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Pre-K

Growing Reader

Wonderful Picture Books That Celebrate Grandparents

by Dena McMurdie

Photo credit: Sam Edwards, OJO Images/Getty Images

My kids love it when their grandparents come to visit. Since both sets of grandparents live thousands of miles away, my children don’t see them very often. The few times a year we manage to get together, my kids bask in the love and attention their grandparents shower on them. Whether they’re going to the zoo, reading books, or baking cookies together, my kids adore spending time with their grandparents.

The special relationship between a child and their grandparent is worth celebrating. These picture books make wonderful gifts that both grandparents and children will love for years to come.

Joy Takes Root

Joy Takes Root

by Gwendolyn Wallace, illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin

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Even though Joy has visited her grandmother’s house in South Carolina many times, this is her first summer helping in Grammy’s garden! Soon, she’s helping out among the rows of okra, spinach, strawberries, and more. Grammy has much to teach her, like how each plant has many uses and how we are all connected to nature.

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Tomatoes for Neela

Tomatoes for Neela

by Padma Lakshmi, illustrated by Juana Martinez Neal

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This tasty picture book celebrates grandparents who live far from their grandchildren and the traditions passed down through families. Through this heartfelt story about a girl learning to cook Paati’s (her grandmother) recipes, bestselling author and TV personality Padma Lakshmi gives readers the chance to reflect on the foods, flavors, and customs in their own families.

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Grandpa Is Here!

Grandpa Is Here!

by Tanya Rosie, illustrated by Chuck Groenink

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When Grandpa comes all the way from Iran to visit, his granddaughter is so excited to share all of her favorite things with him like the mountaintops, the horse in the field, and the tunnel she discovered. Grandpa shares with her walnuts that he brought from his backyard and saffron that they use to make yellow rice. This tender and special book illustrates how magical the bonds of family are, even when family members are spread across the world.

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Nana the Great Comes to Visit

Nana the Great Comes to Visit

by Lisa Tawn Bergren, illustrated by David Hohn

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This adorable picture book shows how the little things grandparents do for the grandkids can make big impressions on them. Of course, everything’s more fun when Nana comes to visit. After all, she has no problem breaking some of Mama’s rules — like making a mess or climbing too high. She may be a little bit naughty, but it’s in the best, most loving way.

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Grandude’s Green Submarine

Grandude’s Green Submarine

by Paul McCartney, illustrated by Kathyrn Durst

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If you loved Hey Grandude, the first book in this charming series from music legend Paul McCartney, you don’t want to miss the sequel! Everyone piles into Gradude’s green submarine for a new adventure beneath the ocean waves. Filled with imagination, music, and the right amount of danger, this book will delight kids and grandparents alike.

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Ten Ways to Hear Snow

Ten Ways to Hear Snow

by Cathy Camper, illustrated by Kenard Pak

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Lina is excited to spend the day cooking family recipes at her grandma's house. As she walks through her snow-covered neighborhood passing snowmen, icy sidewalks, and more, she takes time to truly take in her surroundings. In this beautiful, cozy story, Cathy Camper’s heartfelt words and Kenard Pak’s stunning illustrations help little ones explore mindfulness and the joy of time spent with family.

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I Love Grandpa with The Very Hungry Caterpillar

I Love Grandpa with The Very Hungry Caterpillar

by Eric Carle

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Celebrate all the things that make Grandpa special with this charming and colorful book from the beloved character, the Very Hungry Caterpillar! Little ones will love reading this book with their Grandpa and sharing the ways they care. And of course, the Very Hungry Caterpillar couldn’t forget Grandma!

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Grandma’s Tiny House

Grandma’s Tiny House

by Janay Brown Wood, illustrated by Priscilla Burris

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Help your child count Grandma’s relatives as they squeeze into her house for a potluck dinner. This adorable counting book is a delicious celebration of food, family, and moments that turn into memories. You’ll want to read it again and again!

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My Nana’s Garden

My Nana’s Garden

by Dawn Casey, illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle

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After her grandmother passed away, a young girl discovers that the special connection they shared still exists in her heart. Told through lyrical text and vibrant illustrations, this book is a must-read for any child dealing with the loss of a grandparent.

