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.
1. Just Grandma and Me
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Little Critter and His Grandma go to the beach. As usual, Little Critter is involved in a series of minor mishaps, but with the wise guidance and tolerance of his grandmother, the outing is a success rather than a fiasco. As always with Mercer Mayer's books, the focus is on warm human relationships, relationships that cushion the characters when things go wrong.
2. The Ultimate Guide to Grandmas and Grandpas
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Finally, a book which celebrates the grandparent-grandchild relationship with humor and sass, rather than with cloying sentimentality. Witty text by Sally Lloyd-Jones is paired with lively animal art by Michael Emberley to create a book that you'll never tire of reading to your grandchildren.
3. Grandmother and I
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Through the trials of a bad cold, a lightning storm and a cat's disappearance, a granddaughter finds comfort in her grandmother's lap. Other family members offer special treats like hair-braiding and piggyback rides, but grandmother's lap is special. The lovely illustrations depict an African-American family, but the message is universal.
4. Grandfather and I
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Parents and siblings are always in a hurry, but the grandfather in this story takes time to go for slow walks with his grandson and really look at the world. The artwork by Jan Ormerod is so lovingly rendered that you'll want to join grandfather and grandson on their walks. This book will be especially appreciated by African-American families who sometimes have difficulty finding books with characters who look like them.
5. My Grandma Could Do Anything
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This first in a series of books by Ric Dilz puts a smiling grandmother in all kinds of unlikely situations. The grandmother is pictured doing all kinds of activities, which she doesn't do, "But she could!" The main idea of the books is that grandmothers can do all sorts of things, but what they do best is love their grandchildren. The books are hip and fun, yet educational in nature and serious about the grandparent-grandchild relationship.
6. Grandparents!
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This whimsical book is organized by topic, including grandparent names, grandparents' occupations or lack thereof and vacationing with grandparents. Cartoon drawings illustrate some common grandparent traits, as well as some grandparent idiosyncrasies. The over-arching theme is that all grandparents really love their grandchildren, although in slightly different ways. The theme is presented in a manner that is light-hearted and subtle rather than sentimental.
7. That's What Grandparents Are For
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Sprightly verse by Arlene Uslander and nicely evocative illustrations by Freddie Levin add up to a winner of a children's book. That the subject is grandparenting just makes it better! The book begins with the grandparent welcoming the grandchild--"On the day you were born / when I first looked at you, / I knew for certain / that dreams do come true." As the child grows, the two share adventures that range from fishing to gardening to camping, because "That's what grandparents are for!"
