Because grandparents hold a special place in a child’s heart
Dusk
Author: Uri Shulevitz
Illustrator: Uri Shulevitz
Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books, Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Recommended Age Range: 4 to 8
Dusk is a beautiful book that captures this time of day in magical illustrations. During the holidays, as a boy and his grandfather watch the sun go down, they realize that the city’s lights have only begun. It is a wonderful reminder why this time of year is often the brightest of all.
Grandpa Green
Author: Lane Smith
Illustrator: Lane Smith
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Recommended Age Range: 5 to 9
Website
As a young boy wanders through his great-grandfather’s garden of topiary memories, he discovers the story of his long and full life. With wonder, joy, humor, and a touch of sadness, this story reminds us that the greatest treasures are not only those we make, but those we share.
Awards: Caldecott Honor Book; A New York Times Best Illustrated Book; A Publisher’s Weekly Best Children’s Book; Silver Medal, Society of Illustrators; An Amazon Best Book; Kansas City Star Top 100 Books; A Barnes & Noble Best Book; A School Library Journal Best Book; Seven Impossible Things Top Ten; A Time Out New York Kids Best Book; Junior Library Guild Selection
Infinity and Me
Author: Kate Hosford
Illustrator: Gabi Swiatkowska
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books
Recommended Age Range: 5 to 10
Website
A terrific story about the question all children ask: How big is infinity? When a young girl goes in search of this answer, she discovers that the answers are as big as infinity itself; yet, one answer resonates – the love she has for her grandmother. A beautiful and heartfelt story.
Awards: 2013 ALA Notable Children’s Book; A 2012 Junior Library Guild Selection; 2013 Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year; 2012 New York Times Best Illustrated Book Winner
Miss Rumphius
Author: Barbara Cooney
Illustrator: Barbara Cooney
Publisher: Viking Press
Recommended Age Range: 5 to 8
Miss Rumphius is a unique story with a wonderful message: Live your dreams and don’t forget to make the world a more beautiful place. These words, told to Miss Rumphius by her grandfather at a young age, lead to a life spent climbing mountains and traveling the world. Yet, when her health turns and she must slow down, she discovers how to contribute beauty to the world – one lupine flower at a time. A perennial favorite. ☺
Awards: American Book Award Winner
The Frank Show
Author: David Mackintosh
Illustrator: David Mackintosh
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers, an Imprint of Abrams
Recommended Age Range: 5 to 7
Website
It’s show-and-tell day, but not just the “regular” kind; it’s the “bring a member of your family” kind. When Grandpa Frank – who loves the “olden days” – is the only one available, what is one boy to do?Especially when everyone else seems to have someone really exciting. Of course, unbeknownst to Kristian, the longer a person’s story, the more fascinating is usually is. And, with Grandpa Frank, this is definitely the case! A terrific and humorous read with a great message.
Awards: Parents’ Choice Award Winner, Picture Books (Gold)
The Golden Rule
Author: Ilene Cooper
Illustrator: Gabi Swiatkowska
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers, an Imprint of Abrams
Recommended Age Range: 4 to 8
Website
The Golden Rule is the story of this ancient rule found throughout many of the world’s religions. In this book, it is “discovered” and discussed through a simple dialogue between a grandfather and his grandson. Innocent and wise, simple and profound, this is powerful literature that wraps a timeless lesson within the pages of a beautifully illustrated book.
Awards: Booklist Editors’ Choice 2007; National Association Parenting Publications Gold Award 2007; The Book Award for Best Children’s Literature on Aging for Elementary Readers 2008
The lines on nana’s face
Author: Simona Ciraolo
Illustrator: Simona Ciraolo
Publisher: Flying Eye Books
Recommended Age Range: 4 to 7
The Matchbox Diary
Author: Paul Fleischman
Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Recommended Age Range: 6 to 9
A collection of matchboxes, each holding a piece of history – this is the premise for The Matchbox Diary – a wonderful book about a young boy’s journey to Ellis Island. As told to his great-granddaughter, each item brings to life what so many immigrants, at the turn-of-the-century, experienced coming to America. Beautifully illustrated.
Awards: Amazon.com Best Books of the Year 2013; Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Books of 2013; 2014 Christopher Award Winner, Ages 6 & up; Winner, IRA Notable Books for a Global Society, 2014; 2014 CLA Notable Children’s Books in the English Language Arts; IRA Children’s Choices 2015: Young Readers (Grades 3 & 4); 2014 IRA Teachers’ Choices, Intermediate Readers; A Junior Library Guild Selection
Wrinkles
Author: JR
Illustrator: JR (Photographer)
Publisher: Phaidon Press Limited
Recommended Age Range: 2 to 6