Becoming a dad is one of life’s greatest adventures. Every messy, magical, exhausting, hilarious stage of it. And of course it’s filled with more love than you ever  thought possible. Whether you're a brand-new father, about to become one, or shopping for the soon-to-be dad in your life, the right book can offer wisdom, reassurance, a laugh in the chaos, or a quiet moment of connection.

We’ve pulled together a collection of brilliant books for new dads - from board books you’ll be reading on repeat at bedtime, to factual reads about fatherhood, and even some fictional dads fumbling their way through nappies and night feeds.

Books for Dads to Read with Their Babies

It’s never too early to start reading to your child – even young babies enjoy being read to. Reading out loud prepares your baby’s brain for language. It teaches them about words, sentence formation, and introduces them to concepts like stories, colours, letters and numbers. We have a selection of wonderful books we recommend for babies and toddlers on LoveReading4Kids, and we recommend you take a look at this feature about how to encourage reading for pleasure in your child. It’s everything, and sets them on the right step for a lifetime of success.

Bonding with a baby often happens in the little things - like reading together, even when they can’t yet talk back. These gentle reads are perfect for building those first connections.

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
A tender, timeless classic about the immeasurable love between Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare. Cue: "I love you to the moon and back."

Your Baby’s First Word Will Be DADA by Jimmy Fallon
Yes, that Jimmy Fallon. Simple, silly, and surprisingly effective — this board book is designed to get babies saying "Dada" first (sorry, Mum).

I Love My Daddy by Giles Andreae and Emma Dodd
A lovely rhyming picture book capturing the everyday magic of fatherhood. Great for toddlers too.

For more inspiration check out our LoveReading4Kids feature: The Best Children's Books to read with Dad this Father's Day!

Factual Books: Navigating Fatherhood with Confidence (and Sanity)

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual - but these come pretty darn close. Funny, honest, and full of practical tips, here is a LoveReading selection of books to prepare you for life as a daddy!

The #1 Dad Guide by James Patterson

The quick and accessible guide to being the best dad you can be from the Sunday Times bestselling author, the perfect gift for dads new and old. James Patterson did the parenting homework so you don't have to - at least not as much. He talked to lots of experts, and lots of dads, and lots of experts who are also dads. He read everything he could. Then he wrote and rewrote this book for dads everywhere.

Commando Dad: Basic Training by Neil Sinclair
Written by an ex-Commando turned dad, this no-nonsense guide is perfect for practical-minded fathers. From nappies to night feeds — it’s parenting with a mission. And there’s now a whole series too!

Things to Do Now That You're a Dad by David Baird

This little book is packed with fun, creative and practical Things to do now that you're a Dad, whether you're a first-time Dad or you're trying to find new ways to create life-changing experiences with your children, this is the book for you.

Dadvengers: A Parenting Revolution by Nigel Clarke
A call to arms (or hugs) for modern dads who want to be more emotionally present, active, and involved in their children’s lives.

How Not to Be a Perfect Father by Kerry Hudson
A beautiful blend of memoir and guide, full of honesty, humour, and emotional insight — particularly resonant for dads working through their own upbringing.

Fiction Featuring Flawed, Funny, and Fantastic Fathers

Sometimes, you need a book that reflects the madness of new parenthood with a good dose of fiction-fuelled humour or pathos.

Man at the Helm by Nina Stibbe
A hilarious novel featuring a single dad and his precocious daughters. It’s witty, warm, and full of charm.

Instructions for a Heatwave by Maggie O’Farrell
Explores family dynamics, including the role of a father in crisis. Emotionally layered and beautifully written.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Not strictly a dad-at-first, but Don Tillman’s journey into unexpected parenthood in later books is both funny and moving — ideal for dads who enjoy a quirky, clever read.

About a Boy by Nick Hornby
A classic tale of an unlikely friendship between a man-child and a 12-year-old boy. Sharp, funny and surprisingly touching.

Final Word for Fathers

Becoming a dad is life-changing. In all the best ways and all the ways you never expected. Whether you’re reading to soothe a colicky newborn at 3am, trying to figure out baby-led weaning, or sneaking in a few pages of fiction while the baby naps - there’s a book out there for every fatherhood moment.

Explore our full collection of Books for Dads below and whether you're just starting your journey or are a few sleepless nights in - happy reading, Daddy. You can also check out our Parenting category for a full selection of books for every need, every stage, every challenge along the way.