5 Books that capture joy of reading with dad on father's day

India Today

15-06-2025

There's something deeply comforting about a father reading to his child. The low hum of his voice in a quiet room, a shared laugh over a silly page, the warmth of being close enough to hear the turn of every leaf. These are the moments that linger long after childhood slips away.This Father's Day, we return to those memories with a selection of picture books that honour the everyday magic of fatherhood. These are not stories of superheroes or epic quests, but of small joys and gestures made unforgettable by the presence of a father. A fashion show with saris. A moustache trimmed just so. A child's anger met not with scolding, but with crayons and buttermilk.advertisementEach of the five titles is drawn from the Parag Honour List, a thoughtfully curated collection of children's literature by Tata Trusts to promote access to access to high-quality children's literature, including those in vernacular languages.
Perfect for little readers, these stories are meant to be read aloud, again and again, curled up in a lap or sprawled on a mat, where the world is held gently between two covers.Here are five books that dads and kids will keep coming back to, finding something new to love with every reading:1. LISTEN TO APPA
Author: Asha Nehemiah | Illustrator: Shubhshree MathuradvertisementKala listens to her Appa. She really does. So how is it that their visit to Paati's house turns into one comical mishap after another? She splashes Appa with muddy water. He gets nearly run over by a cycle. And there's more! This laugh-out-loud story captures the chaos of a child trying her best and a father who rolls with it. Filled with lively illustrations and lovable quirks (yes, Appa's scrunchie too), the book captures the mayhemof an ordinary day spent in the company of a very curious child.2. IIHAM 'S BIRTHDAY
Author: Aftab Yusuf Shaikh | Illustrator: Tishya MalyaIlham has just turned a year older and her Papa has given her the most precious gift of all, her very own fifty rupee note. But where can she keep it safe? Her new frock doesn't have a pocket! As she darts through the old-city bustle, past the Makkah Masjid, sweet shops and cloth stalls, we join her search for the perfect solution.Steeped in the sights and warmth of Hyderabad, this endearing tale is about small joys and a little girl's very big moment.3. ANGRY AKKU
Author: Vinayak Varma | Illustrator: Vinayak VarmaAkku is having one of those days when nothing feels right, and everything is too much. Luckily, Appa is right there, not with lectures, but with time, patience, and buttermilk. He listens. He coaxes. He offers crayons. Through drawings, Akku slowly untangles her anger and lets out every grumpy thought. With gentle humour, psychological insights and sharp storytelling, the book shows readers what it takes to help children navigate their emotions.This one is for every parent who's met a grumpy face - and every child who needs space to be heard.4. BABA IN A SARI
Author: Kavita Singh Kale | Illustrator: Kavita Singh KaleWhat starts as an ordinary afternoon turns into a joyful whirl of colour as Moli and Baba dive into a heap of saris. There's a fashion show to plan, with outfits that sparkle and swirl and make them both feel fabulous.advertisementThis heart-warming story delights with the simple joy of dressing-up and the deep pride of a dad who joins in, wholeheartedly. With vibrant visuals, it celebrates imagination, expression, and the magical freedom of being exactly who you want to be.5. DADDY 'S MO
Author: Madhuri Purandare | Illustrator: Madhuri PurandareOf all the things Anu loves about her daddy: his crispy pakoras, his bright paper lanterns, his silly wrestling moves, it is his moustache she adores most. Every day, she watches him trim it just right, brush it neatly, and twirl it with pride. It curls just so, smells of shaving cream, and wiggles when he laughs.From turbaned warriors to clever TV detectives, she imagines every 'mo' in the world. Funny, tender, and brimming with character, this charming story is a child's affectionate tribute to a small but mighty detail, and to a father who is equal parts superhero and best friend.Ultimately, the story offers a comforting truth that love can survive even the most unexpected changes. Yes, even a clean-shaven face.