Dad

by Christian Robinson

A loving tribute to all kinds of dads, animal and human,
from Christian Robinson, #1 New York Times bestseller, Caldecott Honoree,
and one of the most recognizable picture book creators of this generation.

Dad is strong.
Dad is sweet.
Dad dreams of watching you grow…

There are as many ways to be a dad as there are dads in the world. Dad is a bighearted love letter to all of them, reflecting the range of relationships dads have with their little ones.

Dad is destined to be a classic, an evergreen gift for new fathers, and one of those rare picture books that resonates with every listener at any age.

The perfect gift for baby showers, Father’s Day, or all year round!

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Family, Parenting, Storytime, Audiobook

48 pages, Hardcover

Published May 12, 2026

About the author

Christian Robinson is an American illustrator of children's books and an animator. He is based in Sacramento, California and has worked with The Sesame Street Workshop and Pixar Animation Studios. He graduated from the California Institute of the Arts.

Reviews

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dad by Christian Robinson ( May 2026) [reading Jan. 2026]
5m narrated by Joshua Quinn, 48 pages

Genre: Children's Fiction > Picture Book

Rating as a movie: G

Featuring: Paternal Parenting, Sound Effects, Animal List with Nonfiction Information

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟👨‍👦🧔🏿‍♂️🦍🦒🦉🦊🐺

My thoughts: I did not have a copy of the picture book that accompanies this audio but I was able to see 3 pages from the story to get an idea of how it looked. Reminded of a more refined Eric Carle. The picture book looks fantastic, and the audio is amazing. The narrator, Joshua has a deep soothing voice, I listened to this on 1x, and there are sound effects so even though I could not see the pages of the story I knew what most of the animals were. I even guessed seahorse even though it was just the sound bubbles and "Dad holds on tight." I think the last time I read an audiobook of this caliber for young children was Mice Squeak, We Speak, 25 years ago. When I had a one-year-old classroom they loved to sit down and read that book with the accompanying audio and I can totally see a group of 12 to 24-month-old children and 2 to 3-year-old children, sitting down in a group and enjoying this story. I can also see 3-6-year-olds sitting down on their own with headphones enjoying this story with the picture book. This audio is so engaging that you honestly do not need the visuals to go with it but I think they are more beneficial than the audio alone. I would definitely have this book in my classroom as well as my personal library for my children. Hopefully, they make a board book version so toddlers can enjoy it independently as well. This story features both animal and human fathers caring for their young, even sharks are mentioned. Thank you to NetGalley for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Recommend to others: I definitely recommend this book. It has been a long time since I have read a book of such a rich story for young children, the words are so simple yet so powerful. Which is a nice change from the recycled fluff they've been overproducing for decades. This one is a gem.

Memorable Quotes: Dad wipes away tears, and shares a few of his own.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple book about fathers and their children. Animal fathers are displayed in situations similar to human dads. For example, "Dad...makes mistakes" is accompanied by an illustration of a porcupette being stuck in the head by Dad's quills.

Cute story for Father's Day. Heads up that more information will be needed to explain how flamingos produce "milk".

[Lydia Underhill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute audiobook, but I feel like it falls flat without any visuals to accompany it.

thanks netgalley

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, well-produced audiobook! Did you know that some frog dads give their tadpoles piggyback rides to the water after they have hatched?

Christian Robinson always packs a lot of emotion into very few words, and this book was no exception. Dad is a very simple story that shows that there are many ways to be a dad, and that dads can be many things at once. I especially enjoyed the explanations for why certain animals were used to support the text.

The narrator, Joshua Quinn, was expressive and would easily draw in young children and support their comprehension. I thought the music was playful without being too distracting.

Thank you to Netgalley & Macmillan Audio for the ARC!

[Victoria Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, to books that accurately show the real-life range of relationships people have with their families!

But the book, right? It's a given that Robinson never fails with his illustrations, and using a menagerie of animals to show some of the most challenging relationships was a smart move. But it's his simple text conveying all the complicated ways we love our fathers that really shines. Robinson never says the "why" behind the words; instead, he allows his readers to take their own experiences and apply them to each statement, with no adult telling them they're right or wrong.

Some of Dad's dads are gone or leaving. My own kids experienced a father who traveled for weeks at a time, and I imagine that would be their read of "dad had to go away." But perhaps a child experiencing a divorce or a death might read it differently. Perhaps your dad is affectionate? But also, they could need "lots of space." Most young children don't question their family dynamics, good or bad, until they are a little older. Likewise, by using statements, Robinson doesn't attribute a value to any of the parenting. But he also doesn't shy away from the less-than-ideal. (Gibon) Dads CAN let you down, (shark) dads can have a temper, and (porcupine) dads can definitely make mistakes. And also be wonderful. Taken as a whole, the reader sees that parenting is complex and dads are not just one thing, but many.

