Picture Books That Celebrate Grandparents
Grandparents, there’s no one like them! A haven of love, warmth, hugs and sometimes treats that wouldn’t slide with mom or dad. They deserve to be celebrated!
Below you’ll find books that celebrate grandparents in all different ways. The quirks that make them special, the time spent together, their different perspectives, the list goes on! Pick up one or all these books for your little one and their grandparent to read together.
When Padma’s parents go away for the weekend on a babymoon (whatever that is), Padma goes away too—to Nani Camp!
Nani Camp may look suspiciously like Nani’s house, but it’s a lot more fun than staying home. From scavenger hunts to arts-and-crafts, camp is packed with activities, but things don’t always go to plan. Luckily, Padma will learn there’s no problem a cup of chai and a positive attitude can’t fix!
Grab your emergency slime, fill your pockets with supplies, and don’t wear anything you’re afraid of getting wet. Now you’re ready for Nani Camp!
In this stunning story from New York Times bestselling creator Cori Doerrfeld, a child and their grandfather take a walk in the woods and discover more about themselves.
Finn is in a horrible mood and doesn’t want to talk about it. After some persuading, though, they agree to go for a hike with Grandpa. Throughout their forest walk, they see many different things: big, strong trees with networks of roots growing underneath, still water with schools of fish swimming below, and an expectant bird with eggs nestled under her. It’s when the pair pass fellow hikers that Finn realizes that people, just like the elements of nature, are more than they appear. Grandpa explains that sometimes beneath a person who seems like they won’t understand what you’re feeling, is someone feeling the exact same way.This sweet and tender picture book celebrates our similarities, differences, and that there’s always more under the surface of what we can see.
Popo—who doesn’t speak any English—is always there for Meimei whenever she needs an extra hand. They speak Mandarin Chinese at home, and Meimei picks up new words every day.
Today, Meimei feels like she can’t do anything without Popo. But, in the face of a language barrier, maybe there’s a way Meimei can help Popo, too. Here is a heartwarming and poignant intergenerational story touching on themes of dependence and independence that is about language, love, and the fact that actions ultimately speak loudest of all.
A Caldecott Honor Book!
An Indie Bestseller!
Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade’s first self-authored picture book is a gorgeous celebration of the land she knows well and the powerful wisdom of elders.
On an island at the edge of a wide, wild sea, a girl and her grandmother gather gifts from the earth. Salmon from the stream, herring eggs from the ocean, and in the forest, a world of berries.
Salmonberry, Cloudberry, Blueberry, Nagoonberry.
Huckleberry, Snowberry, Strawberry, Crowberry.
Through the seasons, they sing to the land as the land sings to them. Brimming with joy and gratitude, in every step of their journey, they forge a deeper kinship with both the earth and the generations that came before, joining in the song that connects us all. Michaela Goade’s luminous rendering of water and forest, berries and jams glows with her love of the land and offers an invitation to readers to deepen their own relationship with the earth.
PURA BELPRÉ AWARD WINNER FOR ILLUSTRATION
For fans of Last Stop on Market Street, an uplifting story about a boy who stays true to his biggest dream while finding the magic in every moment.
Some people dream of perfect waves, fancy castles, or piloting a plane. Others dream of someone to laugh and play with all day long. Some just dream of having a meal for the next day.
And little Miguel? As he and Abuelito work in the hot Oaxacan sun, selling cold coconuts and macrame dream catchers to earn a few coins, Miguel has only one simple wish—to have his parents by his side. But how can he keep the faith when the truth is that dreams don’t always come to pass?
Marcelo Verdad’s poignant tale of hope and resilience shows how living in the here and now can be a journey every bit as beautiful as a dream.
A Spanish edition, El atrapasueños, is also available for purchase.
Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu’s delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon the pot is empty. Has she been so generous that she has nothing left for herself?
Debut author-illustrator Oge Mora brings to life a heartwarming story of sharing and community in colorful cut-paper designs as luscious as Omu’s stew, with an extra serving of love. An author’s note explains that “Omu” (pronounced AH-moo) means “queen” in the Igbo language of her parents, but growing up, she used it to mean “Grandma.” This book was inspired by the strong female role models in Oge Mora’s life.
Don’t miss Saturday, also written and illustrated by Oge Mora!
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 modern families to share together. With sly humor and breezy, dynamic artwork in the tradition of Quentin Blake, this book is a fresh celebration of the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren.
