Daddy, How Much Do You Love Me?

Matt Markins serves as the President and CEO of Awana, a global leader in child discipleship. He's a board member at large for the National Association of Evangelicals and is the coauthor of three books, most notably Forming Faith: Discipling the Next Generation in a Post-Christian Culture. He’s also the cofounder of the Child Discipleship Forum and D6 Conference. Matt and his wife Katie have been involved in children’s ministry for more than twenty-five years and live in Nashville. They have two adult sons and a daughter-in-lawDaneila Sosa is a graduate of the Cambridge School of Art whose main focus is children's books. Her work blends traditional techniques with digital editing. When she is not illustrating, she enjoys nature walks, reading, and crafty projects. Originally from Romania, she is currently based in Cambridge, UK.

“Daddy, How Much Do You Love Me? is a tender and deeply reassuring story that captures every child’s longing to be fully known and unconditionally loved. Through simple questions and beautiful moments between a father and child, this book provides inspiring examples of how everyday interactions with children can lead to life-transforming impact. Gently pointing readers to the ultimate truth—that God’s love is bigger, deeper, and more enduring than we can imagine—it is a gift to parents and children alike.”Santiago “Jimmy” Mellado, President & CEO, Compassion International“This is more than a children’s book—it’s a compelling vision for fatherhood. With warmth, biblical depth, and remarkable clarity, Matt Markins captures what every child is asking and every dad longs to express. This book will not only engage children at bedtime—it will shape fathers for a lifetime.”Scott Turansky, Director, National Center for Biblical Parenting“Fatherhood is in a state of confusion and manhood is under attack. Many men lack a compelling vision of what it means to be a godly dad. In Daddy, How Much Do You Love Me?, Matt Markins helps fathers win their children’s hearts so they can shape their minds with the truth of God’s Word.”Dr. Josh Mulvihill, Executive Director, Renewanation; Author“All through history, from Adam and his boys onward, the relationship between fathers and sons has heavily influenced the telling of the human story. We tend to father the way we were fathered, and sadly, sometimes that is very destructive. This delightful book gives a glimpse into how a freely expressed, loving bond between a father and son could look. Enjoy sharing it with your boy, and let it inspire you to bless him, your family, and the next generation through a more deeply engaged father–son connection.”Wess Stafford, President Emeritus, Compassion International; author of Just a Minute: In the Heart of a Child, One Moment Can Last Forever“Matt Markins has written a warm and meaningful book that fathers and children will read again and again.Daddy, How Much Do You Love Me? celebrates the joy of being present, engaged, and affectionate as a dad while ultimately reminding children that God’s love is greater than they can imagine. This important children’s book helps dads see that some of the most powerful moments of discipleship happen in the ordinary rhythms of life.”Sam Rainer, Pastor; president of Church Answers“Every child needs to bask in the boundless love of a father, and even more so, every child needs to bask in the boundless love of a heavenly Father! Matt Markins articulates both in a winsome and masterful way in Daddy, How Much Do You Love Me? Dads will love this tool to communicate their love to their children and teach them of God's love at the same time.”Larry Fowler, Founder, Legacy Coalition“Children's first picture of God is their parents. The first image they have of the heavenly Father is their earthly dads. As a dad, that can feel daunting. Through our presence and care, through both our words and many days of playful fun, we show our daughters and sons "what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love" (Eph. 3:18). That's the beautiful message Matt Markins will help you teach your kids in Daddy, How Much Do You Love Me?: the love of a faithful father follows his children wherever they go yet God's love goes even further.”Jared Kennedy, managing editor for books and curriculum at The Gospel Coalition; author of books like The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible andBig Thoughts for Tiny Tots“This is a beautifully written and deeply meaningful resource that captures the heart of a father’s love while pointing clearly to the even greater love of our heavenly Father. Through simple moments and powerful imagery, it helps families have conversations that truly matter. Every dad—and every child—needs this message.”Ryan Frank, CEO