Picture Books About Grandparents

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variety of grandparents cartoon graphics

Grandparents' Day is a day for honoring all grandparents and celebrating the connections between generations. The date gives grandparents a special opportunity to show love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance that older people can offer. Many celebrate by reading together, giving gifts, or by playing games and celebrating family traditions. For children whose grandparents have passed away, families may spend time together remembering those grandparents or instead might visit an elderly neighbor or volunteer at a nursing home.

The library also has a great collection of books perfect for a Grandparents' Day story time, take a look at some of our favorites below! And remember - however you celebrate, Grandparents' Day is a wonderful opportunity to spend time together and make your grandparents feel special.

 

The Truth About Grandparents by Elina Ellis

Grandparents are slow. Grandparents are scared of new things. And grandparents definitely don't dance - right? A simple, playful storyline that children will love anticipating makes this a perfect read-aloud for families to share together. With sly humor and breezy, dynamic artwork this book is a fresh celebration of the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren.

 

Grandparents Are Great! by Stan Berenstain

Brother and Sister Bear love to spend time with Gramps and Gran! This book features two funny stories, perfect for lap reading.

 

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graphics of grandparents and grandchildren

 

Sweet Pea Summer by Hazel Mitchell

A young girl must stay with her grandparents while her mother is in the hospital. At first, it’s hard at first to focus on anything but missing and worrying about her mom. But then Grandpa suggests that she help out in his garden. And what a garden it is! With warm, child-friendly illustrations and a simple narration, author-illustrator Hazel Mitchell tells a timeless story about holding on to hope in hard times and finding the strength and determination to see it through.

 

Out Into the Big, Wide Lake by Paul Harbridge

It's Kate's first time visiting her grandparents on her own at their lakeside home. She's nervous but excited at the adventure ahead. She helps her grandfather with his grocery deliveries by boat, where she meets all the neighbors, including a very grumpy old man named Walter. Her grandmother even teaches her to pilot the boat all by herself! When her grandfather takes ill suddenly, it's up to Kate -- but can she really make all those deliveries, even to grumpy old Walter? She has to try!

 

The Biggest Puddle in the World by Mark Lee

When Sarah and her younger brother Charlie go to stay with their grandparents, it rains for days. At first, they have fun exploring inside the big, old house, but eventually they want to explore outside, too. They jump in puddles, draw a puddle map and finally find the biggest puddle in the world!

 

Grandparents by Chema Heras

In this funny and heartwarming picture book, a grandfather shows his love and appreciation for a grandmother as he persuades her to attend a local dance with him.

 

 

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graphics of grandparents

 

Accordionly: Abuelo and Opa Make Music by Michael Genhart

When both grandpas, Abuelo and Opa, visit at the same time, they can’t understand each other’s language and there is a lot of silence. The grandson’s clever thinking helps everyone share the day together as two cultures become one family. 

 

 

Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker

It's Grandparents Day at Zura's elementary school, but Zura's Nana, her favorite person in the world, looks a little different from other grandmas. Nana Akua was raised in Ghana and has tribal markings on her face. Worried that her classmates will be scared or poke fun, Zura is hesitant to bring her to school. But with a quilt of traditional African symbols and a bit of face paint, Nana Akua explains what makes her special and makes all of Zura's classmates feel special, too.

 

My Day with Gong Gong by Sennah Yee

May isn't having fun on her trip through Chinatown with her grandfather. Gong Gong doesn't speak much English, and May can't understand Chinese. But just when May can’t take any more, Gong Gong surprises her with a gift that reveals he’s been paying more attention than she thought. This charming story expertly captures life in the city and shows how small, shared moments of patience and care can help a child and grandparent bridge the generational and cultural gaps between them.

 

Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal

If you ask her, Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela has way too many names: six! How did such a small person wind up with such a large name? Alma turns to Daddy for an answer and learns of Sofia, the grandmother who loved books and flowers; Esperanza, the great-grandmother who longed to travel; José, the grandfather who was an artist; and other namesakes, too. As she hears the story of her name, Alma starts to think it might be a perfect fit after all.

Descriptions adapted from the publisher.

By MadisonS on September 10, 2021