Happy Father's Day!

Father's Day is the third Sunday in June, and this year falls on Sunday, June 15th. This special day is celebrated to show fathers everywhere that they are loved, appreciated, and remembered. Father's Day is a relatively new holiday, beginning in 1972, 58 years after President Wilson declared Mother's Day a national holiday. For more information on the beginnings of this holiday, scope out History.com. While many men initially balked at the day for its sentimentality, we are so glad the holiday exists so we can celebrate how cool our dads are. We'd like to share some awesome books to read with your favorite daddy-o.

Just Like Dad by Gina and Mercer Mayer. Little Golden Book, 2001.
Little Critter is eager to be just like his dad, and looks up to him very much. Each page shows him trying his best to mimic his dad in this sweet picture book.

The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish by Neil Gaiman. Harper Collins, Reprint Edition 2006.
What would you do to get some goldfish as pets?  Would you trade your dad?  In this story a child does just that and his dad barely notices at first because he is so busy reading the newspaper. Will he be able to make it back to his family?

Daddy's Do It Different by Alan Lawrence Sitomer. Disney-Hyperion, 2012.
Daddies and mommies do a lot of things differently, and this adorable picture book shows many of them. Mommy makes a delicious breakfast and eats with you at the table, but when daddy makes breakfast it involves a fort made out of waffles. Grocery shopping with mommy includes label reading and coupon clipping, but when daddy does the shopping he makes mustaches from bananas. But what is really important is what daddy and mommy do the same.

 

Saturday is Dadurday by Robin Pulver. Walker Childrens, 2013. 

Mimi's favorite day of the week is Saturday because it means she gets Daddy all to herself! When Daddy's work schedule changes, so do her Saturdays. Can Mimi still make Saturdays special? 

When Dads Don't Grow Up by Majorie Blain Parker. Dial, 2012.
This charming picture book follows four dads and their sons. Some dads have a tricky time growing up and show they are young at heart with shopping cart races and drinking from crazy straws. 

Things to Do With Dad by Chris Stevens. Buster, 2008.
This book has a ton of ideas for projects, crafts, games, and many activities to do with your dad. The fun doesn't have to stop with dad, however. Moms and grandparents can get in on the fun, too!

My Dad's a Birdman by David Almond. Candlewick, 2011.
In rainy England, Mr. Poop goes through the streets announcing the Human Bird Competition. Lizzie looks on in wonder as her dad begins eating bugs, donning wings, and building nests. Despite all of these odd behaviors, Lizzie and her father share a loving bond and she cheers him on in the competition.

My Dad Thinks He's Funny by Katrina Germein. Candlewick, 2013.
Urban Dictionary defines Dad Joke as "the style of joke limited to the dads of the world because anyone else would be able to see how embarassing the punch-line and response will be". You know that special brand of funny that dads have and when you hear it you cringe and roll your eyes? This book is for anyone who has ever marveled as the corny jokes dads make, smiled, and felt your heart swell with joy because you love him anyway. 

Where Did Daddy's Hair Go? by Joe O'Connor. Random House Books for Young Readers, 2006.
Jeremiah keeps hearing that his dad has 'lost' his hair. He searches all over the house to find his dad's hair, and in the process accepts diversity.

Wherever you are this Father's Day, remember to take a moment and let your dad or special father-figure know that you're thinking of him.