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Just Grandma, Grandpa, and Me (Little Critter)

Just Grandma, Grandpa, and Me (Little Critter)

by Mercer Mayer

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In these heartwarming stories, Little Critter gets to spend the day with two of the best people: grandma and grandpa! This two-in-one picture book features both Just Grandma and Me and Just Grandpa and Me.

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Grandpa and Jake

Grandpa and Jake

by Julie Fortenberry

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One morning, Jake’s Grandpa says he wants to show Jake his favorite place. As the two walk hand in hand through town, Jake tries guessing where they might be headed. Is it the movies? The baseball park? The beach? Then they finally arrive … at the library!

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Grandma’s Purse

Grandma’s Purse

by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

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When Grandma Mimi comes to visit, she always brings her purse. For her granddaughter, the purse is almost magical. She can't wait to open it up and see what Grandma has inside. With bright, energetic illustrations, readers will be enchanted by this familiar slice-of-life story.

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Nana Akua Goes to School

Nana Akua Goes to School

by Tricia Elam Walker, illustrated by April Harrison

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Children and grandchildren of immigrant families will love this empowering story about a young girl taking her grandmother to school. Because Nana Akua looks different from the other grandparents, Zura feels nervous about Grandparent’s Day. But with a bit of help and encouragement from Nana Akua, she sets aside her insecurity and shows the class what makes her family special.

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Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa

Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa

by Anna Dewdney

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When Llama Llama goes for his first sleepover at Gram and Grandpa's house, he forgets Fuzzy Llama, his comfort toy. Thankfully, Grandpa knows exactly what to do. The satisfying ending makes this picture book a favorite among young readers.

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Something About Grandma

Something About Grandma

by Tania de Regil

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This tender and playful picture book perfectly showcases what makes grandmas so special! Julia is spending time at her Grandma’s house for the first time without her parents. Here, the air smells like jasmine and hot chocolate has the power to cure any homesickness. There seems to be something magical about this place … and about Grandma!

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Grandpa’s Tractor

Grandpa’s Tractor

by Michael Garland

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Kids and grandparents who love tractors or have a connection to them will appreciate this heartfelt story. Filled with nostalgia and charm, it celebrates farms, family, and fond memories. It might even inspire children to ask their grandparents about what life was like when they were young.

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Grandma's Gardens

Grandma's Gardens

by Hillary Clinton and Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Carme Lemniscates

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Hillary and Chelsea Clinton honor Grandma Dorothy (Hillary's mother and Chelsea's grandmother) in this lovely children's book about this special woman and her gardens. Grandma Dorothy taught her girls how magical gardens are, and how they're a place where love can grow and blossom. Share this beautiful story with the grandmother in your child's life.

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Last Stop on Market Street

Last Stop on Market Street

by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson

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After church, CJ and Nana ride the bus through their colorful, busy town. Along the way, Nana shows CJ how to find beauty in everyday life. A modern classic, this charming picture book taps into the wisdom of a grandparent and teaches children a valuable lesson.

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My Grandma and Me

My Grandma and Me

by Mina Javaherbin, illustrated by Lindsey Yankey

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Growing up in Iran, Mina's grandmother was the center of her world. Wherever her grandmother went, Mina was always close behind. While this book is a deeply personal homage to her grandmother, the feelings of love and belonging are universal. Each page of this beautiful book celebrates the small moments of love that become lifelong memories. It is hard not to get swept up in this cozy and lovely story.

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How to Babysit a Grandma and a Grandpa Boxed Set

How to Babysit a Grandma and a Grandpa Boxed Set

by Jean Reagan

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This boxed set combines two favorites, How to Babysit a Grandma and How to Babysit a Grandpa, in a giftable boxed set. Filled with advice on the care and feeding of both a grandma and a grandpa, this funny how-to collection makes a wonderful gift for grandparents, no matter the occasion.

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Ba-chan the Ninja Grandma

Ba-chan the Ninja Grandma

by Sanae Ishida

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When Little Kunoichi grows restless during the summer months, her parents take her to visit Grandma Ba-chan. Unconventional and creative, Ba-chan takes Little Kunoichi on an unforgettable adventure.

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Grandpa’s Top Threes

Grandpa’s Top Threes

by Wendy Meddour

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Grandchildren can be a source of comfort for a grieving grandparent. When Henry notices his grandpa spending all day gardening instead of talking and playing, he wants to help. Henry starts a game that gets Grandpa listening, talking, and smiling again.

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2019 and updated in 2024.