The #1 Dad Book: Be the Best Dad You Can Be

by James Patterson

An advice book that actually works—and that dads will actually read!

“Hilarious and sharp…everything ​(and more) about being a dad.” –Ron Howard Hey, dad.
(Or soon-to-be dad.)
We get it.
You’re busy. You’re distracted. You’re under pressure.
But you do love your kids more than anything.
You want them to have really good lives.
You’re doing the best you can.
But you know what, you can do better.
The ideas in this book can help.
Try two or three or five and you’ll be a better dad.
Maybe a whole lot better.
So turn the page, dad.
You’re in.
You just made a big commitment.
1 hour.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook, Personal Development

192 pages, Hardcover

Published June 5, 2025

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, Michael Crichton, and Viola Davis, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Natalie Grim]

read this for work excited to be the best dad i can be as a childless woman in her 20s

[Jonathan Beeson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I see the intent of this book.

I’m just amazed the bar for being a “#1 dad” is this comically low.

[Klare · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read

[Jimmi Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really nice book. Patterson declares at the start that it would only take an hour to read, and that's accurate. Even with the "overtime" section, you could easily make the time.

I felt like he was speaking primarily to the "blokie bloke" kind of dad, with numerous sports references, but I think anyone could still enjoy it. It's definitely a book that I'll read again when my wife and I are gifted with a child or children.

Really well written.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short, quick read is one of the best available with practical tips for dads about how to be a good father, establishing a good relationship with your children from the beginning. The advice within these pages isn’t deep or earth-shattering but well worth reading and applying. I am sure that what is written here can be equally applied to being a mom, so it has a dual purpose. It is also a great gift book for the person in your life who is a dad or about to become a dad. The book is not comprehensive by any means, nor does it pretend to have all of the answers to all of the problems of parenthood. On the other hand, it approaches the daunting task of parenting with humor and wit as well as short vignettes that are memorable and helpful.
Disclaimer
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Kimberly Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure why I tortured myself with this other than I like reading James Patterson. Perhaps it was to reinforce my decision to not have my dad in my life. He didn't really meet any of these suggestions. For example, instead of teaching me what a good marriage should look like, I learned I never wanted to get married. Talk at the dinner table? Not when he was home... unless he felt like doing so. Anyhow, the book contains little reminders of what dads should be

[Kitten Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't love James Patterson anymore! I think every human should read this book... Mom, Dad, Aunt, Uncle.. person! We can all be better people and this is of course another thought provoking book by beloved James Patterson.

[Filip Olšovský · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't miss that hour of my life, I even did learn something, but I don't know... Nothing groundbreaking, maybe only in the number of super-short sentences, which start to get really annoying after a while.

[Kevin Franks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and fun read with simple Dad advice. Is the advice revolutionary? No, but it was all good advice to keep in mind.
Did it feel meaningful to read as a soon-to-be dad? Hell yeah.

[Miguel David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book with life lessons about being a dad. Think Daily Dad but not as preachy. Written beautifully by James Patterson. Worth the hour of your time.

[James Andrews · Rating 2 out of 5]

James Patterson writes books. Some are fiction. This one is non-fiction. It's full of advice.

He writes like this. Short sentences. Easy to digest.

He likes line breaks.

And repetition.

Lots of repetition.

That would be fine if the advice was useful.

But it isn't.

It's vapid.

Did you know you should be present in your kid's life?

Did you know you should laugh and play with your kid?

Did you know you should set boundaries for your kid?

(OK, maybe some people do need to hear that last one.)

Someone bought me this book when my son was born. I love the person who bought me this book.

But it cost them $25.

That's more like $30 after tax and gift-wrapping.

That irritates me.

It's a cash-grab with a famous name attached. A less charitable person might call it a scam.

If you want an actually useful book for dads, I'd recommend Armin Brott's series "The Expectant Father" and "The New Father".

