“My Daddy reads the best stories”: 10 books that will make storytime truly memorable

Many lucky adults have strong childhood memories of the warmth, comfort and humour of a bedtime story with Daddy. There’s one thing all of us at Better Reading agree on: Dads (and Grandads) can make bedtime storytime MAGIC.

Is it the rumble of the deeper voice? Maybe it’s the novelty of hearing Dad let loose his creativity using funny voices for the different characters? Perhaps it’s the one time Dad sits still and gives his undivided attention? Who knows!

What we can say for sure is that if children experience Dad valuing reading as a leisure activity then they are more likely to follow that example, whatever brand of magic the Dad’s in your orbit create.

Here are our pick of picture books, old and new, that will help create that memorable magic at bedtime.

1. The Daddy Animal Book by Jennifer Cossins shows us Daddy animals and their offspring in gorgeous illustrations, plus some fun facts about each animal.Did you know a Daddy wombat is called a jack and a baby eagle is called an eaglet?

2.  Counting on You by Corinne Fenton was originally conceived as a Father’s Day message, making it a great gift, but it can be expanded to include a much broader target audience. Beautiful illustrations by Robin Cowcher created in a limited colour palette make it a perfect gift for young and old.

3. “Warren the Koala is many things – a marsupial, cute and furry, a bit of a grump, but the one thing he’s not is a bear!’  Don’t Call Me Bear by Aaron Blabey is a wonderful, hilarious book to have some fun with! Ages 3-7

4. In Little Mouse by Riika Janatti, everyday life combines with the wonder of early childhood to produce a captivating story that’s sure to become a read-aloud favourite! Age 0-3

5. From the creator of Shh! We Have a Plan comes a mesmerizing bedtime tale of a forest settling into slumber and one little bear trying to stay awake in Goodnight Everyone by Chris Haughton. Ages 2-5

6. Josh Pyke is better known for his lyrical songwriting and rock star cred, but now he turns his hand to children’s books as well. In Lights out Leonard Josh battles the fears of the bedroom monsters and comes up with some practical solutions.

7. Fabish by Nerida McMullin and Andrew McLean is A powerful and beautifully illustrated picture book based on the true story of a heroic horse called Fabish, an ex-racehorse who saved a group of young horses during the Black Saturday bushfires. Ages 6-9

8. “Zoey isn’t like the other chickens. She has dreams. She has plans”. Chicken in Space by Adam Lehrhaupt bring out-of-this-world energy and humor to this bright, funny tale of imagination, friendship, determination . . . and one truly adventurous chicken! Age 4+

9. We can’t resist the allure of Bluey, beloved by children all around the world. Bluey and Bingo have put all their ideas about why they love their Dad into this little book –Bluey: My Dad is Awesome

10. Amazing Daddy by Rachel Bright is the perfect gift for brilliantly amazing daddies everywhere this Fathers Day as you join Daddy Panda and Little Panda as they spend a day together, sharing many special moments along the way. Ages 5+