and Publisher, KidzMatter“What does a boy most want from his father? A simple question, with a simple answer. He wants to be loved. He wants his father’s heart. Dads, put your little boy on your lap and read him this book. When you are done, look him in the eyes and tell him you love him. Then show him and tell him again tomorrow. I am giving copies of this book for my sons to read to my grandsons.”Rob Rienow, Founder, Visionary Family Ministries“One of the greatest gifts a dad can give is consistent, spoken love. Most dads want to do that but just don’t always know how. This book makes it simple. Daddy, How Much Do You Love Me? gives parents a practical way to say what matters most and build something lasting in their child’s heart. This isn’t just a story—it’s a tool for discipling your kids at home.”Jim Wideman, Family Ministry Pioneer; pastor; author“As a Bible teacher and mom, I love resources that help families talk about what matters most. Daddy, How Much Do You Love Me? is tender, relatable, and anchored in truth. Matt beautifully captures the everyday moments between a father and child while pointing to the deeper, forever love of our heavenly Father. This is a book families will come back to again and again.”Cindy Bultema, Bible teacher; speaker“Matt turns discipling your children into a fun and engaging adventure. Using everyday examples, kids will recognize the love of both their earthly and heavenly Father, and parents will learn how easy it can be to intertwine the gospel into all aspects of life.”Emily Assell, Children’s author; founder, Generation Claimed“As someone who serves in kids ministry, I’ve seen how powerful it is when children begin to understand God’s love in ways they can relate to. Daddy, How Much Do You Love Me? helps make that connection beautifully by showing that while a father’s love is deep, God’s love is even greater—making this book a meaningful resource for families who want to nurture faith in everyday moments.”Sky Lankey, Director of Programming, Crossing Kids“Daddy, How Much Do You Love Me? is a beautiful reminder that the love of God is all around us, even in the simplest moments of everyday life. As a dad of three and a youth pastor for over fifteen years, I appreciate how this story helps parents point their kids to the deeper truth that even the best earthly love is just a glimpse of our heavenly Father’s immeasurable love. This book is a gift for both kids and parents, offering a simple yet meaningful way to talk about God’s love together.”Josh Haight, Husband; father; pastor“This book beautifully captures the profound impact a father has when he enters into his child’s world with intention and delight. It reflects the kind of relational presence of everyday moments that fosters strong attachment between parent and child while beautifully pointing to the greater love of our heavenly Father. Both heartfelt and formative, this book is a gift to fathers and their children everywhere.”Elizabeth Smith, Associate Dean of Academics, Moody Bible Institute; licensed clinical professional counselor“As a kids pastor and a father of three, I’ve spent over thirty years encouraging families in discipleship, and I’ve been deeply influenced by the work of Matt Markins and his leadership in this space. Daddy, How Much Do You Love Me? reflects that same heart for families to experience the gospel. More than just a story, this book gently equips dads to be intentional as they point their kids to God’s love.”Jason Smith, Children's Pastor, Eastview Church, IL“Many fathers are present in their children’s lives but need a little help engaging more deeply—emotionally, spiritually, and biblically. Matt’s book Daddy How Much Do You Love Me? offers a simple pathway for that connection. As dads and their kids return to this story again and again, it becomes more than a bedtime routine—it becomes a way to build lasting memories while giving fathers confidence to disciple their children.”Shelly Melia, Associate Dean, Graduate School of Ministry, Dallas Baptist University“Every child needs to hear, over and over, ‘I love you and I am proud of you.’ God the Father has modeled this in Scripture, and Matt Markins has illustrated it beautifully in Daddy, How Much Do You Love Me?. When we equip godly dads, everybody wins.”Brian Doyle, Founder and President, Iron Sharpens Iron"What a gift this book is. It's a beautiful picture and example of a father's love lived out loud in everyday moments, ultimately pointing children to Christ's immeasurable love. This is more than a story; it's a treasure that will open the door to meaningful conversations and become a keepsake families will return to again and again.”Heather Eichler, Executive Director of the International Network of Children's Ministry