Celebrating Dads

Too often, we just hear stories about dads who aren't there. But there are so many fathers who are. They are teachers, comforters, heroes, friends. They are protectors, motivators, providers. And they're all around us -- even in the world of children's books.

Forget about fairytale perfection. These storybook dads are the real deal - strong black men with individual experiences and concerns but with a shared devotion to their children.

Here are some picture books that celebrate African-American fathers and father figures:

FATHERS

The Bat Boy and His Violin (Simon & Schuster), a poignant story of a boy whose father -- coach of a Negro League team - makes him bat boy and comes to appreciate his special musical gift, written by Gavin Curtis, illustrated by E.B. Lewis.

I Dream of Trains (Simon & Schuster), an eloquent tale of a boy who dreams of riding the rails with his hero, engineer Casey Jones, and discovers his own father is a hero too, written by Angela Johnson, illustrated by Loren Long.

In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall (Lee & Low), a collection of poems saluting black fathers, by Javaka Steptoe. In this moving volume, rising and renowned children's book authors such as Carole Boston Weatherford and Angela Johnson share the many ways fathers touch our lives.

Daddy Goes To Work (Little, Brown Young Readers), a sweet tale of a girl accompanying her father to his job and getting a peek at his working world, written by Jabari Asim, illustrated by Aaron Boyd.

A Day with Daddy (Teaching Resources), a lyrical look at a boy's weekly visit with his dad, written by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Nicole Tagdell.

One Million Men and Me (Just Us Books), a special view of the Million Man March through the eyes of a girl who was with her daddy the day black men made history, written by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Peter Ambush.

Bippity Bop Barbershop (Little, Brown Young Readers), a touching trip with a boy who braves his first haircut by having his daddy at his side, written by Natasha Tarpley, illustrated by E.B. Lewis.

Joe-Joe's First Flight (Knopf Books for Young Readers), a beautiful tale of how a boy's dream of flying gives wings to his father's - and their town's - hope, written by Natasha Tarpley, illustrated by E.B. Lewis.

Kevin & His Dad (Little, Brown Young Readers), a fun day just for the guys, written by Irene Smalls, illustrated by Michael Hays.

FATHER-FIGURES

When I Was Little (Just Us Books), a boy and his grand-dad share a nostalgic fishing trip, written by Toyomi Igus, illustrated by Higgins Bond.

My Pop Pop and Me (Little, Brown Young Readers), a boy spends a sweet day making lemon cake with his grand-dad, written by Irene Smalls, illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson.

Janna and the Kings (Lee & Low), a girl learns that even when her grand-dad is gone, his spirit remains, written by Patricia Smith, illustrated by Aaron Boyd.

When I Am Old with You (Orchard Books), a boy imagines being old with his grand-dad and sharing happy times with him, written by Angela Johnson, illustrated by David Soman.

Your Dad Was Just Like You (Simon & Schuster), a boy's grand-dad tells him stories that help the child understand his father better, written and illustrated by Dolores Johnson.