And leaving no one out, backmatter for the more literally-minded kids provides factoids on each animal's fathering style.

I know my kids would have appreciated seeing their "Dad" in a picture book (I literally made my own book about Dads leaving!) when they were small, so it makes me very, very happy to know it's here for all kids — and dads- to enjoy now.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a review of the audio production. Thank you to Libro.fm for an advanced recording. The following review contains the plot of this work.

Christian Robinson is spectacular and I cannot wait to see this work in print. Audio works of picture books are best shared while viewing the art. They offer opportunities for children to build literacy and communication skills when they hear different voices read. While it shouldn’t replace reading directly with children, it’s a valuable resource.

Now, on to Dad! This audio features music and sound effects, and is brilliantly read by Joshua Quinn. Quinn’s voice is clear and emotive, expressing kindness and creating space around Robinson’s text without losing pace. There is a very subtle page movement sound, a helpful indicator of when to move forward and not obnoxious like the old beeps of yore. Even without a book, it simply feels like someone is sitting next to you with a book, sharing an intimidate moment.

Robinson’s story is about dads, how they support us and sometimes let us down. In minimalist language, he expresses the role of dads through various animals in the first half of the book, transferring seamlessly on to humans. There is a gentle understanding present in his story that is reinforced by Quinn’s voice.

Animal sounds pervade the beginning half of the text, so the listener knows when elephants and lions are on the page. Music, layered underneath, assists in the transition to human dads. Back matter describes the animal dads represented in the text concisely.

Highly recommended.

[Just Another Final Girl Review (Brittany) Levely-Connolly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this audiobook arc copy through NetGalley. Recently, I gave birth to my first child. I figured that since I’m already reviewing books that I read for myself why not review ones I read with my daughter. And if I’m going to be honest, as a parent reading children’s books can get very boring and repetitive VERY QUICKLY! Especially for a new mom who has yet to build up a good children’s library at home. So, I used my NetGalley account to request a whole bunch of children’s audiobooks and epubs to read or listen to with my baby.

I hated this audiobook in terms of content, depth and intellectual quality. The narrator and background music was great and my daughter absolutely loved listening to it. But it isn’t something that I would want to listen to on a regular basis, nor would I want to have spent money on this myself. It wasn’t that it was bad in any way. It just was very generic, broad statements about human dads and their relationship with and/or presence in their children’s lives. Ranging from active loving parent to more negative/absent parenting. Then it is followed by very brief facts about the various types and ranges of father-child relationships in the animal kingdom.

The second part was far more interesting than the first part and I wish it overall had been more factual and interesting like the second part.

[RobbyReadsActually · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Christian Robinson for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Book rating: 4
Audio rating: 4.5
Total: 4.25
Audiobook Release Date: 5/12/2026

My thoughts on the book:
I thought this was a really cute book shining a light on the relationships dads have with their children, both animal and human. I really enjoyed the second half that gives facts about dads from different animal species. My favorite was that fox dads teach their kits to forage food by burying it beneath leaves and twigs for them to find. I also didn't know that flamingo dads could produce milk for their chicks! Look at me learning new things from a children's book at almost 40 years old lol

My thoughts on the Audio:
I thought the audio production was great. Joshua Quinn is the narrator, and I think his voice suits the book. There is also plenty of music and sound effects to accompany the narration that I think kids will enjoy. The only downside to children's books in an audiobook format is not being able to see the pictures to accompany the narration.

[Steff Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Robinson's Dad is a beautiful book with a wonderful story and the opportunity for some excellent educational moments. The story is mainly focused on different sorts of animal dads and goes through some information about each of them at the end—tell you the truth, this was probably my favorite part.

There's a musicality to the audiobook that makes it a nice addition to the story and definitely one kids can fall asleep to if this is their favorite book. A really great book for dad-centric kiddos, also.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Hannah Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

We need more books like this for dads! This is an encouraging book for parents to read with their children. Christian did a great job of explaining in a childlike way how parents are flawed and make mistakes every day, but we continue to dream, grow, and try our best for and with our kids.

If you have an animal enthusiast or a child that loves facts, this is a great book to read with your kids. There are so many fun facts about animal dads and how they help feed or play with their animal babies.

“Like mother flamingos, flamingo dads can produce milk for their chicks.”

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an ARC of this book!

