Stories That Celebrate Fatherhood

Jun 24,2026 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

With Father’s Day this month, it’s a great time to explore stories that reflect the people who guide and support us. In this collection, we’re highlighting books that capture those quiet, everyday moments of care, strength, and presence.

From lighthearted adventures to more heartfelt reflections, these stories offer different perspectives on the bonds that shape us. Each one is a simple reminder of how lasting an impact those relationships can have.

Papa the Shoemaker by Kyra Kalweit

Step into William’s world and discover the art of shoemaking through fun and meaningful lessons.

Hi there, my name is William and I have a question for you!
Would you like to know how your shoes are made?
I invite you to come inside my papa’s workshop and learn all the secrets of the ancient art of shoemaking and more.

Let’s embark on a creative adventure of fun challenges and life lessons along the way.

Sometimes Daddy Cries by Todd Rennebohm

A gentle story about a child learning to understand his father’s depression.

Sometimes Daddy Cries is told through the eyes of a boy whose father suffers from depression. He sees his dad get sad, rest and even go to the hospital, all while comparing his father’s depression to a physical ailment.

Is My Dad a Superhero? by James J. Caparosa

A fun story about discovering the everyday superpowers that make a dad truly special.

Have you ever wondered if your dad has special powers? What makes him so amazing? Follow along in this fun story and try to unlock the mystery of what makes one father a real superhero. You will be surprised that the power is something we all can possess.

My Time With Papa by Shauntae Spaulding

Through a young girl’s eyes, a heartfelt journey of remembering and cherishing a beloved Papa.

This is a loving story about a little girl who lost her Papa and finds a way to remember all the wonderful memories she had of him that she will cherish forever. Walk down memory lane and recapture the memories of lost loved ones from the imagination of a young girl.

A Day Out With Dad by Riley, Enzo, & Zoe Pugliese

A playful beach day adventure with Cookie and her dad.

Cookie loves going on adventures with her dad, whether it’s on the farm, heading into the bush or at the beach. Join Cookie for a trip to the beach and see what she gets up to.

Author of the Month

Children’s author and illustrator Fred Smith on creating cool animated videos of his book highlighting the unique father and son bond

Jun 26,2020 / By Monica Martinez / No Comment

Calgary-based children’s author, Fred Smith, is originally from Santa Maria, California, where he served in the United States Marine Corps, rising to the rank of sergeant. As his military career was winding down, he met his wife and moved to Canada to start a family. He retrained as a graphic designer and photographer. His adventures in fatherhood inspired him to write and illustrate his first children’s book, My Daddy’s Legs. Fred Smith is using his artistic talents to create animated videos of his book on his YouTube Channel, Uncle Freddie’s Courtyard.

1. What inspired you to write My Daddy’s Legs?

I was inspired by playing games with my son and it reminded me how I used to play with my grandpa and uncles.

2. Did you have a number of ideas for a children’s book? How did you decide on this one?

I had one book idea before this; however, it was too ambitious for my skill level because it would have required its own app to be produced.

3. What are you most proud of in your book?

I am most proud of the rhymes and the fact that I illustrated the book myself.

4. How did you learn to illustrate and animate videos?

I got a diploma in graphic design in 2015, so I mastered Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects and Premiere Pro. All of those tools talk to each other and allow me the opportunity to do something different.

5. It’s nice to see more books highlighting the unique relationship between father and son, especially with Father’s Day this month. What was your son’s reaction to the book? Does he love reading the story at bedtime?

My son was excited to see the book but I don’t think he understands that every kid isn’t featured in a book. He knows that he is the lead character of the story and points out what he’s doing on every page.

6. What do you enjoy most about being a dad?

What I enjoy most about being a dad is seeing the world through the kids’ eyes when they experience something new.

7. What have you been doing to market and promote your book?

To market the book, I created a website as well as a YouTube channel called Uncle Freddie’s Courtyard, and I actively post new and original content on Instagram and my Facebook author page.

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Tag Archives: father's day books