If you’re a parent or caregiver, chances are you spend a lot of time staring at the characters in your kids’ favorite picture books. They’re with you at bedtime, in the waiting room at the doctor’s office and whenever a toddler needs a distraction at a busy restaurant. You’ve read these stories so many times, you may even know the words by heart, but have you ever noticed that some of the dads in these books are … kind of hot?
One parent certainly has, and she was so inspired by the hot dads in picture books that she created a hilarious new Instagram account that’s caught the attention of parents everywhere.
Hot Dads of Picture Books has only existed since September 2022, but already it has more than 8,000 followers and its creator says she’s received hundreds of submissions from fellow picture book dad enthusiasts. The account features illustrations from kids’ books that show these “hot dads” reading their own kids bedtime stories, hiking, snuggling, cooking and performing all the other usual daily tasks of caregiving, like this father from author and illustrator Gaia Cornwall’s “Jabari Jumps.”
Or this dad from “Hike” by author and illustrator Pete Oswald.
The account’s creator, who asked to remain anonymous, says the inspiration behind the account is equal parts amusement and an appreciation of books. Not only did she think her friends might get a kick out of it, but she also enjoys the opportunity to showcase different authors and stories.
“I love children’s books,” she says. “I think they’re fantastic, and the creativity and work that goes into them is certainly something I want to celebrate.”
“I love children’s books. I think they’re fantastic, and the creativity and work that goes into them is certainly something I want to celebrate.”
— CREATOR, HOT DADS OF PICTURE BOOKS Instagram
At the same time, she adds, parenting can be a marathon, and when the nightly bedtime stories get a little monotonous, sometimes you start to notice interesting things about the people on the pages to help you get through it.
“It reminds me of when I served on a jury years ago,” she explains. “Whenever you’re in a contained environment from which you can’t escape, you kind of get a temporary crush on whoever is in there with you. There was an attorney who I was like, ‘OK, you’re my trial crush helping me get through this boring experience.’ And that’s kind of how I think of these book dads.”
“They’re maybe not the hot guys you’d notice walking down the street, but when you’re in that moment where you’re stuck reading and you’re tired, you’re grateful there’s a mildly attractive dad to get you through.”
The account’s followers certainly seem to agree. Each post so far has parents commenting on which dads are their favorite “DILFs” or have the best beards. Some have even dropped advice about which illustrators draw the best “hot dads.”
“Marla Frazee specializes in hot dads,” one person writes. “Also see: ‘Seven Silly Eaters.’ The beard!”
“She sure does,” another person responds. “That dad is 🔥🔥. He could do more of the cooking, but he does help with all the groceries.”
The creator makes sure to list the titles and authors for each of the books she posts, so it’s easy to track down new stories to enjoy at home with your kids.
So, what makes someone a hot dad of picture books?
“There’s the physical, like are they good looking, but that is not the only bar,” the creator explains. “I certainly think the qualities of being a good dad and caring for their kids make them qualify as hot book dads. And I want be sure to be representative of all different types of dads and books. Different backgrounds, different shapes and colors.”
“There’s the physical, like are they good looking, but that is not the only bar. I certainly think the qualities of being a good dad and caring for their kids make them qualify as hot book dads.”
— CREATOR, HOT DADS OF PICTURE BOOKS Instagram
As a society, we sometimes praise dads for doing the bare minimum. A dad at the park might get complimented for hanging out with his kids, whereas moms don’t always get the same recognition for the day-to-day work they do. The creator of Hot Dads of Picture Books says the account isn’t meant to contribute to that double standard. Rather, she wanted to create a fun space for parents to share a laugh, find some entertainment and maybe even get book recommendations for their next trip to the library.
“I think the goal is just to give people a smile and maybe go to the library and find some books you haven’t seen yet,” she says. “It’s a side project, and it’s been very fun. I’m so pleased that there’s already this kind of community around it.”
Oh and just one more thing … Hello and how are you to the ultimate hot dad from “Hair Love” by author Matthew A. Cherry and illustrator Vashti Harrison.
