Celebrate all dads do with these 10 books — there's everything from how-to guides for first-timers [1] to sweet bedtime stories to read to baby. Because if you've ever waded through the ocean of parenting books [2], you already know there are hundreds upon hundreds to choose from, and that most of them are geared toward moms [3]. But dads deserve some recognition for their role in the parenting process, too.
These books will provide Dad with tips, advice, and some much-needed laughter and levity during those first few crazy months of parenting [4]. Read on for the best of the best dad books out there. The best part? They're all available on Amazon.
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
Babies don't stay babies forever. At some point, they find their voices and use them often (and quite loudly). Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish's How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk [6] ($9) is a great advice book that will give you the tools to better understand your children and communicate with them effectively — even if what they want to communicate about is how their world will surely crumble if they don't get another snack.
Dads Know Best by John Luzzi & Don Miggs
Dad Knows Best [7] ($14) was written for dads by John Luzzi and Don Miggs, two dads who have "been through it all and did everything wrong, but somehow ended up getting it right." The authors (musicians themselves) provide honest and often hilarious parenting advice from their own lives and other celebrity dads.
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Gaia Cornwall's Jabari Jumps [8] ($13) is the beautifully illustrated picture book about a young boy facing his fear of the diving board with the help of his father. Don't be surprised if you cry when you hear dad reading this one to your baby at bedtime.
Dad Is Fat by Jim Gaffigan
If you love Jim Gaffigan's comedy (who doesn't?), you'll love his memoir, Dad is Fat [9] ($12). A father of five, Gaffigan provides a bit of comic relief (amidst his insights into fatherhood and family life) for dads who are in the thick of new parenthood.
Nelly Gnu and Daddy Too by Anna Dewdney
We've all read our fair share of board books that focus on mommy, but Nelly Gnu and Daddy Too [10] ($9) by Anna Dewdney is an adorable board book all about dad. Nelly Gnu and Daddy Gnu demonstrate their beautiful bond as they spend their day together building a playhouse.
The Happiest Toddler on the Block by Harvey Karp, M.D.
Once you've survived the newborn days, Harvey Karp, M.D.'s highly regarded advice book, The Happiest Toddler on the Block [11] ($13) will be your go-to guide for getting through the toddler years. Dr. Harvey Karp covers tantrums, sleep, and everything in-between in this popular parenting resource.
You Made Me a Dad by Laurenne Sala, illustrated by Mike Malbrough
As one Amazon reviewer put it, "Do you and your husband want to ugly cry? Buy this for him from your kid for Father's Day [12]." You Made Me a Dad [13] ($12), a picture book by Laurenne Sala (with perfect illustrations by Mike Malbrough), will tug at your heartstrings with its celebration of the unique relationship between father and child.
Parenting: Illustrated with Crappy Pictures by Amber Dusick
In the blog-turned-book Parenting: Illustrated with Crappy Pictures [14] ($17), author Amber Dusick shares the crappy (and not-so-crappy) parts of parenting. This book may not solve your parenting problems, but it will remind you that you're not alone — and make you laugh in the process.
Go the F**k to Sleep by Adam Mansbach, illustrated by Ricardo Cortés
If the title doesn't give it away, Go the F**k to Sleep [15] ($14) by Adam Mansback, illustrated by Ricardo Cortés, is not a children's picture book. It is, however, a book you can read as you breathe a (very quiet) sigh of relief after finally getting your child to bed.
Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads by Gary Greenberg and Jeannie Hayden
Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads [16] ($11) reads like a survival guide but for parents instead of Bear Grylls hopefuls. If the dad in your life has never held a baby or changed a diaper, Gary Greenberg and Jeannie Hadyen's advice book will get them comfortable with both.