BOOK MARKED
We Love Dads!
13 books devoted to fathers
and father-figures
This month on Father’s Day we honor dads of all sorts.

BY AMY K. ALAPATI, HEAD OF CHILDREN’S SERVICES AT THE DAMASCUS BRANCH OF
MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES
PICTURE BOOKS
A FATHER’S LOVE
Written by Hannah Holt, illustrated by
Yee Von Chan
Is your father’s love bright like the sun? Maybe it
has deep roots or soothes your hurts. From emus
to seahorses, playful illustrations and rhyming
text explore the different ways animal fathers
nurture their children, just as human fathers do.

Scientific end notes point out traits unique to
each of the nine featured animals, making this
book interesting for older preschoolers as well
as toddlers.

that being a father is a combination of many
professions. Waiter, chauffeur, judge — even
librarian! How many different careers can one
dad have? Readers will be fascinated by the
needle-felted figures and detailed scale-models
that illustrate the book; Wang’s description of
his creative process might inspire resourceful
families to make dioramas of their own.

EARLY ELEMENTARY
A DIFFERENT POND
Written by Bao Phi,
illustrated by Thi Bui
MY PAPI HAS A MOTORCYCLE
In the pre-dawn hours, a boy rises to join his
Written by Isabel Quintero,
immigrant father on a fishing trip to catch their
illustrated by Zeke Peña
evening meal. Along the banks they meet others,
There’s nothing Daisy Ramona enjoys more than watch the stars, recall loved ones from a faraway
adventuring with her Papi, who spends time with place and time, and relish each other’s company.

her even after a long day at work. Safely perched The bond between father and son is tangible,
atop Papi’s motorcycle, they explore their vibrant and while the story has somber notes, the
yet changing community in this jaunty picture evocative illustrations in this Caldecott Honor
book splashed with Spanish. A tribute to the book create a bright, immersive environment for
author’s old neighborhood, it’s also a love-letter readers ages 5-8.

to her father. Daisy’s joy is amplified by award-
winning illustrations that bring her family and INDIAN SHOES
their city to life. Just right for ages 3-8.

Written by Cynthia Leitich Smith,
illustrated by MaryBeth Timothy
DAD BY MY SIDE
Ray, a Cherokee-Seminole boy, trades his favorite
Written and illustrated by Soosh
neon hightops for a pair of old moccasins to give
You can be so brave and learn so much when to Grampa Halfmoon, who is both mother and
your dad is by your side. And sometimes he can father to Ray. The worn leather shoes remind
learn from you, too. Whimsical watercolors set Grampa of home, far from the city where they
the mood for a gentle recounting of all the ways now live. Vignettes of Ray and Grampa’s daily
a big, burly daddy cares for his tiny daughter, and activities are interwoven with gentle humor,
all the ways she helps and cares for him in return. great compassion for others and a deep love for
Young children will find connections to their own one another. Exquisitely written, this gem suits
lives in the day-to-day activities shared by this grades 1-3 or reluctant older readers.

sweet pair.

MY DADDY RULES THE WORLD
GREAT JOB, DAD!
Written and illustrated
Written and illustrated by Holman Wang
by Hope Anita Smith
This dad has a day job, but after work he discovers A working dad enjoys a game of catch when he
32 Washington FAMILY JUNE 2021