Grandparents share stories, recipes, traditions and so much love. Both of my own picture books with Beaming Books are about a child and a grandparent, so this list is close to my heart.
1. Tofu Takes Time
written by Helen H. Wu, illustrated by Julie Jarema; Beaming Books, 2022
Lin and her grandma NaiNai make tofu from scratch, one slow step at a time. A tender story about patience, family and the love that goes into homemade food.
2. Ping’s Perfect Pot
written by Helen H. Wu, illustrated by Zihua Yang; Beaming Books, 2025
Ping and Grandpa bring home a tangerine tree for Lunar New Year, and Ping wants to make the perfect pot for it. With Grandpa’s encouragement, Ping learns that practice and patience matter more than perfection.
3. Drawn Together
by Minh Lê, illustrated by Dan Santat; Disney-Hyperion, 2018
A boy and his Thai-speaking grandfather can’t find the words to connect until they discover they both love to draw. Dan Santat’s dazzling art shows their two styles merging into one shared adventure, a powerful story about bridging language and generations.
4. Nana Akua Goes to School
by Tricia Elam Walker, illustrated by April Harrison; Schwartz & Wade, 2020
Zura is nervous about bringing her Nana Akua to Grandparents Day, because Nana’s face bears traditional West African tribal markings. Nana finds a warm, creative way to share their meaning, making this a lovely story about heritage, difference and pride.
5. Grandma’s Purse
by Vanessa Brantley-Newton; Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2018
When Mimi comes to visit, her granddaughter can’t wait to explore the treasures in her purse, and each one comes with a story. It’s a joyful, stylish celebration of the special bond between a Black grandmother and her granddaughter.
6. Abuela
by Arthur Dorros, illustrated by Elisa Kleven; Dutton Children’s Books, 1991
Rosalba imagines flying over New York City with her grandmother, soaring past the places that matter to their family. Spanish words woven through the text and Elisa Kleven’s colorful collage art make this a lasting favorite.
7. The Hello, Goodbye Window
by Norton Juster, illustrated by Chris Raschka; Hyperion Books for Children, 2005
A little girl tells us about her days at Nanna and Poppy’s house, where the kitchen window is the place for every hello and goodbye. The Caldecott Medal-winning art captures the comfort and fun of time with her grandparents.
8. Grandpa Green
by Lane Smith; Roaring Brook Press, 2011
A boy walks through his great-grandfather’s topiary garden, where each sculpted hedge tells a chapter of the old man’s life. This Caldecott Honor book is a tender look at memory, aging and the stories we pass down.
9. Last Stop on Market Street
by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson; G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2015
On a Sunday bus ride across the city, CJ’s grandmother helps him see the beauty and music in everyday people and places. This Newbery Medal winner celebrates a wise, loving grandparent and the joy of noticing the world.
Reading these books together is a wonderful way for kids and grandparents to share their own stories. Grandparents Day in the US is the first Sunday after Labor Day.
More picture book lists
- 12 Picture Books About Food, Family and Culture
- 8 Children’s Picture Books About Patience
- Picture Books for Father’s Day
- 10 Multicultural Children’s Picture Books for Mother’s Day
Browse all of Helen’s picture book lists, or see all of Helen’s books.
