Father’s Day is just around the corner and now is a good time to think about gifts and plans for any father figures in your life!
Fathers are our courageous heroes, always there to protect and teach us. In honour of all the father figures who deserve our love and appreciation, we’ve curated a list of books to read with dad—the perfect way to spend quality time together—and a gift list we’re sure will have a book to pique his curiosity!
Happy Father’s Day, readers!
To Read Together
Sitting Shiva by Erin Silver, illustrated by Michelle Theodore (Orca Book Publishers)
A beautiful, heartwarming story of grief, healing and the importance of community. When a young girl loses her mother, she is comforted by her friends and family. But, when she sees her father sitting alone, she is able to support and comfort him in his own time of need.
Grumble, Yawn by Deborah Kerbel, illustrated by Jacqui Lee (Orca Book Publishers)
All dads know the challenges of helping a resistant toddler through their bedtime routine. Fathers will relate to the struggle, and little ones will laugh along as we follow a young girl and her cat reluctantly getting ready for bed. The book is made up entirely of sounds, reminding readers of their own bedtime routines.
Dan Auta: An African Tale by José Ortega y Gasset, illustrated by Piet Grobler and translated by Elisa Amado (Greystone Books)
Based on an African folk tale, this picture book is perfect for dads to read with children aged 9-12. Dan Auta follows Sarra and her little brother. When they lose their parents, Sarra promises to never let Dan Auta cry. She follows the mischievous child along on his adventures, caring for him and helping him save the city!
Coming Fall, 2022!
Be a Good Ancestor by Leona Prince and Gabrielle Prince, illustrated by Carla Joseph (Orca Book Publishers)
This thought-provoking picture book reminds us of the importance of intergenerational teaching, and how important it is to be a good ancestor. Children will learn to consider how their choices in areas such as environmental issues, animal welfare, self-esteem and self-respect can impact future generations. The story is rooted in Indigenous teachings, and accompanied by beautiful illustrations from Carla Joseph.
Ben the Sea Lion by Roy Henry Vickers (Harbour Publishing)
Based on a true story! While young Roy is fishing with his uncle, an orphaned sea lion pup accidentally becomes tangled in their net. Together, along with Roy’s cousin, they take responsibility for the pup, who they name Ben, short for Teeben—the Tsimshian word for sea lion. Follow their fun as they nurse the tiny sea lion back to health.
To Gift Dad
Capitals, Aristocrats, and Cougars: Victoria’s Hockey Professionals, 1911–1926 by Alan Livingstone MacLeod (Heritage House)
Captivating insight into Canadian hockey history. This book offers an in-depth look at Victoria’s largely unknown professional hockey players in the early twentieth century. These players were skating during a unique time in the country’s history—an era of unprecedented social, economic, and political change. Learn more about hockey’s role in shaping Canada’s national identity.
Somewhere There’s Music by Sean Paul Bedell (Now or Never Publishing)
Follow Joel, a young man fleeing an abusive home in search of his remaining family. As he tries to track down his brother, Joel learns more about the trauma his father faced as a first responder, and begins to understand the circumstances that have plagued their family.
When Trains Ruled the Kootenays: A Short History of Railways in Southeastern British Columbia by Terry Gainer (RMB | Rocky Mountain Books)
This latest book from Terry Gainer documents sixty years of history and change in British Columbia railway industry. Gainer’s own family arrived in Banff in 1948 when his father was transferred there as station agent, and the family lived in the residence on top of the station itself. Young Terry explored every corner of the station and worked many different jobs in the railway industry.
Never Say P*g: The Book of Sailors’ Superstitions by R. Bruce Macdonald (Harbour Publishing)
Described by the publisher as “The nautical reference book you never knew you needed,” is an alphabetical guide to sailor slang, myth and superstition. A fun and informative guide for any martimer, armchair sailor or history buff!
Deadly Neighbours: A Tale of Colonialism, Cattle Feuds, Murder and Vigilantes in the Far West by Chad Reimer (Caitlin Press)
A shocking look at Canada’s history, rooted in the 1884 lynching of Louie Sam. One of two recorded lynchings in Canada, this case study shines a spotlight on a the history of White settlers in Nooksack and Sumas, where the violent incident occured.