Whether near or far, grandparents treasure their relationships with their grandkids. Call them Nana, Grandma, Mama, Pappy, Papa, Grandpa or Gramps, there’s nothing like spending quality time with your grandparents. Next time you want to share a story together, cuddle up with one of these books for a good read.
Grandma Wishes & Grandpa’s Wish List, by Julia Lobo and Madison Lodi
- Best for ages: 0-3
These board books tell the stories of special stars for grandmas to wish on and lists that grandpas make to prepare for a new baby (like shining a trumpet). They are perfect to keep at grandma’s house for littles to have read to them on visits.
Grandma Loves Me ABC and Grandpa Loves Me 123, by Ashley Matthews and Laura Gates Galvin. Illustrated by Gill Guile.
- Best for ages: 0-3
Gift your grandchild one of their first board books. These adorable titles are educational and filled with the love that grandparents have for their grandkids. My Grandpa is NOT Grumpy, by Kally Mayer
- Best for ages: 3-8
Maybe you, too, have heard the rumors that grandpas are grumpy. You would be too if you didn’t have hair, lost your glasses and had to cut your toenails. The narrator in this book, instead, remembers all the fun and love she has with her grandpa, who is NOT grumpy!
40 Uses for a Grandpa and 41 Uses for a Grandma, by Harriet Ziefert
- Best for ages: 4-10
Without much explanation, but with fantastic illustrations by Amanda Haley, the uses for grandparents are deftly laid out. Taxis, nurses, playdates, farmers, hair braiders, secret keepers and personal shoppers are just a few that help grandkids know that grandparents aren’t just for holidays.
The Truth About Grandparents, by Elina Ellis
- Best for ages: 4-8
With humor and fantastic illustrations, Ellis dispels a few myths about grandparents — that they’re not bendy or don’t like to try new things. Fun for all ages, though young kids who see their grandparents often will find themselves in the shoes of the narrator.
How to Babysit a Grandma/Grandpa, by Jean Reagan
- Best for ages: 4-8
It’s not easy babysitting grandmas and grandpas for the first time. You have to dress up, know what they like and have lists of activities ready to try. Of course, you have to let grandparents pick their favorites. Sometimes, you’ll be lucky enough to stay the night so you can try everything!
How to Read to a Grandma or Grandpa, by Jean Reagan
- Best for ages: 4-8 years
Now that you know how to babysit your grandpa or grandma, it’s time to learn how to read to them. The book describes the importance of picking out the best book and the best reading spot to enjoy this time with your grandparent. It also features different activities that kids can enjoy with their grandmas and grandpas.
Grandpa’s Stories, by Joseph Coelho & Allison Colpoys
- Best for ages: 5-10
This story of love and loss is best recommended for older kids who understand losing a grandparent and savoring the memories. The subtitle to this story is “A Book of Remembering,” and serves as a remedy for kids who recently lost a grandparent or who struggle after losing one.
Grandpa Monty’s Muddles, by Marta Zafrilla
- Best for ages: 5-10
For older kids who know and understand someone with memory loss, Grandpa Monty will be recognizable. Helping kids understand aging while teaching compassion, this book does both in a humorous way while holding onto the love.
When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree, by Jamie L.B. Deenihan
- Best for ages: 2-7
This book is based on the saying, “When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade.” A little girl receives a lemon tree from her grandmother for her birthday instead of the many electronics she asked for. The book even has a lemonade recipe in it that kids are sure to enjoy.
When Grandpa Gives You a Toolbox, by Jamie L.B. Deenihan
- Best for ages: 3-7
The book has a juxtaposition of a little boy playing with dolls, but also building with tools. The boy seems disappointed when he received a toolbox from his grandfather on his birthday instead of the dollhouse he wanted. It teaches patience and paying attention and realizing what you’re actually capable of.
Grandparents Day! (Step into Reading), Candice Ransom
- Best for ages: 4-6
Little readers will love this step one book all about Grandparents Day. Read about what this brother and sister do with their grandparents on this special day and plan some activities of your own to do with your grandma and grandpa.
Grandpa Groundhog, written and illustrated by Kevin Geiger
- Best for ages: 3-8
“Grandpa Groundhog” is a heartwarming story that tells the tale of a gruff grandpa and a grumpy groundhog who compete for territory but find common ground – literally and figuratively -through their shared love of a backyard garden.
Stuff Every Grandmother Should Know, by Joyce Eisenberg & Ellen Scolnic
- Best for ages: Grandparents
From picking a grandmother name to grandmother getaways with tweens, this tiny tome is perfect for new grandmas. It’s a great way to announce a coming baby (there’s a section on prepping for a new baby including baby showers and what not to cook for pregnant women) or for friends who are new to the grandma scene.
Stuff Every Grandfather Should Know, by James Knipp
- Best for ages: Grandparents
Like the companion book for grandmas, the grandfather book is perfect for a new grandpa, including a quiz to help new papas learn what kind of grandfather they are or want to be (Handyman Grandfather, Funnyman Grandfather, Cool Grandfather, etc.). There is a chapter on “Working with your co-conspirator” (aka, Grandma), and another on “What to Do When You’re Overruled.”
Jokes for GrandParents (To Tell Their GrandKids), by Bohdan D Shandor and Olga Medyukh
- Best for ages: 0-100
Humor is a great bonding tool that can bring family members of all ages together. Crack some jokes and win some funny points with your grandkids by sharing a few of these wise cracks with them. Funny for the whole family!
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