[Gen Oren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so I am a dad of three. Twelve, twelve, and eight years old. I have been doing this long enough to know that most parenting books talk to you like you just found out babies exist. So I picked this one up kind of skeptically. James Patterson writing a dad book? Sure why not.
And here is the thing. It works. It really works. Not because it blew my mind with anything new but because it said out loud the stuff I already knew and needed to hear again. Be present. Hug your kids. Tell them your story. Listen to theirs. Simple. But man sometimes simple hits harder than complicated.
Patterson keeps it moving too. This thing reads in under an hour and it does not waste your time. Coming off a long shift and sitting down with something that does not demand anything from you but still gives you something real… that actually meant a lot.
Where it loses a star is the baby heavy stuff. A good chunk of it is diaper talk and newborn advice and my kids are way past all of that. I get it has to cover everyone but as a dad already in the thick of the tween years I wanted more of that and less of the basics.
Still. Four stars. Easy. The line that got me was this: your kids are your record. I have been thinking about that all week.

[Jamie Hairston · Rating 4 out of 5]

In full disclosure, I received this book from the publisher in exchange for reading it and providing an honest review. I regularly read many of James Patterson’s books, so I will always specify whether a copy is a personal purchase or a publisher's advanced copy.

When I first received this book, I was uncertain about how I would feel about it, as it is specifically geared towards fathers. However, after reading it, I realized that the father's perspective offers valuable insights. Any parent could read this book and gain helpful thoughts and tips from one parent to another.

This book would make an excellent gift for new parents but is also suitable for any parent. It is short and makes for a quick read. It is filled with useful advice for dads navigating their fatherhood journey and nuggets of knowledge from other parents.

This is not your typical Patterson book, as it is nonfiction and focused on parenting, but that does not lessen its value. I enjoyed it and look forward to passing it along to a father who will appreciate it as much as I did.

Thank you to the Patterson team and Little, Brown, and Company for sending me an advanced copy as part of the #JamesPatterson #StreetTeam.

Rated 4/5 Stars

This book is scheduled for publication in May 2025 and can be purchased/pre-ordered on Amazon.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read to your kids. You. Read. It doesn’t take much time to make a big difference. Reading to your kids helps boost their brainpower. It gives them new words and new ways of putting them together. Think about this: Kids whose parents read to them daily are exposed to almost three hundred thousand more words before kindergarten than kids whose parents don’t read to them. That’s more words than the first three Harry Potter books combined. A pretty good head start going into school, right?

Rating: 5/5

“What brings us together is our love of music. I’m from Jamaica, and we love hip-hop. Sometimes my daughter and I will go out on our own ‘date’ and that’s when we talk about everything. At dinner, I’m not Daddy. I’m her friend. Sometimes she says… ‘Forget you’re my dad… We’re going to talk like friends.’ Becoming a dad taught me what love is. I never really knew anything about love until I became a dad.” —GESLEY, RESTAURANT MANAGER; ONE DAUGHTER

Talk to them before they can speak. Once they start to talk, they’ll have a lot of very smart questions. Know why? Because everything in the infinite number of universes is new to them. So, try to answer their questions. Talk back in their alien tongue.

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” —FREDERICK DOUGLASS, ABOLITIONIST LEADER; THREE SONS, TWO DAUGHTERS

Here’s one of my trade secrets: When I’m writing a novel, I sometimes scrawl a note to myself at the top of a page that says, “Be there.” It reminds me that I need to put the reader in the scene so that they’ll really feel it. The same goes for being a dad.

You might not be able to be at every recital, every birthday party, and every game. But be at as many as you can. It matters. Sure, somebody else can shoot video of a game or birthday. But it’s only live once. Years later, your kids will not remember what song they sang, what flavor cake they had, or whether they won or lost that third match of the season. But they’ll remember if you were there.

Do not reward bad behavior. And try to avoid anything that smacks of punishment for punishment’s sake. Just because you’re mad at them in the moment, don’t take it out on them. You’re the adult. You’re the one they need to trust.

Words hurt. Kindness counts. And it goes both ways.

Muhammad Ali used to say, “There’s nothing wrong with getting knocked down, as long as you get right back up.” Don’t be afraid to discuss tough topics with your kids. They can take it. Help them make good decisions. Get them ready for the real world. It’s not getting any easier out there. To be honest, it seems to be getting harder every year. You don’t need to scare them. Just prepare them.

