Father’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s time to celebrate the first man in our lives – our fathers. This year, why not take the opportunity to honor not just our earthly dads, but also our heavenly Father? And what better way to do that than by curling up with a good children’s picture book? Whether you’re looking for something inspirational, heartwarming, or just plain entertaining, there are plenty of options out there. In this article, we’ll explore eleven of my favorite children’s picture books that celebrate both our earthly and heavenly fathers. So grab your dad, settle into your favorite reading spot, and let’s dive into these uplifting stories.

Read more: 11 Father’s Day Books that Celebrate our Earthly and Heavenly Father

The significance of earthly and heavenly fathers

Fathers play a crucial role in our lives, shaping us into the people we become. They provide us with love, guidance, and support, often sacrificing their own needs and wants for ours. Our earthly fathers are the first to teach us about the world around us, to hold our hands as we take our first steps, and to pick us up when we fall. They are the ones who teach us to ride bikes, to drive cars, and to face our fears head-on.

But our fathers are not just limited to the earthly realm. As Christians, we believe in a heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally and watches over us always. He is the one who created us and knows us better than anyone else. He is the one who sent His son to die for us so that we could have eternal life.

Together, our earthly and heavenly fathers provide us with an unshakeable foundation, a sense of belonging, and a source of strength. It’s no wonder that we want to celebrate them on Father’s Day and every day.

The benefits of reading books about fathers

Reading books about fathers can be a powerful way to celebrate and honor our dads. Not only do these books provide us with heartwarming stories and beautiful illustrations, but they also serve as a reminder of the important role that fathers play in our lives. They can help us to connect with our dads on a deeper level, to understand their sacrifices and their love for us.

In addition, reading books about fathers can also be a great way to strengthen our faith and our relationship with our heavenly Father. Many of these books incorporate Christian themes and messages, reminding us of God’s love for us and His role as our ultimate Father. By reading these books, we can deepen our understanding of our faith and our relationship with God.

“The Berenstain Bears Father’s Day Blessings” by Mike Berenstain

“The Berenstain Bears Father’s Day Blessings” is a part of one of the bestselling children’s book series ever created. In this story, Papa Bear and Gramps receive a special gift from Brother, Sister, and Honey Bear. The cubs unselfishly plan a day filled with things Papa Bear and Gramps love. While hoping to hook fish, they catch something even better. This Father’s Day book encourages age-appropriate discussions about honoring your father and celebrating others. It is an engaging story about learning to think about others and celebrating life’s simple moments.

“God the Father and the Best Day Ever” by Gracie Jagla

“God the Father and the Best Day Ever” is a Christian picture book that celebrates the love of our heavenly Father. Gracie Jagla explains why Easter is the best day ever for our heavenly father in this video.

https://youtu.be/THlPc4rhSW4

The Daddysaurus and Crocodaddy

“How to Catch a Daddysaurus” by Alice Walstead is about a mystical creature capable of amazing acts of kindness, bravery, and humor. The rhyming text honors Dad for his strength, knowing how to fix things, and his ability to take care of his family.

“Crocodaddy” is a fun and playful book by Kim Norman. Crocodaddy was a game of pretend her sons used to play in their backyard pool. She loved to play it with her dad in the pool, too… or the lake. A little boy imagines his father is a crocodile swimming underneath him and giving water rides. Our dad’s strong and mysterious actions bring the Crocodaddy to life. The story illustrates how our dads are the best at playing make-believe. The illustrations are vibrant and engaging, and the story is sure to spark the imagination of young readers.

Why a Child Needs a Dad

“Why a Son Needs a Dad, and Why a Daughter Needs a Dad” by Gregory E. Lang and Susanna Leonard Hill are touching and sentimental books that celebrate the unique bond between fathers and their children. In these books, the author showcases all the ways a father will help his son grow. Likewise, the special bond between a daughter and her dad is celebrated as she is encouraged to be her best self. The illustrations are warm and inviting, and the message is sure to resonate with readers of all ages.

A Father’s Day without a Father

I would be wrong to assume everyone has an earthly father to celebrate this day with. “Olive’s Special Father’s Day” by Sonica Ellis is a heartfelt story of a cute little bear named Olive whose father has passed away. She struggles with what to do when her class begins to make Father’s Day crafts. Olive’s teacher, classmates, and mother want to help. This book helps children understand that grief and a sense of loss are normal feelings for them to have following a loved one’s death. Likewise, it promotes positive interaction among children, parents, and teachers. Consequently, it’s good for kids to express whatever emotions they are feeling.

Our Father, the Potter

Finally, “The Little Pot, The Tea Pot, The Oil Lamp, and Burnout Fit In” are four books that uniquely illustrate our heavenly father as a potter. In each of these books, the potter interacts with the different vessels he has created. The stories present unique and thought-provoking allegories that explore the role of our heavenly fathers in our lives. Each vessel is created for a special purpose, just like we all have a special purpose in life.

Conclusion and final thoughts about Father’s Day and reading books about fathers.

Father’s Day is a special time to celebrate the love and sacrifice of our earthly and heavenly fathers. By reading books about fathers, we can deepen our understanding of this important relationship and honor the important role that fathers play in our lives. Whether you’re looking for something heartwarming, playful, or thought-provoking, there are plenty of great children’s books out there that celebrate fathers. So this Father’s Day, why not curl up with a good book and show your dad just how much you love him?

Disclosure: The links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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By Dawn Stephens