Papa Doesn't Do Anything!

by Jimmy Fallon, Miguel Ordóñez (illustrator)

Jimmy Fallon, host of NBC's The Tonight Show and #1 New York Times bestselling author, is back with a book for grandfathers.

It may seem like PAPA doesn’t do ANYTHING but sit in his chair. But he does so much more!

From flying a plane to playing in a band, there’s so much this PAPA has done. But through all the things he’s accomplished in his life, there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for you.

Jimmy Fallon, one of the most popular entertainers in the world, reminds us that even though it may not look like it, PAPAs are always doing SOMETHING.


Collect the whole Fallon family of picture books!
Your Baby’s First Word Will Be Dada
Everything is Mama
This Is Baby
Nana Loves You More
Papa Doesn't Do Anything!

Genres: Picture Books, Juvenile, Childrens, Family, Humor

40 pages, Hardcover

First published May 13, 2025

About the author

James Thomas Fallon, Jr. is an American comedian, actor, and musician known for his work on Saturday Night Live. He is also scheduled to become the host of Late Night in 2009.

Reviews

[Abbie Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

not a fan of the illustration nor the moral of the story. papa DOESNT do anything

[Luciana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just because we often see papa sitting in a chair, he does do much more than that, we just don't often see it or we take it for granted. And, just a reminder, that no matter what, papa would do anything for his little one.

The story is done in rhyme. A cute read!

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Doesn't work. Just because (grand)Papa loves you, used to do things, and is there for you when you need him doesn't excuse him to spend too much time on the couch in front of the TV. They should read Camping Activity Book for Families: The Kid-Tested Guide to Fun in the Outdoors and then do the activities in it. And Papa should also teach the kid to cook and to do other things he used to do. I do like that the characters are animals (so, more diverse appeal) and they don't wear clothes (though they are otherwise hominid).

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

Honestly, I always want to dislike Fallon’s kids books but I just can’t. They are always too cute, too funny, and too real to what it is like being a parent. This one does not disappoint. What does Papa do? What is he good for? I love that this tongue-in-cheek book has examples of dads that don’t do much but support from the sidelines than those that do a lot more. There are all kinds of parents in this world, and they love their kids in their own way. A great book for reminding your kids that you are doing something for them even if it seems like we are not.

[Candice Hale · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is very similar to Nana, but it has a very interesting title that may not appeal to grandfathers. It literally says you do nothing. With a closer read, the reader sees what you used to do before you became older and how you now watch from your chair. But that doesn't mean grandpapa can't join in on the fun. I think this one is okay--it has the same lyrical rhythm as Nana. Again, the illustrator doesn't disappoint.

3.5

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Papa tries to justify his existence but ends up confirming his grandpup’s original observation of the obvious: Papa doesn’t do much except glorify his past and indulge his own interests. Digital illustrations don’t do much either.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short children's book about what papa's used to do before becoming grandparents; a lesson that even though some may sit in a chair that doesn't mean it's the only thing they do.

Thank you MacKids for the gifted copy.

[s]

friend read it out loud in indigo. what

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet read aloud in which a proud papa reminds his pup of how many things he does each day to help and support him.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever!

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silly story about a father the children think doesn't do anything because they never see him do things at home. Funny knowing that their father is an actor and comedian but they don't recognize that.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute one in this series.

[Jenae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet book but kind of misses the mark

[CatJuggler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly cute.

[Chuck Beilstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great as a Father's Day card.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute book and illustration. Easy for kids to understand. Great lesson.

[Catarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was fine. A classic children's book written by a famous person. I would say it's a great one time read or a funny book to gift.

Check it out at your local library!

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale told in rhyme by a Papa whose child thinks he doesn't do anything but sit in a chair, watches TV, and stares.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book about grandfathers, I prefer his other one This is Baby, but this one is okay. The illustrations are adorable.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly a really sweet book.

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A father does one thing really great, despite what outward appearances show.