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Some gifts fade with time—but the books we’re given as children? They stay with us. This Father’s Day, I’m thinking not just about the man who taught me how to ride a bike or pitch a tent in the wilds of British Columbia—but about the stories he placed in my hands, and the worlds they opened.
My dad didn’t just give me books—he gave me series. Whole worlds I could step into again and again. Characters who felt like friends. Chapters that wove themselves into the rhythm of my growing up.
Here are a few of the beloved series he introduced me to—and why they still matter.
The Famous Five by Enid Blyton
The Famous Five by Enid Blyton
These books were my first taste of freedom and mystery. Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and Timmy the dog weren’t just fictional, they were my companions. Each summer-holiday escapade made me feel like I, too, was off solving hidden clues and sneaking sandwiches into caves.
What it taught me:
Friendship, curiosity, and courage can take you far—even if you’re eleven and your best detective partner is your dog.
The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé
The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé
Part comic, part travelogue, part slapstick comedy—Tintin was a kaleidoscope of adventure. From snowy peaks to ancient tombs, I devoured each book, tracing the trail of clues around the globe and laughing at Captain Haddock’s legendary outbursts along the way.
What it taught me:
That the world is wide, humour matters, and one determined person (plus a loyal dog) can make a real difference.
Nancy Drew Mysteries by Carolyn Keene
Nancy Drew Mysteries by Carolyn Keene
Nancy was fearless. Smart. Independent. She could crack a code or escape a trapdoor with grace—and she always made time for her friends, Bess and George. Marketed to girls or not, Nancy Drew impressed my dad—and I like to believe he felt a quiet pride seeing me so captivated by her cleverness and courage.
What it taught me:
He didn’t hand me these books to make a statement—but in his own quiet way, he was telling me: You can be brave. You can be clever. You can ask the hard questions.
It’s no surprise that by Grade 4, I had launched my own detective agency, proudly named The 5 W’s—Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Armed with a notebook, a sharp eye, and the confidence Nancy Drew inspired, I set out to crack the mysteries of the schoolyard.
Why a Book Series Is a Powerful Gift
Why a Book Series Is a Powerful Gift
There’s something magical about being given a series. It’s not just a story, it’s a journey. A layered world that grows with you, where characters become part of your inner landscape.
When a parent gives you a series, they’re saying:
• I believe in your imagination.
• I want to give you something lasting.
• Here’s a world that’s yours to keep.
Looking back, I realize my father wasn’t just handing me stories—he was building the foundation for my own love of storytelling.
Final Thoughts
Now, as I write and create stories for a new generation of readers, I carry with me the echoes of those early adventures. My father gave me more than books—he gave me wonder. Wrapped in the wit of a Belgian reporter, the courage of five curious kids, and the cunning of a teenage sleuth.
This Father’s Day, maybe you’ll revisit the books your dad once gave you—or pass a beloved series on to a child. Because the stories we share become the ones we remember. And sometimes, they shape who we are.
Want a simple, heartfelt way to honor the stories you’ve shared with your dad? I made a printable Father’s Day card that pairs perfectly with a favourite book. You can grab it [here].
Note: All book series images are used for editorial purposes to promote these titles. If you're the copyright holder and have concerns, please contact us.
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