It’s Father’s Day, a time to celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, mentors, and father figures who shape our lives with their love, guidance, wisdom, and support. Every father’s story is unique, and so is the way we honour them. Whether he’s the adventurous dad who loves a good journey, the history buff who enjoys discovering the past, the devoted family man, or the father who simply appreciates a great story, there’s a book that speaks to his interests and experiences.
This Father’s Day, we’ve gathered a collection of books to celebrate every kind of father. From inspiring biographies and gripping novels to thoughtful memoirs and entertaining reads, these titles make meaningful gifts and offer the perfect opportunity to share the joy of reading with the special dads in your life. Explore our selections and find the perfect book to say thank you, celebrate cherished memories, and create new ones together.
For the whimsical dads:
My Dad’s A Dog by Jimmy Walters
Meet Charlie Stump, a young boy with a big heart! His dog, Alfie, is his best friend, but his hard-working dad is never at home. When a magical wish transforms his world one day, Charlie discovers the true meaning of family, togetherness. and the bond between a boy and his dad.
Perfect for young readers, this charming tale celebrates the importance of being present, family and the joy of everyday moments!
For the tired dads:
Sleepy Grandad by Dave Boylesekera
Grandad can fall asleep absolutely anywhere - from hair salons to outer space! But there's one special time he always stays wide awake: story time with his grandchild. Sleepy Grandad is a heart-warming rhyming tale that celebrates the magical bond between grandparent and grandchild, proving that love is stronger than even the deepest snooze.
For the new dads:
Black Metal Dad: A Journey Into the Dark Underbelly of Parenthood by M'Lord Chook
For too long, humanity has wrapped itself in a cloak of lies that have indoctrinated us into believing that having a family is a worthy endeavour. Our narrator, M'Lord Chook, shreds this cloak like an Eddie Van Halen guitar solo. We are given front row seats on a journey that takes everything we thought we knew about living with children and hurls it into a demonic woodchipper. In this tale of two parts, M'Lord guides us through every facet of the horrors endured in raising a family. From preparing for your spawn's arrival into the world, to an analysis into why having a pet is a much more rewarding experience than having children, this book lifts the veil on the realities of living with kids. A tale of unicorns and rainbows it most definitely is not. This story has teeth.
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Black Metal Dad: Hunting Unicorns and other Tales by M'Lord Chook
Like a zombie rising from a plague pit, M'Lord Chook is back with a vengeance in this, the second volume of the Black Metal Dad saga.
Told in the same, uniquely hilarious style of, A Journey into the Dark Underbelly of Parenthood, this tome shines the spotlight on the mosh pit that is M'Lord's life. Incredibly relatable, you, the reader, will gain an intimate insight into what makes our narrator tick, warts, and all.
Be warned though, this book is not for the faint of heart. While, ‘Journey', was a rollercoaster ride, ‘Hunting Unicorns', is like free-falling without a parachute. Into a lake of fire. Surrounded by a lego beach. You have been warned.
So, take a seat and kiss your ass goodbye, the crazy train is about to leave the station.
For the dads interested in history:
Not Your Average Dad by Fiona Barrett
Fiona and Beverley's parents never spoke much about their past. There was no extended family to speak of, no wedding photos, no nostalgic storytelling in their family's household. This was simply life as normal - why would it not be? - until their father died. With his death, family secrets long buried began to surface, and when Fiona and Beverley began to peer beneath the surface, a whole tangled history began to reveal itself.
Tracing their family roots back to the 17th century, Fiona and Beverley discover a family history that threads itself through great historical events, international scandals, and domestic dilemmas. Touching upon politics, war, and a whole host of societal factors that shaped their family, Fiona's tale weaves together the personal and the historical as she learns both the truth of the man who raised her and about the world that brought his family to this point in time and place.
A fascinating illumination of what it means to know one's own history.
For the dads who like a dramatic story:
Best Dad Ever by Cathie Earle
A busy life, a busy wife and a beautiful young colleague, all combine to lead Fred astray. Fred is an outdoor pursuits instructor at a school in the French Alps and has always considered himself a family man. However, one balmy lakeside evening, he gives into temptation. Somehow his teenage son finds out and Fred's life, as well as those of his kids, his wife and even his dog, are radically changed.
While his family seek distraction from their heartache on the sunny wind-swept beaches of Spain, he tries to adjust to his new way of life. Fred dreams of repairing his relationship with his devastated children and being part of their lives again, but the hurt runs deep. Would life give him the chance to make amends? Could his family forgive him? Should they?
