Callan Spence and Chris Henry launch children’s ABC books to help kids and dads connect

Two mates have joined literary forces to create a “Daddy’s Book Club” series of books, aimed at bringing fathers’ experiences into children’s reading repertoires.

Local writer Callan Spence has created the Daddy's Alphabet Books series and they have been an instant success. Picture Glenn Hampson

Two mates have joined literary forces to create a “Daddy’s Book Club” series of books, aimed at bringing fathers’ experiences into children’s reading repertoires.

Co-founders Callan Spence and Chris Henry caught up over coffee one morning when Chris expressed he was struggling to connect with his newborn with traditional books, lamenting a lack of books specifically for dads to read to their kids.

Local writer Callan Spence has created the Daddy's Alphabet Books series and they have been an instant success. Picture Glenn Hampson

“We both came up with the idea then, why don’t we start up a series of ABC books based on the interests, sports and jobs of dads and allow them to teach their worlds to their kids,” Mr Spence said.

“Overall, what we’re trying to do is to start a movement for dads to connect with their kids over reading.”

The pair have launched 30 books, with the ABC’s of golf, fishing and cars, proving the most popular.

“The ideas are almost endless,” said Mr Spence. “If you can think of an interest or job or sport that dad likes doing, we’re going to try and make a book for it.”


Mum Emily said the idea was a fantastic and productive way of promoting common interest between dads and their kids.

“Dad used to just talk about golf with his mates. Now, he shares it with our kids too, and they love it.”

Originally published as Callan Spence and Chris Henry launch children’s ABC books to help kids and dads connect