Let me break it to you as gently as I can: It’s time to grow the fuck up. No more BASE jumping. No more treks to Burning Man. No more swimming with sharks. If you’re still smoking, or vaping, or chewing tobacco, now is the time to quit.

Help your kids. They’re young. They’re mostly innocent. They can be knuckleheads at times. But they do need to understand that actions have consequences. Kids also need to understand that character means doing the right thing.

Here’s a little trick for giving advice to kids. Because sometimes, they don’t want to hear it from you. Maybe start by saying, “I’m sure you’ve already thought of this…” That usually gets them listening, gets them leaning in. Another random thought: Clothes don’t make the kid. It’s not about what they’re wearing, it’s about who they are. Inside. Teach them to be kind. Kind kids don’t make fun of other kids. Kind kids don’t even make fun of their sibs. Not too much anyway.

If just two, or three, or five of these ideas work for you—you’ll be a better dad, and that’s one hour very well spent. Be consistently fair. Trust really is built on consistency. And trust is everything. Be a listener. Listen to your kids. Listen to your partner. Listen to yourself. Learn how to say I. Was. Wrong. Just in case it ever happens. Don’t be afraid to say, “I love you.” Say it now. Loud and proud. Be a hugger. Hey, give yourself a hug every once in a while. Tell your kids your story. Listen to theirs. Read to your kids. Let them see books in your house. Have your kids’ backs. One day, they’ll have yours. Teach your kids to be responsible for their actions. And to be kind. That’s the sweet spot—kindness. Learn the value of the firm no. Change the stinky diapers, get wet at bath time, sing the little darlings to sleep. Be an all-world role model for your kids. Don’t argue in front of the kids. Grow the fuck up. It’s time. Eat as a family. And eat healthy. Most of the time anyway.

[Li · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend of mine gave the book to me after reading it. She liked it and I did also. I will bring it back to her at our book club meeting next month and hope someone else takes it.

The title is apt in its giving good practical advice for dads and for other guys in the family who might not have children but can step in to be memorable uncles, then grand-uncles.

It's also accurate in that it takes an hour, even if you stop to think about what you're reading, which is one of the reasons I decided to read it. The size of the book is small 4" x 6". Double-spaced much of the time, and lots of space in between text, where the reader has been encouraged by Patterson to make notes, draw pictures, doodles, lists, etc. This is a very freeing format to read.

I think all of the advice, suggestions, etc., broken down by many topics, followed by quotes from men who are fathers and to-be-or-not-to-be fathers, including their parenthood status and how many children they have if they are parents, is solid. Only having been a mother, I can see where the advice would be helpful for dads -- but also for moms.

I did think that an awful lot of the quotes came from traditionally male roles such as athletic coaches, truck drivers, active duty military professions. That's fine. There were also some gentler types.

I think this book would make a great Father's Day gift, especially for fathers who are expecting. That said, the price tag of $25 is a little stiff. I never would have bought it, but I was blessed to be able to read it.

[Erik Qualman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll admit it—I picked this one up because I love James Patterson. If he can keep me glued to a thriller until 2 a.m., surely he can teach me how to level up my dad game, right? Well… not exactly.

The good news? The title doesn’t lie—it really does only take about an hour to read. That’s the best part. Unfortunately, once you’ve finished, you might be left wishing there was more substance behind the flashy promise. Compared to the depth and twists I expect from Patterson’s novels, this felt a little thin.

As a dad who loves finding books to read with my tween, this one just didn’t give us much to talk about. No cliffhangers, no real “aha” moments—unless you count me realizing I should’ve just grabbed something else from the library.

Bottom line: if you stumble across it for free at your local library, it might be worth the quick read. Otherwise, I’d say save your dad jokes and your dollars for a book with a little more heart.

