When a dad isn’t present — whether by choice, circumstance, or complex adult decisions — children often feel confused, worried, or unsure of what their family “should” look like. Books can be incredibly powerful tools to help explain an absent dad gently, honestly, and in ways that help kids feel secure.
Below is an updated list of books that support kids navigating father absence, including a brand-new Australian title from one of our very own, The Single Mum Vine FB group, mums, Lara Owers.
If you haven’t already, you may also want to explore our companion resources:
- Podcast with Lara Owers (YouTube)
- Podcast with Lara Owers (Apple Podcasts)
- How to Explain an Absent Father
These three pieces together offer reassurance, scripts, and real-life wisdom for mums supporting kids through this emotional terrain.
For further support on this topic, see: Raising A Child Without A Father: Introducing Your Village
Books to help kids deal with an absent dad
Mummy, Me & Our Family — by Lara Owers (NEW)
Best for: Toddlers to age 7
Written by single mum and the Single Mum Vine member Lara Owers, this beautiful picture book was born from a deeply personal moment — the day Lara’s toddler asked, “Presley… dad?” while watching Bluey.
Realising she couldn’t find a story that directly reflected their family structure, Lara decided to write one. The result is a warm, simple, child-friendly book that celebrates the family you do have, rather than focusing on the parent who isn’t there.
The Invisible String — by Patrice Karst
Best for: Kids experiencing separation, loss, or distance
A timeless classic that helps children understand emotional connection, even when someone isn’t physically present. While not specifically about absent dads, it provides comfort for kids who feel disconnected or confused.
Families, Families, Families! — by Suzanne & Max Lang
Best for: All ages
This fun, inclusive book shows dozens of different family types — two mums, one parent, blended families, adoptive parents. A great way to widen your child’s understanding of what “normal” really means.
No matter what - By Debi Gliori
Best for: Parents with kids who need constant reassurance
This book is a lovely illustration of the unconditional love a parent has for their child. It is meant to reassure children that their parents will continue to love them in spite of their mistakes and, well, endless questions! It is understandable for your kids to have many insecurities, especially after the divorce. If you have a child who needs constant reassurance that you love them no matter what, this is a great story to read together at bedtime or to give as a meaningful gift.
Why don’t I have a daddy? - By George Anne Clay
Best for: Parents who want to explain how donor conception works to young children.
I have a few friends who have conceived from an anonymous donor; their experiences have been wonderful, but it can be challenging to explain the situation, especially to young kids. This charming book can help. The story is about a lion cub who is curious about his absent daddy. His lion mum shows how he came to be through a donor lion, and how special their little family is because of this.
Growing up without my daddy - By Angela Adley
Best for: Faithful single mums who wish to raise strong and confident daughters
Growing up without a father can be tough, especially for girls who need his love, guidance, and protection. As a single mum, this is one of the books I needed for my two daughters, who were missing an absent dad's love. Not only does this book reassure a little girl that she can still grow into a strong and confident woman despite not having a dad at home. More importantly, she is not really fatherless because her true father, God, is looking out for her.
Love makes a family - By Sophie Beer
Best for: Parents who want to teach their kids that all types of families are special.
Love Makes a Family is a must-read for any atypical family. Love is baking a cake, love is finding puddles, and love is in the everyday. The fun and colourful illustrations perfectly reinforce the simple but powerful message: No matter the situation (an absent dad, one parent/grandparent or two mums), each family is special and unique. Because when it’s all said and done, it is love that makes a family … I never let my kids forget that.
Where is my dad? - By Ambry L. Ivy
Best for: Single mums with a daughter who struggles with her identity without a dad
As a divorced mum of two girls, I have firsthand experience with the challenges of raising young daughters without their father at home. I witnessed their insecurities about our family setup and envy toward other children with "complete" families. This is one of those books that offer positive answers to their awkward questions about an absent dad. Plus, it helps your little girls regain their identity even if their dad is missing in their lives.
Is Daddy coming back in a minute? - By Alex Barber
Best for: Families dealing with parental death and loss.
Having lost my own mother at age seven, I understand that the sudden passing of a parent is a life-changing event that can be challenging to understand for children at any age. This book manages to provide honest answers to tough questions while assuring readers that it’s okay to feel intense emotions like sadness and, eventually, happiness as well. The beautiful illustrations show the importance of a support system to kids dealing with the loss of a parent. We need more books like this.
Books to help kid’s deal with dad not being around (cont.)
Why do families change? - By Jillian Roberts
Best for: Younger kids with parents going through a divorce or separation.
Separation and divorce are explored in this handy and empowering book by child psychologist Dr Roberts. It’s the perfect first book to explain the concept of changing families to kids ages 3-5 years. Kids will learn the invaluable lesson that it is never their fault when parents decide to go their separate ways and that each parent’s love for them will never change.
A family is a family is a family - By Sara O’Leary
Best for: Parents who want to show their kids that every family is unique.
Here’s another brilliant book that celebrates family diversity and inclusivity. The story is filled with short vignettes about different kinds of families, one with two mums, another with a foster mom, etc., all of them similar in one way that matters most: the families are made with love and caring. Kids will adore the fun watercolour illustrations and the simple, straightforward storytelling. My girls and I adored this book when they were young, and I was pleased to be able to pass it on to another single mum.
Where’s my daddy? - By Zoe Jones
Best for: Single mums who have left an emotionally abusive relationship.
If you are a single mum who left an abusive relationship, this book can help your child understand why his or her dad is no longer in the picture. Based on the author’s personal experience and consultations with mental health practitioners, the story is simple and heartfelt. It carries the message that it is not your child’s fault that dad is absent, and that they are safe and loved no matter what.
All kinds of families - By Anita Ganeri
Best for: All kinds of families!
Last but definitely not least is one of my favourite books in this list, although not singularly about an absent dad. The non-fiction book discusses the different kinds of families: big and small, with a mum and dad, with two mums or two dads, or with a solo parent. I love that it emphasises that, regardless of the setup, what makes it a family is love. It's an incredible addition to your family's bookshelf that will still be useful once your children have their own families or your family setup changes.
How to Choose the Right Book for Your Child
When selecting a book to help explain an absent father, consider:
✔ Age
Toddlers need simple reassurance.
Older kids need validation and clarity.
✔ Emotional readiness
Some kids want direct language.
Others prefer stories they can come back to when they’re ready.
✔ Your family structure
Choose books that mirror your reality — single mum, donor conception, separation, or no father involvement at all.
✔ Your values
Select stories that reflect how you want to frame your family, your strength and your village.
I hope this list of books to help kids with an absent dad has helped
Some of the most heartbreaking questions I've been asked by my little daughters post-divorce involved their dad.
Where's my dad?
Is he coming home soon?
Why is Daddy gone?
I'm pretty sure every mum who has undergone separation has to answer these, too. Unless you're a teacher or a children's book writer, it can be super stressful to come up with age-appropriate answers to our young kids' essential questions.
But I've got your back. If you're a new single mum, this list of children's books that explain an absent dad can be invaluable. I have chosen books for different situations, so I hope you find something that fits your family's circumstances.
May these books help your children navigate the absence of a dad in their lives. It's my wish that these can reassure them that they are loved and they will still grow up well despite his absence.
