Wonderful Picture Books That Celebrate Grandparents
by Dena McMurdie
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.
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The Big One
Buy from:Marina may be the smallest child in town, but she and her Nana have big dreams of catching the legendary Big One. As they head out to sea with a tiny boat and a peach for bait, this charming story celebrates the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren — and the joy of dreaming big together.
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How to Babysit a Grandma and a Grandpa Boxed Set
Buy from: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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Two Artists, Grandad and Me
Buy from:A young girl spends a magical day in her artist Grandad’s studio, where she discovers that there’s no right or wrong way to create. Inspired by author-illustrator Charnelle Pinkney Barlow’s memories of her grandfather Jerry Pinkney, this beautiful story celebrates creativity, family, and treasured time together.
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Grandmas Are Magic
Buy from:From Gramma Tala in Moana to Abuela Alma in Encanto, this delightful picture book celebrates the special grandmothers of Disney and Pixar. Each one has her own unique magic, but they all share an incredible ability to encourage, inspire, and love their grandchildren.
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Just Grandma, Grandpa, and Me (Little Critter)
Buy from: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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Broken
Buy from:When Mei Mei accidentally breaks her ama’s favorite cup, she becomes convinced that she’s in big trouble. But after letting her cat take the blame, Mei Mei realizes she has to tell the truth. This funny, tender story shows young readers the importance of honesty, forgiveness, and a grandparent’s unconditional love.
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Joy Takes Root
Buy from: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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Grandpa Is Here!
Buy from: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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Poppy’s Family Recipes
Buy from:Sunday afternoons are extra special when Poppy gets to cook with Granddad. As they shop for ingredients, make sweet potato pie, and share stories about his famous coconut stew, Poppy discovers that family recipes are about more than food—they’re a delicious way to pass down memories and traditions.
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The Explorers
Buy from:Etta and Grandma Maisie are the ultimate explorers, always ready for adventure — and plenty of pickle-and-cheese sandwiches. But when Etta starts school and Grandma moves to a seniors’ residence, their biggest adventure yet is learning how to navigate time apart. This sweet story offers reassurance for little ones facing big changes.
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Nana the Great Comes to Visit
Buy from: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
Buy from: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
Buy from: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
Buy from: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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My Nana’s Garden
Buy from: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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Grandma’s Purse
Buy from: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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Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa
Buy from: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
Buy from: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
Buy from: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
Buy from: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
Buy from: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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Grandpa’s Top Threes
Buy from: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 2026.