Erik Qualman (Author)
The Focus Project: The Not So Simple Art of Doing Less

[Tara Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

#1 Dad is a fast-paced, heartwarming story from bestselling author James Patterson, written in his signature BookShots style—short novels that you can read in a single sitting. This tale focuses on a single father's attempt to reconnect with his young son after years of absence, mixing humor, awkward moments, and tender emotions.

The story strikes a balance between comedy and sentimentality. Patterson cleverly captures the chaos and uncertainty of fatherhood, especially when the parent is trying to make up for lost time. The characters are relatable, with the father’s flaws and efforts making him both believable and endearing. While the plot is simple, the emotional beats hit the right notes, and the dialogue keeps the momentum moving briskly.

What makes #1 Dad stand out is its honesty. It doesn’t pretend that reconnecting with someone—especially a child—is easy, but it shows that patience, sincerity, and a little humor can go a long way. It's a feel-good read that doesn't overstay its welcome.

Perfect for anyone looking for a quick read that’s both funny and heartfelt.

Thank you Little Brown Company for the advance copy to read and review for an unbiased opinion of the book.

[lady cherise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generally good, well-meaning advice for new parents but forgets to consider that some people have very abusive parents who wouldn’t be safe grandparents for their child.

This is the part I took issue with:

“Some of you might be saying, ‘I didn’t exactly get along that well with my parents.’ Well, get out of the way. This is about your kids. Your parents are probably different now, and the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is definitely different than the one between you and your mom and dad. Bonus! Always remember this—grandparents are a great resource for free childcare and lots of cool presents.”

Part of me would love to think that my parents “are probably different now,” that they wouldn’t do to my baby what they did to me. But I can’t afford to put my baby under that risk…even if that means going against common wisdom about grandparents.

If there will be a second edition, a little section should be added to include the dads who are trying to break the cycle.

[Orsayor · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Patterson is known for thrillers, but in The Number One Dad Book, he steps away from fiction and shares parenting wisdom that really lands. This short and meaningful read delivers exactly what it promises. In just about an hour, it offers guidance on how to be more intentional, more present, and more connected as a father.

Patterson does not claim to be a parenting expert. He simply listened. He spoke with dads, with professionals, and with people who are both. Then he turned what he learned into a book that feels warm, honest, and down to earth.

The advice is simple but powerful. Hug your kids. Talk to them, even before they can respond. Tell your story, and help them shape theirs. This book is not about being perfect. It is about showing up every day.

I gave this one 4 out of 5 stars. It is a quick, thoughtful reminder that fatherhood is not about having all the answers. It is about being there and being real.

[E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start off by saying yes I know I'm not a dad or even a uncle. But I can say this book does have a lot of great points that I think everyone can benefit from. whether you are a Aunt, Mother, Uncle or even a God Parent I think.
James does his research he gives quotes from other dads. He also lists other books that go into detail about how to be a better father. And even says it's okay that you made mistakes. But let's focus on the now and do better. And that's its okay that you are just doing your best. He gives a list that you can check off and see if any may apply to you or others.
One of the things I loved in this book truly is the fact that he says be present with your kids or nieces and nephews. Put the phone down at dinner time or spending time with the kids. Unless you are taking pictures or video of the kids at their game or show. Just put that phone down. Ask questions, let them ask you questions. Read with them when they are very young. Stop those bad habits, make time for the kids and tour partner. Definitely pick this book up and read it. Heck afterwards pass it on to another dad or Uncle or a James fan. You might be surprised.

[Tiffany Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The #1 Dad Book is absolutely adorable! I love the quotes that are scattered throughout and there really is some excellent advice. Dads have a lot of stress and there are a lot of expectations placed on their shoulders. I know as a mom, it has always helped me to have Mom friends and mentors to help me remember that I don’t have to be perfect and that I am not the only one who has gone through these things. I imagine it would be the same for dads. I can see how this book may give dads a bit of hope, encouragement, and insight. It would probably make a great Father’s Day gift or a present for a new father.

Thank you James Patterson and Little, Brown, and Company for sending me this arc. My review is entirely voluntary.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gift to my wife and I since we are expecting our first born later this year. I was personally blessed to have a Dad who was involved in my life, and taught me things that I don't necessarily think other young men get these days.

