Props for pops

Every year we ask our younger readers to count the ways their dads have made a difference in their lives — and each time they’ve responded in force. This year brought tales from readers of all ages about heroic fathers across the tri-state area, Florida and even farther afield. More than a few happen to be police officers and soldiers, but others are heroic in different ways — by taking the time, often after a long workday, to play, listen, joke and otherwise show their kids they care.

Let these letters inspire you to salute your own heroes tomorrow — Father’s Day — and always.

Niko Tarasenko, 9, loves when his dad, Leon, turns into a big kid and plays with him and his sister.

A jump for joy

My dad makes it his job to make sure my sister and I love every moment of our lives. He knows how to make us smile by turning into one of us - a really tall version of us, whether we’re playing hide-and-seek or jumping to the moon on the trampoline. When he was 7 years old, he lost his dad. But he knows how to be the most perfect dad a boy can dream of having.- Niko Tarasenko, 9, Brookville, NY

My lucky charm

My dad is amazing! He is spectacular for letting us eat Lucky Charms on Saturdays. He is a super-funny guy and always listens to us. He never yells at us, and understands how we feel. He is a one-of-a-kind dad. He lets us eat popcorn while watching TV. He is in a rock band and plays the guitar.-Emma Dowling, 9, Chatham, NJ

Ready to play

My dad, Alexander Chudnoff, is the greatest dad in the world. He always has time to play with us. He even allows us to do his hair and put makeup on him when we play dress-up. He is not only a fabulous dad, but also a great husband to our mommy. He always comes home with flowers for her and candy for us. He has the biggest heart.-Natalia Chudnoff, 6, Manhattan

His love is strong

My dad is my hero. He has been very sick with cancer since last year. Even when he was not feeling well, he still did things with me, like taking me to my soccer games, fishing and Great Adventure. Right now he is really sick and can’t go out, but he always wants to talk to me about school and other things I am doing. He is so brave, and the best dad ever.— Ryan Falco, 10, Staten Island

Jokes and ice cream

My dad is 43 years old, and he is never mad. When my friends come over, he makes jokes and pretends that we are having “hippo” for dinner, but they know it is really chicken. After my baseball games, he takes me to Friendly’s for mint-chocolate-chip ice cream. My dad is a gentleman because he holds the door open for my grandma.— Peter Carino, 8, Great River, NY