When I was two, almost three, I stayed with my grandparents for 14 days. Those two weeks left a big impact on me and that time is one of my earliest life memories. My grandmother had a big garden and a large strawberry patch. Every day I was able to help her pick strawberries and we would eat them as they were picked … and every night we ate strawberries for dessert. Oh, how I loved those strawberries, and to this day I LOVE freshly picked strawberries!
The love grandparents share is oftentimes so very special. In honor of Grandparent’s Day, I’m sharing books that celebrate grandparents. However, you don’t need a special holiday to enjoy these books because they are ones that can be enjoyed all year long!
Finding Grandma’s Memories by Jiyeon Pak
In this sweet book, Grandma is beginning to lose her memory. Through a simple, but thoughtful storyline a granddaughter shows grace and compassion by posting reminders around the house, making a chain for her grandmother’s glasses, and looking through photo albums together. She especially loves picking out a favorite teacup from her grandmother’s collection to share special tea-time with her grandmother. This book would be wonderful to help a family with young children to address the issue of memory loss or dementia. Although my grandmother did not suffer from memory loss, I found this book special because my grandmother had a teacup collection. Jiyeon Pak also wrote a book titled My Grandpa’s Chair that I’ve not read, but from the description looks pretty great too!
Around the Table that Grandad Built by Melanie Heuiser Hill and illustrated by Jaime Kim
I love this book for so many reasons (including the diversity around the family table), but it is especially great for those with a grandpa who is a woodworker or builds wonderful creations. I shared more about this book on my Father’s Day book list, so you can read more about it here.
Drawn Together by Minh Le and illustrated by Dan Santat
Sometimes the gap between generations feels so wide, almost too wide to find common interest. This incredibly illustrated book by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat has very few words and could almost be categorized as a wordless picture book, showcasing two people separated by culture, language, and age. But some books do not need many words to tell a story, especially when a grandfather and grandson are drawn together by their love of art. I love this book so much and find some new detail with every read – making it the perfect book to read again and again.
Tiny, Perfect Things by M. H. Clark and illustrated by Madeline Kloepper
This book has a simple, rhyming text and beautifully drawn illustrations that follow a grandfather and granddaughter as they walk together, soaking in all of the tiny, perfect things along the way. The book includes a foldout two-page spread near the end with a search and find section for you to find your own little details. I also love the cultural diversity featured in the illustrations. This book is a delight!
Hey Grandude! By Paul McCartney and illustrated by Kathryn Durst
Ready for a little fun and adventure? The day is dreary and dull until Grandude pulls out his magical compass and takes his “Chillers” (what he lovingly calls his grandkids) on a magical adventure to far away places. With whimsy and fun, this book will take you on a wild ride, but will have you back home again … just in time for bed.
Grandpa’s Stories: A Book of Remembering by Joseph Coelho and Allison Collpoys
With bright and cheerful illustrations, this may be the most beautifully illustrated book about loss I’ve ever read. Not everyone can hug and squeeze their grandparent … and especially holidays that celebrate grandparents may be bittersweet. Yet, this book is truly about remembering and celebrating each season and keeping wonderful memories alive. Grandpa’s Stories could be a special part of the healing process and I agree that this story “shows how losing a loved one can be an invitation to celebrate life.”
My Singing Nana by Pat Mora and illustrated by Alyssa Bermudez
Are you familiar with Magination Press? They are books for kids published by the American Psychological Association. Their books often deal with heavier topics at an age-appropriate level and often include additional notes and resources for parents or educators at the back. My Singing Nana is a lovely book about a family dealing with dementia. I appreciate the caring and compassionate way they address this topic, treating Nana with love and respect. Check out additional resources at maginationpress.org
Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail by Jennifer Thermes
This book is not your typical book about grandmother. At the age of sixty-seven, Emma “Grandma” Gatewood became the first woman to hike the entire Appalachian train (2,160 miles) alone! Amazingly illustrated with colored pencil and watercolors, this book is a wonderful story packed full of facts for non-fiction fans of any age. I learned so much reading this book, but I love that it showcases how grit and determination does not have an age limit!
Grandma Snuggles by Glenys Nellist and illustrated by Gail Yerrill
This lovely, poetic board book features a variety of grandma animals loving on little ones. This book brings out all the warm fuzzies. For a full review, you can read more about this delightful little book here.
Quiet by Tomie dePaola
“To be quiet and still is a special thing.” In a world where everything is in such a hurry, grandfather takes time to sit with his grandchildren outside to show them the wonderful things you notice when you are quiet and still. As a fan of Tomie dePaola, I stand in awe at his many works and the creativity he brought to life in books time and gain. His passing this year has left a huge hole in the world of children’s literature! You can read more about his life, art, and books at his official website here.
Down by the River by Andrew Weiner and illustrated by April Chu
This realistically illustrated book is a beautiful story about a grandfather, mother, and grandson who spend the day fly fishing together. Both informative and sentimental, grandfather enjoys sharing stories while teaching his grandson about his craft. There’s’ also a section at the back to teach the reader all about fly fishing, and the end papers include over 40 amazingly illustrated flies (which are the fancy “hooks” used instead of lures or bait).
All reviews are completely my own and I only recommend books I truly believe are worthy of sharing with others. (Believe me, I read many books I do not recommend, which means you won’t see me writing about them!)
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