Read, Watch, Repeat: A Father’s Day Tradition That Brings Stories to Life

Father’s Day is a celebration of connection — not just through gifts or outings, but through presence. For many dads, carving out intentional time with their children can feel like a challenge in the whirlwind of daily life. But one simple, powerful way to build that bond is through story — not just reading to your kids, but experiencing a story with them.

One growing tradition is what some families call “read-then-watch nights.” The idea is simple: pick a book series that’s been adapted for film, read it together chapter by chapter, and then reward yourselves with the movie version. The process creates a rhythm — time to read, time to talk, and time to celebrate the story on screen.

Take Harry Potter for example. Reading The Sorcerer’s Stone with your child opens up so many opportunities beyond just the plot. You can pause and talk about Harry’s friendships, the feeling of not belonging, the choices that define us — all natural entry points into deeper conversations. Then, when you watch the movie, you’ll both notice what changed. What’s different about Hermione? Did they skip a favorite scene? Why do you think the filmmakers made those choices?

And then — you do it again. Move on to Chamber of Secrets, then Prisoner of Azkaban, and so on. Before long, you’ve created a long-term ritual rooted in imagination, reflection, and fun. It’s not just entertainment. It’s a shared adventure.

What’s even more fascinating is that science backs up just how important this kind of activity is for father-child bonding. In a study published by the National Institutes of Health, researchers found that mothers show peak brain activity during nurturing or cuddling, while fathers’ brains light up during moments of playful interaction. In other words, dads are biologically wired to engage through action, exploration, and dynamic storytelling — exactly what happens when you dive into a great book and then enjoy the film adaptation together.

By blending the quiet connection of reading with the excitement of watching, this tradition becomes a perfect way for fathers and kids to bond — hitting both the emotional and playful sides of parenting.

Book‑to‑Film Series to Read with Your Kids

Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling) — Ages 8+
Seven books, eight movies — the ultimate family adventure. Great for discussions on friendship, courage, and identity.

The Chronicles of Narnia (C.S. Lewis) — Ages 8+
Shorter reads with deep allegorical themes. Start with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and continue through the available films.

Ready Player One (Ernest Cline) — Ages 13+
A love letter to pop culture and video games. Read the novel, then watch Spielberg’s big-screen adaptation and compare notes on what was changed for the screen.

Stephen King (select titles) — Ages 15+
For teens who love a thrill, consider age-appropriate reads like The Body (filmed as Stand by Me), Carrie, or IT. Great for exploring storytelling and fear in a more mature context.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Rick Riordan) — Ages 10+
Full of mythology and middle-school mischief. After the original films, try the new Disney+ series for a more faithful adaptation.

A Series of Unfortunate Events (Lemony Snicket) — Ages 9+
Dry wit, clever storytelling, and an excellent Netflix series to match the dark humor of the books.

How to Train Your Dragon (Cressida Cowell) — Ages 7+
While the books differ from the films, both are delightful and teach powerful lessons about empathy and growth.

The Spiderwick Chronicles (Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi) — Ages 8+
Imaginative creatures, sibling teamwork, and a fast-paced 2008 movie adaptation.

Roald Dahl’s Classics (e.g., Matilda, The BFG, The Witches, James and the Giant Peach) — Ages 6–10
Short reads packed with humor and heart — many with classic movie versions that capture the Dahl magic.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Jeff Kinney) — Ages 7+
Perfect for reluctant readers. Laugh-out-loud books followed by equally charming movies.

Why It Matters

Blends nurture and play: Reading together brings closeness, while movie time brings excitement — satisfying both mom and dad’s natural strengths.

Encourages critical thinking: Kids learn to compare mediums, evaluate choices, and express opinions.

Creates a lasting ritual: Each book-film combo becomes a mini memory — a series of moments that build connection over time.

Tips for Starting the Father’s Day Tradition

• Choose a series that fits your child’s age and interests
• Set aside dedicated “read nights” and “movie nights”
• Encourage post-movie chats — what was different? What was better?
• Let your child pick the next book in the series or suggest the next theme

This Father’s Day, go beyond the tie or toolkit. Start something lasting. Whether you’re reading about magic at Hogwarts, quests in Narnia, or virtual battles in the OASIS, you’re doing more than sharing stories — you’re creating your own. One chapter, one movie night, one unforgettable tradition at a time.