11 Charming Picture Books About Grandparents

Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo

This Caldecott Honor book is all about a young boy visiting his grandma in the big city. But the city makes him anxious and scared.

Nana and her magical cape to the rescue! Soon he is settled in and embracing all the sights and sounds of his grandma’s home.

My Nana and Me by Irene Smalls

A grandchild and Nana spend the day playing tea party, having a bubble bath, braiding hair, and snuggling up for bedtime.

It’s such a sweet story about the love between grandparent and grandchild and the illustrations are so lovely.

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña

This multi-award-winning book is a classic for a reason. It’s a lovely story about a bus ride CJ takes with his grandma. Together they experience the different bus passengers, one of whom plays the guitar.

I love how Grandma has a positive answer to each of CJ’s questions. It’s such a wonderful book. It’s clear why it’s a Newbery Medal, a Caldecott Honor, and a Coretta Scott King Award winner.

When Grandma Gives you a Lemon Tree by Jaime L.B. Deenhian

I LOVE this charming grandparent book about being taught to make lemonade from lemons – literally. On her birthday, a grandchild doesn’t know what to make of the lemon tree her grandma brought her instead of a gift on her wishlist.

But after caring for the tree, she picks lemons and makes lemonade – then heads to the store to buy whatever she wants – which just so happens to be more plants. It’s the perfect book to encourage little gardeners!

Tea with Grandpa by Barney Saltzberg

This is such a fun, modern take on a grandchild playing with their grandpa. In this one, a child has tea party with her grandpa. After they enjoy their time together, they wave goodbye and we see that they were on zoom!

I love the way this story showcases the connections kids and grandparents can make using technology.

Hey Grandude by Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney (yes, the former Beatle) wrote a children’s book and I love it. It’s all about Grandude, who’s not a regular grandpa, he’s a cool grandpa.

He’s an explorer with a magic compass that he uses to take his grandkids exploring all over the world. It’s a delight for any Beatles-loving grandparent in your life.

Grandpa Green By Lane Smith

This Caldecott Honor book follows the journey of a Great-Grandpa and the garden he created through the eyes of a child. The topiary and garden illustrations are mesmerizing, but it’s the story about family bonds that really make my heart sing.

I Love Grandpa with the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Eric Carle has been around for generations, making this the perfect gift for grandparents and grandchildren alike. Using the images Carle is known for, this love letter from grandchild to grandpa shows how tightly family bonds can be between generations.

Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa by Anna Dewdney

I bought this book for my children when they were preparing for their first overnight stay at their grandparent’s house. It’s about Llama Llama’s first overnight visit and his struggles away from his home.

I love that it showcases that time with grandparents is different from being at home, but also highlights how special that time can be!

Grandma, Grandpa, and Me by Mercer Mayer

Mercer Mayer’s signature Little Critter series has this adorable picture book about critter’s grandparents. In this story, they all work together to get ready for the county fair.

How to Babysit Grandma and Grandpa by Jean Reagan

These are some of my favorite books about grandparents because it’s just plain silly! It’s a box set with both books inside.

I love these stories flip the script, making the kids in charge of the adults! Your littles will love this as much as their grandparents will.