Welcome to our thoughtful selection of picture books, celebrating the loving bond between grandparents and grandkids across the globe.
From cosy tales to adventurous escapades, these stories are perfect for shared reading — or as a gift for Grandparents' Day.
These books about grandparents are ideal for ages 3-7.
Eva Wong Nava and Natelle Quek, Walker Books
This beautiful, lyrical picture book offers a heartfelt story of empathy, centred on a little girl’s love for her grandma and their shared ritual of making dumplings. When her beloved Grandma falls ill, the little girl steps up to make the dumplings, hoping to help her get better.
Harry Woodgate, Andersen Press
A child loves hearing tales about the time Grandad and Gramps spent together, the trips and travels they took in their camper. Nothing feels the same for Grandad without Gramps, but the child convinces Grandad that together they can share memories and go on new adventures. Subtle yet affecting.
Anna McQuinn and Rosalind Beardshaw, Alanna Max
Nana-Bibi has travelled a long way to spend time with Lulu, and there is a palpable sense of love and closeness between them. Together they enjoy cooking mandazi doughnuts, eating, dancing and being together, in this cosy and comforting, warm-hearted family-based tale.
Dawn Casey and Stella Lim, Floris Books
A great example of introducing children to science through storytelling. Dawn Casey does a brilliant job of getting across facts about the importance of bees and their life cycle while engaging the reader with charming, relatable characters. Stella Lim’s lush illustrations work perfectly with the text.
Mamta Nainy and Violet Kim, Lantana
When Momo-la comes to visit, a little girl cannot wait to hear her grandmother’s stories and visit the museum. With vibrant yet soft and comforting illustrations, the special bond between grandparent and grandchild is beautifully explored. A celebration of personal histories and oral storytelling with a focus on Tibet.
Alice Courtley, Hodder & Stoughton
The big city can be an overwhelming place. Join Maya, Gran, and mischievous kitten Sammy as Maya learns to be brave and have fun! A lively adventure for young readers, as Maya chases Sammy through different urban settings, while Gran – and Sammy – help her to embrace the world around her. Kids will love spotting the kitten on each page!
Trish Cooke and Paul Howard, Walker Books
Delicious food with family and friends – Granny’s lunches are supreme in Jay Jay’s eyes. Can he wait patiently for his fill? With realistic illustrations, this authentic-feeling joyful story celebrates food and extended families including a loving grandparent-child relationship. The gently repetitive, rhythmic rich text means it’s great for reading aloud.
Srividhya Venkat and Kavita Ramchandran, Yali Books
When Varun watches his sister’s Bharatanatyam lesson, he finds himself wanting to do this classical Indian dance as well. Varsha tells him that dancing isn’t for boys, but their grandfather shows them that’s not true. Vibrant illustrations help tell a story many children will relate to in this charming book.
Layn Marlow, Oxford University Press
A young boy shares quality time with his grandfather in a story that highlights the beauty of the outdoors and the changing sky. There is also a focus on the pleasure of outdoor play and the enjoyment to be had from creating traditional toys.
A study from Oxford University revealed that, in England and Wales, grandparents' involvement in a child's life can impact their emotional well-being. From boosting self-esteem to fostering resilience, strong intergenerational links with close, elder relatives/caregivers may offer benefits lasting into early adulthood.
By reading these and other books together with their grandchildren, grandparents can build strong, loving bonds in a cosy and comforting context, forming priceless memories that will stay with their grandchildren for a lifetime.