Children's Books With Grandparent Characters

Books about traditional families may arouse feelings of sadness or confusion in children who are in grandparent custody. This children's book makes the point that sometimes it's grandmas and grandpas who care for children, not mommies and daddies.

This book, the second children's book by actor and comedian Billy Crystal, chronicles the first year in a grandchild's life. Warmly rendered illustrations by Guy Porfirio depict baby's first year in realistic detail. The book comes with an audio version on CD.

This children's book by actor and comedian Billy Crystal, I Already Know I Love You, is a great gift for expectant grandparents or for grandparents to give to the expectant parents. Soft pastel illustrations by Elizabeth Sayles enhance the heartfelt text.

Grandma and grandpa will love this book which claims to give advice to grandchildren, but really depicts grandparent-grandchild relationships with a light touch. Delightful animal illustrations add color and interest.

A children's poetry book is always a good find, and a book written in poetry about grandparenting is even better. Arlene Uslander supplied the appropriately touching verse, and Freddie Levin created the joyful illustrations. This little book deserves to become a classic.

The good news is that we've found the best kids' books about grandparents. The bad news is that there weren't that many to choose from. Considering the importance of the grandchild-grandparent relationship, shouldn't more authors be mining this ground? In the meantime, enjoy these titles.

Grandmother's lap is the perfect place to snuggle when you have a cold or when the cat has been missing for two days, according to this appealing book by Helen E. Buckley. Lovingly illustrated by Jan Ormerod, Grandmother and I deserves its status as a favorite book for grandparents to read with grandchildren.

The marvelous thing about grandfathers is that they are never in a hurry, according to this lovely little children's book about grandfathers. Those looking for books about the grandparenting experience will welcome Grandfather and I, a book about the special relationship between grandfathers and grandchildren. It's an especially appropriate choice for African-American grandfathers.

Books about the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren are welcome additions to the world of children's books. This series by Ric Dilz is especially welcome, as it is witty and whimsical and lots of fun.

Nanny and I is a book for children about a grandparent with a disability. Although she is in a wheelchair, Nanny and her granddaughter share wonderful times together. As the time approaches for the granddaughter to leave, she learns a lesson about saying goodbye.

Anya, visiting at her grandmother's house, delves into the dress-up chest and puts together a stunning princess/ballerina costume. That's the catalyst for an ecstatic romp through the house and yard. Beautiful watercolors enliven Dancing With Grandma, a delightful picture book for children by Australian artist Rosemary Mastak.

Rosemary Mastnak follows up her delightful Dancing with Grandma with Cooking With Grandma. Similarly entrancing illustrations enliven this book, but there's an added element of fantasy that makes this one of my favorite picture books for children.

A grandpa's shed is the starting point for adventures with his grandson in this picture book by Rosemary Mastnak. Detailed watercolor illustrations enhance a slim storyline that emphasizes the importance of imaginative play and relationships between the generations.

Great-grandma Olivia tells Carol Olivia about her remarkable family history. Her ancestors are African American, but they are also Jewish. Based on a story told to the author in 1957, this historical fiction picture book tells a tale of love and courage and dedication to one's heritage.

The world's first company dedicated to the grandparent-grandchild relationship, GrandCamp Adventures publishes storybooks that tie in to other products, including craft kits, stuffed animals, music CDs and other products. Here We Go!, the company's first storybook, depicts a grandparent-grandchild global adventure.

Award-winning chef Lidia Bastianich has created a delightful children's book for Christmas. Nonna Tell Me a Story features Bastianich telling her grandchildren how she celebrated Christmas in Italy as a young girl. Grandparents and grandchildren will enjoy the narrative and the Lidia Bastianich recipes featured in this children's book.

This charming children's book tells the story of Miriam, the sister of Moses, known for being a prophetess and a dancer. She is also a leader of the Israeli women and the grandmother of Bezalel, a young boy with an important job in his future.

Tu B'Shevat, a minor Jewish holiday, is known as the Birthday of the Trees. Using a format borrowed from "The House That Jack Built," this book for Jewish children explains Tu B'Shevat traditions and gives suggestions for celebrating Tu B'Shevat. The book celebrates connections between the generations as well.

This book for Jewish children, in a clever two-books-in-one format, sings the praises of Jewish grandparents, those bubbes and saydes, those sabas and savtas, who enrich the lives of their grandchildren.

Jewish grandparents may have a hard time finding appropriate books to share with their grandchildren. These selections are sure to please, especially since they all feature the relationship between children and their grandparents or other older individuals.

Pop-pop (Ricky's grandfather) guides Ricky on an imaginary trip through the solar system. This children's book is lively and readable, with graphics that will help children remember what they have read. It's a great book for teaching children about the solar system, with the added bonus of a grandparent character.

How much is a grandpa worth? This question is asked and answered in this charming picture book. It's a grandpa book that the whole family will enjoy.

A grandfather gives a lovingly detailed explanation when his granddaughter asks him about his wrinkles. It makes for a unique children's book about a grandparent.

Grandpa Green is a delightfully quirky, whimsical book for children by Lane Smith. Both grandparents and grandchildren will enjoy this grandfather book.

The grandkids will love this book about a grandma whose wacky alter egos entertain her granddaughters, but there's a sweet side to this tale, too.

Dealing with the death of a grandparent can be difficult both for grandchildren and for the family members who have to help them through this passage. This children's book can help.

Everyone would like to be friends with Ruben Plotnick, and that includes David. But David has a problem, and that problem's name is Grandma Rosie.