A heartwarming picture book celebrating dads who protect and love-proving the greatest hero is often right at home.
In My Dad, My Hero, a curious young child looks up to his policeman dad, who bravely dons his uniform every day to keep people safe. He rescues stranded cats from tall trees (MEOW!), helps grandmas safely cross busy streets, and answers the call whenever someone needs help. To this wide-eyed kid, Dad isn't just a police officer-he's a real-life superhero!
But the child's imagination runs wild with other thrilling possibilities. What if he became a deep-sea diver plunging into mysterious ocean depths to discover hidden pirate treasure guarded by colorful fish? Or an astronaut blasting off in a roaring rocket to explore twinkling stars far from home? Maybe a rootin'-tootin' cowboy riding the range, roping cattle with a jingle of spurs, or a carpenter building towering houses from the ground up? Or even a brave cave explorer venturing into dark, echo-filled tunnels with just a flashlight?
Each exciting dream adventure sounds amazing... until the "what ifs" turn a little scary. The deep sea is risky, space feels lonely, bulls have sharp horns, ladders reach dizzying heights, and caves are awfully dark and spooky.
In the end, the child realizes something special: no far-off quest feels as safe, warm, or wonderful as Dad's big, protective hugs. Dad's job may come with danger, but his love makes home the safest place of all. Right now, the best thing is to be just like Dad-he's the real hero.
Perfect for ages 4-8, this charming, vividly illustrated story gently explores big dreams, everyday bravery, and the comfort of family. Ideal for children of first responders, police families, or anyone with a hero at home. Share it at bedtime to spark conversations about courage, imagination, and why the people who love us most are often our biggest heroes.
Hauth, Cary: - Cary Hauth is a seasoned elementary school teacher, children's book author, proud parent, and occasional professional "rug rat" wrangler-courtesy of a family that keeps him on his toes and inspired, especially the grandson behind Big Binford, Little Fynn. His children and students have delivered more laugh-out-loud material than a blooper reel, and it's those spontaneous giggles-alongside backyard safaris, woodland wanderings, puppet-show shenanigans, and classroom capers-that spark the picture-book ideas he brings to life with playful rhythms, heartfelt moments, and vibrant illustrations. He's taught in some pretty fascinating places-Bosnia, Yemen, China, and Kazakhstan-collecting not just passport stamps but also midnight layovers in noisy terminals and wildly mistranslated menus. Each adventure popped his worldview open like a colorful atlas, inspiring picture books that ignite boundless imagination and sneak in little sparks of nostalgia, sending grown-up readers straight back to their own scraped-knee adventures, flashlight forts, and secret hideouts-those exact moments that make parents and teachers smile in recognition. With a knack for turning literacy lessons into fun-filled journeys, Cary writes picture books that feel at home in cozy living rooms and busy classrooms-sparking thoughtful conversations, igniting creativity, and shining in those special "tuck me in and read to me before bedtime" moments. Now based in Fargo, ND, with his wife, Cary continues to craft tales that celebrate the magic, wonder, and downright silliness of childhood-because who says learning can't be a little bit fun?
Hauth, Mark: - Mark Hauth, originally from Rolla, Missouri, now resides in Nashville with his wife, Wendy. You can find him downstairs in his recording studio writing songs- his other hobby- or enjoying going on trips with his family. He graduated from University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Music Education, and currently works as an administrator of Publishing and Production at Brentwood Benson Music Publishing.
