Books about Grandparents are some of the most enjoyable you’ll read to your grandchildren, but not for the reasons you think. These books will open your eyes to all of the different kinds of grandparents that exist in the world! With a little luck, they will expand your definition of what it means to be a grandparent. The will help you understand more of what grandchildren appreciate about your generation. Your grandchild’s definition of “grandparent” is informed most by who you are, and that’s OK.
Although we often think of grandparents in stereotypical ways, grandparents are unique in all kinds of interesting ways. If you don’t look like the grandparents in any of these books, that isn’t an indication you are doing the grandparenting thing “wrong.” But it will help you figure out ways you and your grandchild can celebrate your own uniqueness. You are loveable just as you are, and so is your grandchild. Accept your grandchild exacty as they are. They will do the same for you.
Reading Aloud Using Readeo.com
To make this simple, start out with these eight titles about grandparents that are available on Readeo.com. Readeo is an easy-to-use interface that allows you to read aloud online via a “book chat.” This technology gives both you and your grandchild inexpensive access to a great reading book, even if you can’t be in the same location. The video screen will show the book and your faces, allowing you to watch your grandchild’s reaction to the book. Use the coupon code “PlayDateBox” to receive an extended one-month trial subscription. Of course, you can simply read side-by-side with a grandchild as well. There are hundreds to choose from in the Readeo library. Here are a few favorites selected by Readeo’s Literacy Specialist, Eloise Ginty:
Books About Grandparents on Readeo.com
What Can Your Grandma Do?
Written by Anne Sawan, Illustrated by Sernur Isik (ages 6-11)
Jeremy is worried because there is going to be a grandparent talent show at school and his grandma is the type that burn pot roast, can’t juggle, and isn’t famous in any way. Will they figure out a talent Grandma can share?
That’s What Grandpas Are For
Written by Harriet Ziefert, Illustrated by Deborah Zemke (ages 3-8)
Grandpa will bait a fishhook when you don’t want to and will tell you that you are beautiful even if you have a chocolate milk moustache. But what can you do for Grandpa to let him know he’s important to you? This book looks at all of the reasons grandpas are important from both grandfather’s perspective and grandchild’s.
The Great and The Grand
Written by Benjamin Fox, Illustrated by Elizabeth Robbins (ages 3-8)
A mother takes her new baby on a train ride to meet his great-grandfather for the first time. The dreamy illustrations in this book help us consider the contrasts between what each generation knows and why their connection is so important to both.
Family Reunion
Written by Chad and Dad Richardson, Illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin (ages 3-8)
The family reunion is the catalyst for helping a young black boy connect with his family members from all over the country. He isn’t at all excited to be surrounded by people he doesn’t know. But a reassuring hug from his PopPop and ten dollars from PopPop’s old leather wallet help him begin to see all of the happy advantages of loving this family and being loved by them in return.
Don’t Call Me Grandma
Written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, Illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon (ages 6-9)
Great Grandmother Nell eats fish for breakfast, pulls on people’s ears if they call her “Grandma,” doesn’t want to be hugged, and is prickly and stern. How can someone love a grandma like that? This book will show you how. There are many ways to love a grandmother, and one of the best is understanding more about her life and the struggles she’s faced.
One Kiss for Grandpa
Written by Harriet Ziefert, Illustrated by Bam McPhilipps (early reader ages 0-5)
Grandpa is taking care of little bunny for the day, but none of the things he wants to do sound fun. How will they manage to fill up an entire day of play? A fun book for early readers.
The Beeman
Written by Laurie Krebs, Illustrated by Valeria Cis (ages 3-8)
A rhyming book all about a grandfather who is a beekeeper. The lilting text is so fun to read, you’ll find yourself pulling this one out again and again as you learn about bees, beekeeping, and even Grandma’s apple and honey muffins (recipe included).
Maybe Dying is Like Becoming a Butterfly
Written by Pimm van Hest, Illustrated by Lisa Brandenburg (ages 3-8)
A Grandfather and the grandchild he calls “Sweetheart” are discussing what it means to die and thinking about how it is different (or not) from living. They each share real feelings about ways dying might feel frightening. Additional information at the end of the book by grief therapist Rebecca Dabekaussen helps adults consider ways to help a child learn about death and help them through the grieving process.
More Books About Grandparents Available on Readeo.com
We believe that grandparents make great reading buddies, even if you do all of your reading remotely via videoconference. The list above should get you excited about the variety of books available through the Readeo.com website. Here are more great titles to try!:
- I’ll Love You For Always
- Bear’s Busy Family
- Baby’s Blessings
- 41 Uses for a Grandma
- Bear’s Busy Family
- Ricky and Grandpa’s Garden
- Grandma is an Author
- Ian at Grandma and Grandpa’s
- Lots of Grandparents
- Stop Tooting!
- 101 Ways to Be a Good Granny
- Families Have Together
- A Monster for Grandma
- Grandpas are For Puddle Jumping
- One Kiss for Grandpa
- Grandmas Are For Snowy Days
- Grandpa’s Garden
- Dance Like a Leaf
- The Big Five
- 40 Uses for a Grandpa
- Katie’s Day with Grandma
- Get Well Soon, Grandpa
- My Granny Went to Market
- Over the River
- That’s What Grandmas are For
And Even More Amazing Grandparent Books
If you are still searching for a favorite book about grandparents, here’s a great list compiled by Karen Ritz, author, illustrator, and creator of www.grandycamp.info and Dr. Rebecca Rapport, retired Children’s Literature Professor, University of Minnesota.