Grant Egmont), August 2005
Elaine Russell shares memories of her childhood in this touching story. Her memories start with the shack that her father built. Her dad was determined he didn’t want his family to live in an Aboriginal mission, so he built the shack from bits of tin from the tip. Although this book is not a traditional Father’s Day title, it is a typical story of how father’s work hard to provide the best for their children and their families.
For ages: 5+ (★★★★)
My Dad
Author/illustrator: Jeanette Rowe
ISBN:978-0733314247
Format: Paperback
Publisher: ABC Books (Find My Dad on Amazon AU →
&HCHP=TB_My+Dad” target=”_blank”>HarperCollins), September 2004
This book has many endearing qualities that make it a cute gift for a baby or toddler to give to their daddy. It is a ‘lift-the-flap’ book, and what toddler doesn’t like to lift flaps? The story includes everyday activities that children undertake with their dads, such as going to the park and having cuddles. The illustrations are bold and colourful, and there is even a little space at the back of the book where children can paste a photo of their own dad.
Suitable for children aged 1-4 (★★★★)
Spot Loves His Dad
Author: Eric Hill
ISBN:978-0723254829
Find Spot Loves His Dad on Amazon AU →
Format: Board book
Publisher: Frederick Warne Publishers (Penguin), May 2007
Publisher’s Description: Spot loves spending time with his Dad. They do lots of fun things together. Spot loves Dad, and Dad loves Spot.
For ages: 0+ (unrated)
What Does Your Daddy Do?
Author: Mini Goss
ISBN:978-0864614506
Check current price on Amazon AU →
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Koala Book Company, May 2006
Publisher’s Description: Where’s daddy? Dancing dangerously with a dainty dinosaur. Where’s daddy? Eating eggs with an enormous elephant. Where’s daddy? Cooking cup cakes with a cranky crocodile. A lift-the flap book for the youngest readers. Where is daddy? The child wonders where daddy could be, and is rewarded at the end of the story by daddy coming to read him to sleep
For ages: 2+ (unrated)
Just Like My Dad
Author/Illustrator: David Melling
ISBN:978-0340944035
Find Just Like My Dad on Amazon AU →
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books (Hachette), May 2006
This is a humorous story about the way children see their fathers in a glowing light. This cub wants to be just like his dad. He wants sharp teeth and a swishy tail, but the illustrations tell a humorous and realistic tale.
For ages: 3+ (★★★)
My Daddy and Me
Author: Rachel Flynn
Illustrator: Craig Smith
ISBN:9780140565119
Find My Daddy and Me on Amazon AU →
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Puffin, October 1998
Included in this story are funny moments that a child shares with his dad. What I really like about this book is the way that Rachael Flynn has invited the reader to become part of the story by posing questions on each page. This book is a great stimulus for sharing your own special family moments.
For ages 3+ (★★★)
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How we use these dad books at home
Joel is the dad on our team. He read most of these books out loud to himself before agreeing they belonged on the list. A few real-world habits:
- Build the Father’s Day stack. Pick three books from this list, wrap them as a stack with a ribbon, slip a kid-drawn card on top. Done. Don’t overthink it — dads love books that mean something to their kids.
- Read them with Dad, not about Dad. The best of these books work better when Dad is the one doing the reading aloud and the kid hears him say the lines about himself. Mum’s job here is to bring the snacks.
- For dads who travel for work: books like Hello Goodbye, My Dad’s a Birdman, and Dad on My Shoulders handle the “Dad isn’t home tonight” conversation gently. Reading one of these with the kid before Dad’s next trip changes how the goodbye feels.
- For step-dads, bonus dads, two-dad families: The Big Book of Families, Daddy and Daddy and similar titles deliberately frame “dad” broadly. We’d add Stella Brings the Family by Miriam Schiffer for a beautiful two-dad book if you can find a copy.
- Keep one for the inevitable rough day. Some dad books exist to remind everyone — Dad included — that being a dad is hard, weird, joyful and absurd in roughly equal measure. Big Brave Daddy, Dads: A Field Guide, and Daddy’s Cheeky Monkey all do this. Pull them out when the bedtime routine has gone sideways.
Why this collection matters
Picture books about dads have changed dramatically in the last 15 years. Older titles (the kind your own dad probably read) tended to position dad as the funny, slightly absent, work-tired side character to mum’s stable centre. The newer books on this list refuse that framing. The dads in My Dad Makes Me Happy, Dad and the Dinosaur, and Big Brave Daddy are present, emotional, sometimes uncertain, and clearly the parent the child is leaning on.
That matters for two reasons. One: kids develop their template for “what dads do” from picture books almost as much as from their own observations. Two: when dads see themselves rendered with care in a book, they read more often. The men we know who became confident bedtime readers got there partly by finding books that made being-a-dad feel important rather than supplemental.
Frequently asked questions
What about kids without a dad in their lives?
A handful of these books work as “a dad-figure” rather than specifically Dad — uncles, granddads, godfathers, mum’s partner. Hello Goodbye, The Boss Baby-style comedy titles, and The Big Book of Families all stretch the definition. We’d gently avoid the heart-tugging “my dad is the best” titles unless you know the child has a parallel relationship.
Best for Father’s Day?
Our team’s top picks are Big Brave Daddy, Daddy’s Cheeky Monkey, and My Dad Makes Me Happy. All three are warm without being saccharine, and all three look great wrapped.
Books that match my Dad’s vibe specifically?
This is where the team Slack lights up. Tradesman dad? The Construction Crew. Sport-obsessed dad? Pair with our AFL-themed books. Quiet dad? Dad on My Shoulders. Tell us your dad’s vibe via our contact page and we’ll send a personalised pick.
Are any of these by Australian authors?
Most of the warmer titles — Daddy’s Cheeky Monkey, My Dad Makes Me Happy, Dads: A Field Guide — are Australian. We deliberately weight Australian dads on this list because dad-as-imagined-by-a-Sydney-author lands harder for an Australian kid than dad-as-imagined-in-Connecticut.
Shop the full list on Amazon AU
Each link below opens an Amazon AU search for that title’s exact ISBN. We earn a small commission if you decide to buy — thank you, it keeps the lights on at the Bookcase.
- Big Brave Daddy
- Daddy’s Cheeky Monkey
- Dads: A Field Guide
- My Dad Makes me Happy
- Sam and His Dad
- Guess How Much I Love You: Pop-Up
- Guess How Much I Love You: Pop-Up
- Some Dads…
- No Kind of Superman
- My Dad Is Beautiful
- Daddies are for Wild Things
- I Love My Dad
- I Love My Daddy
- Don’t Worry Douglas
- Don’t Worry Douglas
- My Two Super Dads
- Dads
- Dads
- Daddy Kiss
- My Dad Thinks He’s Funny
- Me and My Dad
- My Aussie Dad
- My Dads
- The Daddy Book
- I’m Glad You’re My Dad
- Daddy Does The Cha Cha Cha
- My Dad
- To My Daddy: Doodles For You
- I Spy Dad
- My Dad’s a Wrestler!
- Molly and Her Dad
- My Dad’s a Birdman
- A Dad Who Measures Up
- Me and My Dad
- Kisses for Daddy
- Kisses for Daddy
- The Shack That Dad Built
- My Dad
- Spot Loves His Dad
- Just Like My Dad
- Just Like My Dad
- My Daddy and Me
📚 Looking for more book lists?
We’ve curated 28 picture-book lists across six themes — Family, Christmas & ANZAC, Australian identity, Learning to Read, Gifts & Milestones, and Themes & Activities. Hand-read by the team, age-graded, and ready to use.
