Families who loved My Daddy Rules the World by written and illustrated by Hope Anita Smith often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when you want to nurture the bond between a father and child or when you want to celebrate the quiet, everyday moments of male caregiving. It is a perfect choice for settling down after a high-energy day or for a morning cuddle session where the focus is on connection and mutual appreciation. The collection of poems explores the multifaceted nature of fatherhood, showing a dad who is both a playmate and a protector. Written through a series of gentle, first-person poems, the book captures scenes like a father playing guitar, shared meals, and the 'wrestling matches' that define childhood. The emotional core is one of pure gratitude and safety. It provides a mirror for Black families to see their joy reflected and a window for all children to appreciate the universal language of parental love. It is ideally suited for children ages 4 to 8 who are developing their own sense of identity within the family unit.
