Families who loved Things to Do with Dad by Sam Zuppardi 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 are overwhelmed by a mountain of housework and your child is seeking your attention or feeling neglected by the daily grind. It is a heartening choice for those weekend mornings when chores seem to take priority over play, offering a bridge between adult responsibilities and a child's need for connection. The story follows a young boy who decides to hijack his father's daunting to-do list with a green crayon, reimagining boring tasks like laundry and grocery shopping into grand adventures. Through Sam Zuppardi's expressive illustrations, the book celebrates how a little creativity and a shift in perspective can transform mandatory tasks into shared moments of joy. It is perfectly pitched for preschoolers and early elementary students, modeling how kids can advocate for their emotional needs through play and how parents can meet them halfway.