(Grand)fathers are always there for us. Whether it’s with a cheesy dad-joke or a big bear hug, opas, papas and other figures always know how to make us smile and cheer us up when we’re feeling low. In recognition of all the fathers and father-figures in our lives — and everything they do for us — we’ve put together a list of BC-published books that are sure to resonate with any dad or would-be (grand)parent.
Grandfathered: Dispatches from the Trenches of Modern Grandparenthood by Ian Haysom (Heritage House Publishing)
A “young” baby-boomer discovers the joys of grandparenthood after taking a step back from his career. In the heartwarming memoir, he recalls stories about his time with his grandkids Mayana, Emma, and Linden, and explores the changing role of the modern grandparent in child-raising.
Seed to Dust: Life, Nature, and a Country Garden by Marc Hamer (Greystone Books)
A beautiful portrait of gardening and the lessons it teaches us from a gardener who has been caring and tending to plants in an elaborate 12-acre garden for over twenty years. The book gives readers a glimpse of his life, the cyclical nature of gardening, and it’s comparisons to our real-world relationships.
This One Looks Like a Boy: My Gender Journey to Life as a Man by Lorimer Shenher (Greystone Books)
A candid, honest look at gender transition that proves it’s never too late to find yourself. This touching memoir by celebrated author Lorimer Shenher recounts the story of his gender journey, from childhood gender dysphoria to teenage sexual experimentation to early-adult denial of his identity, and finally his acceptance of himself.
Saturday at the Garage by Nancy Hundal, illustrated by Angela Pan (Midtown Press)
In this charming story, readers see the sweet relationship between father and daughter as a young girl helps her dad work in his shop, complete chores, and help customers. The book is based on author Nancy Hundal’s own fond memories of time spent working with her father, and is accompanied by stunning illustrations by Angela Pan.
My Heart Beats by Rina Singh (Orca Book Publishers)
A beautiful board book that babies and parents alike will enjoy. This collection of photographs features babies from all over the world, accompanied by the onomatopoeias used to describe heartbeats in different languages, reminding us that despite our differences and no matter where we live in the world, our hearts beat as one.
The Name I Call Myself by Hasan Namir, illustrated by Cathryn John (Arsenal Pulp Press)
A stunning picture book, perfect for introducing young children to the idea of gender journeys. Moving from age six to adolescence, readers watch Ari grow up and navigate the ins and outs of their gender identity. A touching story accompanied by the beautiful illustrations of Cathryn John.
Show Me the Honey: Adventures of an Accidental Apiarist by Dave Doroghy (TouchWood Editions)
An amateur beekeeper navigates the challenges of the hobby after being gifted 15,000 honey bees by his sister. He shares the highs, lows, joys and pains of beekeeping, and shares the often unacknowledged financial sting of keeping bees. The book is perfect for any hobbyist.
Forty Fathers: Men Talk about Parenting as told to Tessa Lloyd, with a foreword by Peter Mansbridge (Douglas & McIntyre)
A collection of stories on fatherhood by forty Canadian dads, who open up about both their own fathers and their deeply personal parenting experiences. Contributors include Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, writer Lawrence Hill, academic Niigaan Sinclair, athlete Trevor Linden, restaurateur Vikram Vij, anthropologist Wade Davis, musician Alan Doyle, artist Robert Bateman and philanthropist Rick Hansen.
The Sasquatch, the Fire, and the Cedar Baskets by Joseph Dandurand and Simon Daniel James (Nightwood Editions)
A charming story for children by Kwantlen storyteller Joseph Dandurand about the Sasquatch. Known as the spirit of the great cedar forest, the Sasquatch eludes human hunters, falls in love, fathers a lovely daughter and saves his little family from a forest fire by dousing the flames with water stored in baskets carefully woven by his mate. Includes stunning illustrations by Simon Daniel James.
Grandfather Bowhead, Tell Me A Story by Aviaq Johnston (Orca Books)
A charming, love-filled picture book about the lifecycle of Bowhead whales — the longest-living mammals on the planet, often living over 200 years. A grandfather bowhead recounts to his young grandchild calf all the beautiful, amazing, and surprising things he has seen in his lifetime, reinforcing the importance of a loving bond between grandfather and grandchild. Available September 2021.