It is a short book but these things don't need to be massive, sure there are books on being a Dad and the physiological issues about raising a boy or a daughter but this book keeps things simple. Such as hug your kids, tell them you love them, provide barriers and rules, be honest, stand united with your spouse, and grow up yourself, stop smoking, drinking, etc. Put your kids and wife first.

Some pretty solid advice. Overall James Patterson is honest, and upfront like a good friend should be.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick read but it was full of very helpful advice for dads and even moms. I think that both parents can get a lot out of this book and I liked that there were some suggestions for other books to read that pertained to some of the topics.

While I’m not a mother, I found this book taking me back to my childhood and even adulthood. Reading this book definitely reminded me of my dad and how he is such a great dad to my brother and me.

I think this is a great quick read for both parents and can provide some very valuable and helpful tips.

Thank you so much to the publisher and James Patterson for an advance copy of this book as part of the James Patterson Street Team!

[Christi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am now the #1 best dad ever and it only took me 35 minutes to get there!

Seriously, and you know I hate to say this, this book was not awful. It’s not super in depth so dads looking for actual how-to guidance should look for something more than this, but it’s a cute father’s dad gift for new/expecting dads. And the fact that JP thinks any of Dan Gutman’s books are great for read aloud is tres cool.

Disclosure: most of the advice is regarding dads in traditional family roles (although JP uses “partner” at least); no references to dads flying solo. There is some talk about dad-like roles—uncles, etc.

[Elie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was first becoming a dad three years ago, I read all the easily found self help books about the specific experience of becoming an effective, nontoxic dad. There were alarmingly few books available, and they mostly struck a bro-y vibe. I’m so so so grateful that James Patterson published this heart-centered, toxicity diffusing l, easily accessible resource just weeks before I become a dad for a second time. This was what I wanted; this is something all new dads (and most dads amidst the act of dadding) should read. You can do it. It won’t hurt. It will only take about an hour.

Also, fellow dads, go to therapy.

[Stephenee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a cute, sweet read! I loved the ideas, the important points about being a father and most of all the overall vibe/feel of the book. This book seems like a read that all dads should read! This has some key points to fatherhood and would be a helpful guide to seasoned fathers or brand new dads. This is the perfect gift for Father's Day - don't hesitate to grab this one and add it to your TBR list! Also, get it for all the dad's in your life! This is a book that they will be sure to love and treasure for years to come!

[Perri · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Dad got this for my husband and I picked it up myself. You can, in fact, read it in about an hour, and while some chapters are particularly trite (but isn't all advice and reflections about life that way?) and I disagree with the chapter that's like don't surf, don't motorcycle, don't swim with sharks, etc. because obviously risky stuff has, well, risks, but not a good example for kids to shy away from what you love or show them that you can't go in the direction of your fear and do these kinds of incredible tasks, other than that, touching, short and great book.

[Gregory Newell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good tips, but nothing I didn't already know or heard.

Good tips for dad's who are completely clueless, but otherwise obviously advice for others. I dont regret buying this book but I didn't really read anything that I didn't already know or have heard along the way during fatherhood. Granted, I read this when my kids were already 18 years old, so many hard lessons had already been learned! By no means am I a great father, I constantly make mistakes. But this book seems more appropriate for those dads who seriously need a clue at basic fatherhood. Just my opinion.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a humorous and thoughtful book for dads and father figures. Received as an ARC thanks to Little, Brown & Co, this had me laughing, smiling, and remembering touching moments with my dad and other figures in my life. The guidance was thoughtful and gentle, but firm when needed. You can tell the author had fun and knew exactly who he was talking to with this one. Perfect for annotating and giving as a gift.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an important quick read for dads. I know, I know, I'm not a dad. But I AM the daughter of a dad, of two step dads. I think that puts me at the forefront of making the decision on what a great dad is. I've had a dad that loved with a single track mind, a step dad that devoted his everything to me, and a step dad that basically hoped he could buy my love.

This book offers wonderful insights, thought and help on how to be a better dad. A read that I definitely think all dads should read!