We might be a few days late, but we didn’t want to miss the chance to celebrate the dads who inspire us, especially the ones found between the pages of our favorite books.
There’s something timeless about a great literary father figure. Whether they’re brave, wise, quirky, or deeply loving, book dads often remind us of the many ways fathers shape our stories.
Here are a few of our favorite father figures from middle-grade books:
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Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird – A moral compass in human form.
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Arthur Weasley from Harry Potter – Endearingly curious and always kind.
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Mr. Murry from A Wrinkle in Time – A brilliant scientist and a devoted dad.
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Silas from The Graveyard Book – Okay, he’s not technically a dad … but he’s a guardian with heart.
And then there’s the dad behind Night Buddies, not a character, but the real person who brought our favorite adventures to life.
When author Sands Hetherington was raising his young son John, he didn’t just read stories at bedtime. He created them. Every night, the two would imagine wild new escapades featuring a red crocodile named Crosley and his young human companion. This was the original version of Night Buddies. These nightly storytelling rituals were full of laughter, imagination, and connection.
Sands, a single dad, took those treasured moments and turned them into books so other families could share in the joy. In a way, he gave all of us a gift that started with just one dad and one son making up silly stories before bed.
So here’s to the dads who read to us, play with us, teach us, and dream alongside us. Whether they’re fictional heroes or real-life storytellers, their impact is unforgettable.
Happy (Belated) Father’s Day!