One of my happiest childhood memories is the time I spent with my Dad on Friday nights. When my Dad got home from work, we would go to the library to choose books then it would be ‘treat night’ where I was allowed to have chips and watch The Dukes of Hazzard. My mom worked at a department store and would often have Friday evening shifts, so it was just me and my Dad (sometimes my older sister too) to hang out on Fridays. The new books were the best part.
In honour of Dads, I thought it would be fun to share some books that celebrate the roles of fathers (or father figures) in the life of a child. Some are for little ones, some are for older children, and others appeal to all ages.
What to say about this book? Only that it is so powerful that I cannot get through it without many rounds of tears. A book set in WWII about a young boy who is neglected and abused by his mother, but who discovers a father figure in gruff, country man Mister Tom. Evacuated to the countryside, Tom is taken care and loved by Mr. Tom – feelings he has never had before. This book is the whole range of emotions – heartbreak, warmth, and hope. In my opinion, this would be perfect for older children (10+).
This sweet picture book, part of the Growing Hearts series of books, follows a little girl’s relationship with her father. This is perfect for very small children and would be a lovely Father’s Day gift for a new Dad.
This beautifully illustrated picture book captures the feeling of a little boy caught between wanting to be brave but needing that little bit of reassurance. His tiny dinosaur keeps him strong when playing soccer or brave in the dark, but who can he tell when it goes missing? A very cute story for little boys, to know that it’s okay to feel scared at times.
One of my best friends gave this book to my son when he was born and it is a book that every boy (or man!) should have (there’s also a version for girls). Written by Conn Iggulden (who is also one of my husband’s favourite authors), this is a collection of the essential knowledge from flags of the world to how to tie various knots. It’s like a Boy Scout handbook on steroids, and my son adores going through the pages (the colour image of a sailor from the Franklin expedition fascinates him right now and he feels compelled to show it to me every time!) So much fun and the perfect gift!
It’s difficult to find really great books about fathers so please let me know if you have any to share!
Barre with Justine 
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