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet book with a lovely message. This is a book that uses few words, but they are used in an impactful way. Dads come in many forms, and that's okay! Not all families are built the same, and there's something beautiful about that. The illustrations were beautiful, and my kids loved them. My 6-year-old read this to us, while my 2-year-old sat next to him. The 2-year-old was loving the pictures! My eldest loved the facts about how different animals are, Dad's in the back of the book. He loves facts about animals, so this was a big point of excitement for him! This is one that everyone needs in their school or home libraries. We are all different, and there's beauty in that.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Christian Robinson's newest children's picture book Dad, there are analogies between human fathers and animal fathers from cover to cover. With a range of loving and nurturing to absent and upset, this is a cute children's book that works for all families. The illustrations were a highlight as was the diverse representation among the dad's themselves. There is a reference guide at the end which expands on how each animal featured in the book acts as a dad which I thought was helpful and reinforced the theme of the book.

Thank you to Macmillan Children's for the gifted eARC.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALC provided by Libro.fm for Librarians. Wonderful audio and text that honors all that dads are and do with and for their children. The non-fiction component about animal dads' roles in their offsprings' lives is fascinating and great for starting conversations with kids about how animals and people are the same and different. Perfect Father's Day gift idea! Looking forward to seeing the pictures when the book is released.

[Hypsypops · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am sure the art is what makes this book special. I know I was drawn in by the cover illustration. Unfortunately, I got the audiobook, as that’s what was available to me.

The audiobook is super cute with cute sound effects. I love how it includes all the bonus materials in the back of the book.

If I had to choose one, I would go for the physical book over the audiobook for the illustrations, but I can see how having both would be even better!

Thank you NetGalley for this ALC.

[Mikayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of Dad by Christian Robinson. This was such a cute book. I loved the facts about dads in the wild at the end, there were some tidbits I had never known before! I listened to this with my son and he really enjoyed it as well. I would recommend to any soon to be dads or dads to young children to get this book when it comes out!

[Mateo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dad was a sweet, quick listen that worked perfectly in audio. My youngest stayed engaged for most of it, especially enjoying the animal sounds woven throughout the narration. Joshua Quinn’s voice was calm and inviting, making it easy for little listeners to follow along.

A simple but meaningful audiobook that’s great for young kids and worth revisiting.

[Chrissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dad is a sweet ode to fathers, and their kids. It doesn't leave out a few realities, like sometimes dad has to leave, and it takes the time to give a few facts at the back about the animals listed. I loved that the audiobook added a few sound effects to give the listener a clue as to what animal is on each page. The narrator sounded friendly and I enjoyed listening.

[Lauren & Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dad is an adorable story that uses facts about animals to celebrate all of the qualities of a Dad, from strong to sweet and everything in-between. It’s emotionally well rounded and nice to see Dad’s described in a way that goes beyond the typical traits. This is one you’ll keep reading beyond Father’s Day.

We received an advanced audio copy so we did not see the illustrations.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A colorful and chunky illustrated book about what dad's do..and sometimes don't do. It was super sweet and showed dads crying, feeding and taking care of their kids. It was really great to see dad's portrayed in a care taking role, and with feelings. Short text make this s great ST read about dads.

[Saloni Porwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely audiobook showing the little quirks of the fathers from different species in the animal kingdom. I loved the added detailing of having soundscapes to represent these animals and bring them to life for the young listeners. I haven't read the written version of the book, but I'm sure the audiobook serves just as memorable an experience.

[Danielle Mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this audiobook from netGalley for a honest review.

This cute little book that tells you all the ways animals behave as dads and how they are like human dads is a great picture book for kids.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute and short audiobook about all the things dads do. I thought the facts about animal dads at the end of the audiobook was a very nice inclusion.

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Young Listeners for an early copy.

[Slynn]

Sweet and moving picture book about how dads succeed and, importantly, can also fail. Wonderful animal facts at the end! Learned that flamingo dads also produce a type of milk called "crop milk" to feed chicks in the flock. It is bright red!

[Shandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super sweet! And a perfect storytime book, with one sentence per page and large, clear illustrations. I also like the two pages of info at the end, that talk a little bit more about the different kinds of animal fathers.

[Angelica Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audible was a very quick listen but I loved the background noises that went along with the story. The narrator was clear, precise, and kept me listening.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read aloud by the author at the 2026 TxLA conference in Houston. Beautiful celebration of fathers and all their complexities.

[Brenda Kahn]

Perfectly sweet. Perfect in its simplicity. A wonderful gift to the young dads in your life.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Sweet
Simple declarations about dads
Mostly animal fathers with a few humans
Not completely accurate it seems- elephants are typically born among all females as far as I know.