Grandparents hold a special place in a child’s heart, offering love, wisdom, and a bridge between generations. The storybooks in this collection celebrate those meaningful bonds—whether it’s through joyful visits, shared traditions, or tender memories. Perfect for children ages 0–8, these stories highlight the beauty of intergenerational relationships and the many ways grandparents shape a child’s sense of family, culture, and belonging.

For each of the titles on our list, we’ve included a talking tip to help spark conversations during storytime. Reading together isn’t just about the words on the page! These conversations help young children connect words, ideas, and feelings to their experiences—building critical  language skills and strengthening bonds. Even if your child is too young to respond, these interactive moments sharing memories and pointing out details on the page make storytime a joyful learning experience.

When Water Flows (My Living World)

Written by Aida Salazar
Illustrated by Caribay M. Benavides

A grandmother and granddaughter celebrate the many ways water heals, nurtures, feeds, and helps things grow. Drawing on Mexican traditions, this story highlights the sharing of cultural and generational knowledge, while inviting children to notice nature’s gifts and care for our planet.

Age level: 0 – 3 years

Talking Tip: If your child is too young to answer questions, then you can supply the answers! These moments help very young children build early language skills. 

• Ask your child, “What do you think your day will be like at preschool?” or “Which part of Rosie’s day are you most excited to try?”
• Point to the water in the pictures and say, “Water helps plants grow. What else does water help?”
• While washing hands or during bathtime, splash a little water together and talk about how water keeps us clean and healthy.

Go, Grandpa, Go!

Written by Lynn Plourde
Illustrated by Sophie Beer

From biking to swimming to racing down slides, a playful grandpa and his grandchild spend the day zooming, splashing, and having fun together. This lively story celebrates energy, adventure, and the joy of making memories across generations.

Age level: 0 – 3 years

Talking Tip: As you share this story together, ask:

• “What fun things do you like to do with your grandparents or older relatives?”
• “Which activity in the story would you like to try?” 
  

Answering these questions helps older children connect their own experiences to the story. For infants and toddlers, sharing your answers to these questions helps build their language skills.

The River is My Ocean

Written by Rio Cortez
Illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin

A young girl and her abuela take their Saturday walk through their New York neighborhood to the Hudson River. Along the way, they share memories, enjoy piraguas, and honor Yemaya, the goddess of the sea. The River is My Ocean celebrates cultural heritage, family love, and the calming power of water.

Age level: 3 – 7 years

Talking Tip: Ask your child to think about their grandparents or other family members. Encourage reflection and a conversation by asking: 

• “Abuela misses the ocean in Puerto Rico. Is there a place you love or miss? Why is it special to you?”
• “What do you love about spending time with your grandparents or older family members?”

Lola’s Nana-Bibi Comes to Visit

Written by Anna McQuinn
Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

Lola’s Nana-Bibi is coming all the way from Tanzania to visit! The family is busy getting ready, and everyone is excited for her arrival. This warm story celebrates the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren, showing the love, wisdom, and traditions that are passed down across generations.

Age level: 3 – 7 years

Talking Tip: Ask your child:

• “What do you like to do with your grandparents or older relatives?”
• “What are some ways we prepare for our family to visit? What do we do to let them know how special these visits are to us?”

BONUS: Help your child complete this activity! Encourage them to use their own words (help younger chidlren by writing down their words). Then, share these pages with your family. 

My Grandparents

Words Between Us

Written by Angela Pham Krans
Illustrated by Dung Ho

Felix is thrilled when Grandma comes to live with him, but she doesn’t speak English, and he barely knows Vietnamese. Through a shared love of pizza and learning each other’s language, they discover that family and connection go beyond words. This heartwarming story celebrates how love bridges language and culture.

Age level: 4 – 8 years

Talking Tip: Ask your child:

• “What languages do we speak in our family? How does it feel to know more than one language?” 
• “How do you think Felix felt when he couldn’t talk to Grandma? How would you feel?”
• “What would you do if someone didn’t understand you? How can we help people feel included?”

Spicy Spicy Hot

Written & Illustrated by Lenny Wen

Lintang is excited to finally meet her nenek (grandmother), who is visiting from Indonesia. When Nenek makes her famous spicy sambal, it is TOO spicy for Lintang!  Alongside her grandmother, Lintang learns to make sambal and discovers new ways to connect with her heritage and celebrate her family’s roots. 

A sambal recipe is included at the end so you can try it at home!

Age level: 4 – 8 years

Talking Tip: Talk about special family receipes. Ask your child, “What foods remind you of our family?” Then, share a food that’s meaningful to you from your own traditions. Take it a step further and make a dish together that is special to your family. As you prepare the food, talk about what (or who!) this food makes you think about. Share why this is a special recipe for your family.

I Miss You Most

Written by Charlotte Cheng
Illustrated by Xindi Yang

The memories of a beloved grandpa bring sadness, but also solace to the young girl in this glowing and nurturing book. We see the close and lively relationship they shared and all the ways she has been enriched by knowing him—and the ways he will always be there for her. This book is just right for starting necessary conversations about grief and paying tribute to the loved ones we’ve lost.

Age level: 4 – 8 years

Talking Tip: Ask your child what they remember about someone they love. Share a happy memory of a family member who has passed away, and talk about the many ways we keep loved ones close in our hearts.

Masala Chai, Fast and Slow

Written by Rajani LaRocca
Illustrated by Neha Rawat

Aru’s Tata (grandfather) makes masala chai the slow, careful way every morning, while Aru likes to do everything fast! Together, they discover the joy of slowing down, sharing traditions, and savoring special moments. Try Tata’s recipe in the back of the book!

Age level: 4 – 8 years

Talking Tip: Start a conversation by asking: “Do you like to do things fast or slow?” or “What special traditions do you have with your family?”
This helps children reflect on their own routines and the value of spending time together.