Daddy Dearest

In honor of my fantastic father and fathers ’round the world, I’ve devoted this post to a collection of my favorite new Dad-themed books. There’s one for every day of the week.

Oh, Daddy! by Bob Shea (HarperCollins Children’s Books, $16.99, ages 3-6))

Daddy is just too darn funny and goofy, too! That’s what makes him so special. Whether it’s getting dressed in the morning, eating lunch or just watering the plants, doing stuff with daddy is always better than doing it alone.

Handy Dad: 25 Awesome Projects for Dads and Kids by Todd Davis (Chronicle Books with photographs by Juli Stewart and illustrations by Nik Shulz)

Kids and dads will love this book filled with projects that combine craftsmanship, fun and the right amount of DIY for just about every skill level. I know I’m getting my hubby to make the Lion-Main Tire Swing, but some dads and kids may prefer to spend together time constructing the Stunt Dummy/Abominable Snowman, The Half-Pipe or Slingshot. It’s all here and it will keep the entire family entertained for hours, first building then playing!

Directions are straightforward and there’s a list of materials and tools needed for every project included. I really liked how the projects were even broken down into Easy, Afternoon and Weekend categories so you know what you’re getting into before starting out. There’s even a section on Knots, Resources and of course an Index. See you on the swing!

Daddy Calls Me Doodlebug by J. D. Lester with illustrations by Hiroe Nakata (Robin Corey Books/Random House Children’s Books, $7.99 ages 1-4)

Here’s a delightful board book for youngsters that deftly mixes playtime in rhyme for daddy and baby (animals included) with silly nicknames and rich artwork so anytime becomes a good time.

Daddy calls me Shoo-Be-Doo, we sing an ocean song.

Daddy calls me Mini-Me…we’re swinging right along!

Dad and Pop: An Ode to Fathers & Stepfathers by Kelly Bennett with illustrations by Paul Meisel (Candlewick Press, $15.99, ages 4-7)

If you’re a member of a blended family or even if you’re not, no matter what you call your dad, and stepdad, be it father, pop or daddy, what counts is not the differences, but being loved. This beautiful yet simply illustrated book
celebrates what makes fathers and stepfathers unique and presents a pleasing and important new perspective for kids.

Your Daddy Was Just Like You by Kelly Bennett with illustrations by David Walker (G.P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin Young Readers Group, $16.99, ages 3-5)

My son loves to visit my husband’s family home and explore his father’s childhood bedroom for clues into his dad’s mysterious, long ago childhood. Did he get up to no good? Did he have hobbies or any collections? Did he avoid taking baths like the plague? Find out how one little boy explores his daddy’s past by asking lots of questions to learn more about the little boy he is today.

Because I Am Your Daddy by Sherry North with illustrations by Marcellus Hall (Abrams Books for Young Readers, $15.95, ages 4-8 )

In gentle rhyme, North takes readers on a journey in airplanes, to baseball stadiums, on dinosaur digs, marching in parades and more to explore the breadth and depth of a dad’s love for his child. How refreshing to have a dad share his point of view. The retro-looking illustrations complement the verse and convey the upbeat spirit of this story

If I were a director, I would cast you as my star.

Your face would light up movie screens in cities near and far.

Let’s Have a Daddy Day by Karen Kingsbury with illustrations by Dan Andreasen (Zonderkidz, $15.99, ages 4-7)

Any day can be a Daddy Day as long as you’re together having fun. Build a fort in that old backyard tree or search for tadpoles in the pond, head outside to enjoy nature, play an impromptu game or just get hugs…Daddy loves to spend time with the kids he loves and the smiles on his children’s faces say WE LOVE DAD, TOO!