The bond between parent and child is one of the most powerful relationships we can have. And the connection between dads and daughters can set the standard for the rest of a girl's life. In this collection of 30 books for dads and daughters, you will explore a variety of topics about this precious connection.
The first set of books targets dads and daughters with practical topics such as dealing with life and body changes. The second section is a collection of picture books for two-dad families, and the list finishes off with books specifically targeting dads who are raising daughters solo.
Books for Dads of Daughters (And all parents, too!)
1. It's Not the Stork
This trio of best-selling reference books introduces "the talk" in an age-appropriate way. It is intended to be read by both boys and girls, and provides information about both alongside an amusing conversation between a bird and a bee!
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2. It's So Amazing
Targeting the 7-9 age group, this follow-up book goes into more depth on questions from this age group. Our bird and bee friends continue to narrate their thoughts in this book as well.
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3. It's Perfectly Normal
The third book in the trio is intended for ages 10 and up. It covers a wide variety of topics, such as sex, STDs, consent, and gender & sexual identity. It also provides solid information on menstrual products that dad might not know about. This is a fantastic book to have on hand for when those questions just get too embarrassing! Multiple family configurations are also explored. Everything continues to be presented using age-appropriate language. And let's face it, kids are already being exposed to this information from their peers - better to have an accurate and quality resource to reference!
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4. The Happiest Baby on the Block
The next two books are essential for any parent's bookshelf. The Happiest Baby on the Block explains WHY your daughter won't stop crying. And more importantly, practical steps to help everyone sleep better at night! Who knew that babies even need to learn how to sleep?
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5. The Happiest Toddler on the Block
A continuation of the "Happiest..." series, this one focuses more on the temperament and behavior of toddlers. Because just when you think you have things down, your daughter will change things up and need a new set of strategies!
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6. Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters
Fathers of daughters know that their role is important. But that relationship permeates all aspects of a girl's life, from childhood through adulthood. Dr. Meg Meeker's classic guide explores the foundation that a father can establish with his daughter in childhood, and how to maintain that relationship for years to come.
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7. Dads & Daughters: How to Inspire, Understand, and Support Your Daughter When She's Growing Up So Fast
Another great book that explores the life-long impact that fathers have on their daughters. It starts with a self-assessment that allows dads to take an honest look at how they relate to their daughter and practical ways to both improve and nurture the relationship.
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8. Little Girls Can Be Mean
This book is intended to target social challenges in the years before adolescence and help raise bully-proof girls.
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9. Girls on the Edge: Why So Many Girls Are Anxious, Wired, and Obsessed--And What Parents Can Do
Girls' mental health is in crisis. But many of them have become experts at seeming strong and composed on the surface. They've learned how to mask the real struggle in order to maintain harmony at home and at school. Leonard Sax explores these issues and provides practical suggestions on how to help our girls thrive.
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10. The Princess Problem
Despite our best intentions, the princess phase is nearly impossible to avoid (trust me, I tried!). But the quest for a fairy tale does not need to become a nightmare. Intentional conversations about advertising techniques, gender inequality, and how movies influence behavior can help girls recognize persuasive techniques.
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11. Cinderella Ate My Daughter
While previously ignored as a demographic, the "tween" years have become fair game for music, movies, and TikTok influencers. Peggy Orenstein explores the disturbing trends in girl identity - and provides concrete advice on how to counter its influence.
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12. Thriving Girl Dad
Motivated by his own adult daughters, Brian Young set out to figure out what worked in his own journey of fatherhood...and what didn't. This book helps fathers with everyday conversations and interactions.
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13. A Dad's Fun Guide to Raising Happy Daughters
After focusing on the challenges of raising girls, it's time to focus on a celebration of fatherhood! Explore the joys of the father-daughter relationship through imagination and play, while simultaneously empowering her to follow her own path.
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14. Ramona and Her Father
This story is about major changes in Ramona's family after her father loses his job and has the opportunity for increased bonding time with his kids. In Beverly Cleary's beloved stories we get to see the world through Ramona's eyes. Her father gets to take center stage in this installment.
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15. Papa Put a Man on the Moon
A beautiful quiet-time story that explores the pride that a young girl has in her dad's accomplishments. A semi-autobiographical story based on the author's own family history, it's a heartwarming reminder that our girls can be just as excited for us as we are for them.
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16. Just Dad and Me: A Father-Daughter Journal
Interacting in written form is powerful This journal gives fathers and daughters a keepsake way to learn about each other.
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Books for Families with Two Dads
17. And Tango Makes Three
This charming story is based on real events at the Central Park Zoo. Two male penguins successfully hatched and raised a motherless egg and gave the world a heartwarming story of family love.
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18. Love is in the Hair
While unable to sleep in anticipation of the birth of her younger sibling, Carter asks her Uncle Marcus about his dreadlocks. Marcus uses the beautiful things in his hair to tell her about his life with his partner Uncle Jeff, as well as the night of her own birth.
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19. Adventures with My Daddies
This charming rhyming story follows the adventures of this little family as they adventure through a world of fantasy...and drift off to sleep.
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20. My Two Dads and Me
Multiple different families are shown in this charming story that puts family variety at the forefront. The family configurations and characters change throughout the book, so it may not read like a traditional story, but the message of inclusion and acceptance comes through clearly.
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21. Luke's Family Adventures
Namee.com has a variety of books that can be personalized to different family configurations and numbers. The characters' names, appearance, and gender can all be changed to fit in a truly individualized story.
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22. Stella Brings the Family
The charming illustrations in this book tell the story of a Mother's Day celebration at Stella's school. Except Stella decides to do things differently with her two dads.
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23. The Girl With Two Dads
When Pearl's school gets a new student, Pearl is excited to learn about Matilda's two-dad family. But she is quickly surprised to discover that Matilda's family is just like hers!
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24. ABC: A Family Alphabet Book
25. A Plan for Pops
While the child in the story is a boy, the family construction and overall message are beautiful. The story is about Lou, who spends a weekend day with his Grandad and Pops (a gay, interracial couple). But after Grandad takes a fall, Lou must overcome his own fears to help his Grandad.
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Books for Single Dads with Daughters
26. The Single Dad's Survival Guide
Learn how to make the life of a single dad work for you in this encouraging book. The Single Dad's Survival Guide gives advice on the practical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of parenting.
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27. But Dad! A Survival Guide for Single Fathers of Tween and Teen Daughters
Being a tween is hard. Being a teen is hard. But being the father of teen and tween daughters is probably the hardest! With advice on things like hygiene, boyfriends, and friendship drama, the authors provide practical advice for navigating the minefield of the teenage years.
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28. Jacob's Family Adventures
From the same publisher as Luke's Family Adventures above, this book lets you personalize the characters to fit your specific family configuration.
Learn More: NAMEE
29. Talk with Her: A Dad's Essential Guide to Raising Healthy, Confident, and Capable Daughters
As another resource on how to maintain a relationship with your daughter, this one focuses on one important thing: The power of daily conversation. As topics become uncomfortable for both dad and daughter, it is often easiest to let the silence happen. But teen girls need to know that they are heard and can talk to you about anything.
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30. Just the Two of Us: A Guide for Single Dads Raising Their Daughters
The author's tale of a life transformed guides this book. Part autobiography, part parenting guide, Vernon Kelson invites you to share his experiences and find the strength to make the best of any situation.
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