I have already put together a gift guide for dads and grads this year, and books for dads as well as the almost-cliched but ever-popular grad-book-gift in earlier years’ posts (included later in today’s post). But when I discovered more books, I had to share them, for you never know – one of these might be the one for you, or the additional one that makes it all right and complete and almost-perfect!

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Picture-Perfect Books for Grads and Dads!

Short enough to finish in one sitting, wise enough to revisit for a lifetime. These books offer graduates something to hold onto—visually stunning, emotionally grounding, and great for coffee tables, dorm desks, or late-night pep talks. They work for high-school grads off to college and college grads off to face the real world as well. First up, the grad books..

🎓 Big Thoughts, Small Books: Picture-Perfect Wisdom for Grads

• If This Isn’t Nice, What Is? by Kurt Vonnegut and compiled by Dan Wakefield. A curated collection of Vonnegut’s graduation speeches and more—witty, wise, and full of humanity.
• In Conclusion, Don’t Worry About It by Lauren Graham. I love Graham’s humor and hopeful energy, “Your path doesn’t have to make sense to anyone but you.”
• John Cena’s Be a Work in Progress with illustrations by Valeria Petrone. Gentle wisdom and quiet strength, from someone who literally lifts others up. (Muscles not required—but Cena fandom is welcome in our house.)
• Carpe Every Diem by Robie Rogge is an inspiring compendium of quotes from motivational graduation speeches, minus the hours of sitting on stadium bleachers or folding chairs in the hot sun.
• Whatever You Are, Be a Good One by Lisa Congdon. This vibrant book of illustrated quotes is pure frame-worthy encouragement.
• Don’t Wear Shoes You Can’t Walk In by Michelle Douglas. For grads (and the rest of us), a soulful toolkit for the journey ahead—because moving forward matters more than arriving.
• The Graduate’s Handbook: Your No-Nonsense Guide for What Comes Next by Clark Gaither. Straight talk and solid advice for stepping into the real world, minus the fluff.
• Gmorning, Gnight! by Lin-Manuel Miranda. How could I resist this one? Daily check-ins from your favorite Broadway bard—equal parts pep talk and poetic hug.
• This Is Water by David Foster Wallace is a speech that doesn’t tell you what to think—but reminds you to think.
• What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada is a picture book with grown-up magic, as is his Maybe.
• And last but not the least is Charlie Mackesy’s stunningly illustrated The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. Like a cup of healing tea: kindness, hope, and curiosity steeped into every page.

👔 Dad, Distilled: Books for Dads Who Know (and Those Who Don’t)

For Father’s Day, consider books that dads will actually read—heartfelt, humorous, or just right for the man who gives great advice and still wears socks with sandals.

• Daditude: The Joys and Absurdities of Modern Fatherhood – Chris Erskine
  • Real talk, real laughs, and probably a grill somewhere in the background.
• Daddy is My Hero – Dawn Richards and Jane Massey 
  • One I have mentioned before. This one is simple and sweet, and celebrates every child’s first superhero – their dad!
• Things My Son Needs to Know About the World – Fredrik Backman
  • Here you see Backman in Dad Mode, and it is an evocative blend of humor and tenderness!
• Katie Clemons’ books – Between Dad and Me – for fathers and sons, and Love, Dad and Me for fathers and daughters
  • These two activity books are an adorable pair – just like the pairings they are created for.
• I always end up loving Marianne Richmond’s books, and this one – My Dad Loves Me – is no different!
• I have mentioned Gregory Lang’s books many times before, and this time I want to feature a different edition of his adorable Why a Daughter Needs a Dad. This one takes you on a visual journey of stunning photographs capturing cherished moments, shared adventures, and more.
• While these books might seem like homework for dad, and more like a gift for the kids, they are still perfect for Father’s Day. Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story and Grandfather, I Want to Hear Your Story are both an opportunity for dads and granddads to share their stories with you!
• You’re the Coolest Dad in the Box by Rose Rossner and Gareth Williams
  • This board book is perfect for dads with little ones, so they can read to them about being the coolest dad! But really, makes for a great gift for any dad. Pair it with a fun toolbox (check out this idea in my previous post)

More

• Dadurday to Celebrate Wonderful Dads Everyday and Everywhere
• Five Fantastic Finds for Father’s Day and More
• Great Bookish Gifts For Dad on Father’s Day
• 15 Books to Gift Dad for Father’s Day
• 19 Books (and My Life) Featuring Wonderful Dads
• Super Saturday – Super Dad
• Creative and Unique Gifts with Heart for Dads and Grads

And Now, the End of This Post

Dear reader, which of these books are you adding to your cart or reading list today? Which ones have you read already? Your thoughts on them please. And as always, I welcome your recommendations, suggestions, and any thoughts on this post.