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Sure, you could wrap up another bottle of aftershave or a novelty mug. But if you’re looking to give Dad something truly special this Father’s Day—something that actually sticks—try stories. Reading together isn’t just lovely in the moment, it’s the kind of tradition that echoes for years.
Whether it’s sharing a favourite book from childhood or discovering a new one together, a Father’s Day reading ritual helps build memories and a love of reading. Win-win. Here are some genuine, do-able ways to make reading the heart of your Father’s Day celebration—and to keep the habit alive all year round.
Why reading with dad matters
We all know that reading with kids is a good thing—but when dads, grandads, stepdads, and father figures get involved, something extra magical can happen. Here’s why:
- It brings you closer. Reading side-by-side creates proper one-on-one time (aka no phones, no distractions—just you, your child, and a great story).
- It builds confidence. Kids who regularly read with a parent are more likely to become happy, independent readers.
- It boosts literacy. Children benefit from hearing different voices, vocabulary, and perspectives—especially when Dad brings his own storytelling style to the mix.
- It makes books feel fun. When children see that grown-ups enjoy reading too, they’re more likely to pick up a book themselves.
Need more tips on helping your child learn to read? Pop over to our Helping Children Learn to Read guide.
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Starting your own Father’s Day book tradition
You don’t need grand plans—just a little time and a couple of books. Here are some easy, cosy ways to make reading part of your Father’s Day celebration:
Start the day with a story
Before the breakfast crumbs hit the carpet, snuggle up and read a favourite book together. A nostalgic classic or a laugh-out-loud new one—anything that makes you both smile.
Make a DIY reading nook
Pile up pillows, throw down a blanket, and build your very own Father’s Day story fort. Bonus points if you bring snacks.
Swap stories from when dad was little
Whether it’s a favourite book from childhood or a tale about the time Dad got stuck up a tree, kids love hearing their grown-ups’ stories. (Even the embarrassing ones.)
Add a dash of creativity
If your little reader is more wriggle than sit-still, try turning your reading time into an activity:
Create your own bookmarks
Design personalised bookmarks together using card, stickers, glitter, googly eyes—go wild. They’re fun to make and surprisingly useful.
Write a book (yes, really)
Start with a silly sentence and take turns adding to it. Or fold some paper into a mini book and illustrate your own epic tale—dragons, spaceships, missing socks, whatever you fancy.
Chat about the book over dinner
Talk about the story while munching on a favourite meal. Try questions like:
- Which character was the funniest, bravest, or most annoying?
- If you could jump into the story, what would you do?
- What do you think happens after the last page?
Make reading part of the celebration
This activity is the perfect way to establish reading as a shared tradition—something special that you and Dad do together, just for the joy of it:
The five-minute reading habit
Five focused minutes with the right book beats an hour of reluctant page-turning. Short daily sessions are where the real progress happens.
Goal
Build confidence and fluency through short, consistent daily reading — because regularity matters more than duration.
You'll need
- A decodable book at the right level
- A comfy spot
- A bit of patience
How to do it
Sit together and read a couple of pages. Let your child point to each word as they sound it out. If they get stuck, give them a moment before you step in — sometimes they just need a second.
When they do need help, try: "Say the sounds, then blend" rather than just saying the word for them. Keep the session upbeat. End it before anyone gets tired.
Five minutes every day adds up to over 30 hours of reading practice in a year. That's not nothing — that's everything. The habit matters more than the duration.
Grab our resources
Our handy star charts are the perfect way to track your daily progress as you tick off those five minute reads!
If your child would like to write something about a favourite book—or create something to read aloud to Dad—this activity helps them do that:
Write a book review
Fill in a short review while the book is still fresh — favourite moments, characters, whether they'd recommend it. Turns opinion into words.
Goal
Help your child organise their thoughts about a book and practise putting opinions into words — a skill that gets easier every time you do it.
You'll need
- Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced Book Review template — pick the right one for your child
- A book they've just finished
- Pencil and colouring pens
How to do it
Choose the right template — beginner for younger or less confident writers, advanced for those who have plenty to say. Sit down together soon after they've finished the book, while it's all still clear in their mind.
Go through the review together rather than leaving them to fill it in alone. Ask the questions out loud first: "What was your favourite bit? Who was your favourite character? Would you tell a friend to read it?" Let them answer verbally, then help them put the answer into the box.
The goal isn't a perfectly written review — it's the habit of thinking carefully about a book and forming an opinion. That habit, practised regularly, builds real readers.
Grab our resources
We have beginner, intermediate and advanced book review templates — pick the one that matches your child's confidence and let them share their thoughts.
Keep the habit going (no tie required)
Of course, reading together doesn’t need to be a once-a-year event. If your Father’s Day book time goes down a treat, here’s how to keep it going:
- Set a weekly ‘Story with Dad’ slot. Bedtime, Saturday mornings, post-bath snuggles—pick what works and stick with it.
- Start a low-key family book club. Choose a book everyone can enjoy and chat about it over dinner or a hot chocolate. Learn how to start a children’s book club to make it fun and relaxed.
- Try something new. Explore different types of books—mystery, poetry, comics, non-fiction. It keeps things interesting and shows kids how wide the world of reading really is.
The habits you build now often last far longer than the wrapping paper.
How Reading Chest makes it easier
One of the trickiest parts of reading together is always having the right books on hand. That’s where Reading Chest steps in. We send carefully levelled reading books straight to your door—no hunting through library shelves or panic-buying in the supermarket book aisle.
- Browse by book band to find the perfect level for your child.
- Swap books as often as you like to keep things fresh and exciting.
- Get expert tips to support your child’s reading confidence.
Frequently asked questions
What are good Father’s Day book gifts for children?
Look for books that feature dad characters or stories about adventures, humour, or animals—things that appeal to your child’s interests. You could also choose a series you can read together over time. Our book collection is searchable by reading level and interest, so you can find age-appropriate stories.
Are there children’s books about dads?
Yes, there are wonderful books featuring dads, grandads, stepdads, and all kinds of father figures. Some classics celebrate the special bond between dads and their children, while others feature funny or touching stories. Modern books also show diverse family structures, so every child can find stories that reflect their own experience.
How do I get dad involved in reading?
Start with his interests. If Dad loves football, find sports stories. If he’s into adventure, choose that genre. Let him choose a book sometimes. Make it clear that reading isn’t a chore—it’s time together. And remember, some of the best reading happens when it feels natural and enjoyable, not forced or formal.
What if dad doesn’t enjoy reading aloud?
Not everyone feels confident reading aloud, and that’s okay. Dad could read silently alongside your child, listen while someone else reads, or enjoy audiobooks together in the car. The key is time spent together with stories—it doesn’t have to look a particular way. Find the format that works for your family.
Father’s Day doesn’t need to be flashy. Sometimes the best gifts are the simplest: time, stories, laughter, connection. If you spend part of the day curled up with a good book and your child beside you, we’d call that a perfect celebration.
And if you want to keep the bookish magic going all year round? Explore our activities and see how reading can become part of your everyday family life together.
