Grandparents’ Tales: Stories of Love, Wisdom, and Adventure
Sitting with a grandparent and listening to a story can be a truly timeless experience. Whether it’s a tale from their own past, a whimsical adventure spun from imagination, or a quiet lesson disguised as play, these moments linger long after childhood. Picture books that capture the voices of grandmothers and grandfathers carry that same magic onto the page—offering children comfort, laughter, and wisdom they can return to again and again.
In this collection, you’ll discover stories that travel from Ukrainian villages to pirate seas, from cozy kitchens to vibrant gardens. Each book shines a light on the beautiful ways grandparents shape our lives—with courage, tenderness, and joy.
Tell me a story, Babushka by Carola SchmidtMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Princess Without a Castle, A Monster Without a Face
At the start, it feels like the familiar setup of a bedtime story: a child asks her grandmother for a tale with a princess and a monster. But Babushka’s story is no fantasy - it’s the story of her own childhood in Ukraine during the darkest chapters of the Soviet Union.
The “monster” in Babushka’s tale isn’t a dragon, but hunger. Soldiers come to the village and take the grain, leaving families with empty cupboards. The “princess” is Babushka herself, a little girl who has to find courage when her family is deported to a Siberian camp. What unfolds is not make-believe, but the raw truth of survival, love, and the will to carry hope even when the world feels cold and cruel.
Carola Schmidt writes with deep empathy, crafting words that young readers can understand while still honoring the weight of history. Anita Barghigiani’s illustrations match the tone beautifully -warm scenes of Babushka kneading bread and holding her granddaughter are woven together with stark, haunting images of winter landscapes and quiet desperation. The contrast helps children see both the hardship and the resilience at the heart of the story.
Tell Me a Story, Babushka is more than a picture book. It’s a doorway to conversations about the past, a reminder of what many families endured, and a testament to the power of memory shared across generations.
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Grandma Marjorie and the Feathered Pirate by Melissa RobinsonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Treasure-Filled Tale of Love and Adventure
Every child deserves a grandmother who can turn an ordinary day into an adventure, and Grandma Marjorie is exactly that kind of woman. In Grandma Marjorie and the Feathered Pirate, Melissa Robinson whisks readers away on a story that sparkles with humor, imagination, and heart.
The tale begins with Grandma Marjorie and her grandchild setting out on what seems like a simple day together—until they embark on an unusual adventure and they meet a feathered pirate who brings mischief and laughter. The story blends whimsical fun with a deeper current: that the love and support of family is the greatest treasure of all.
Olga Sall’s illustrations brim with life, pairing vibrant colors with playful details that make the pirate’s world jump off the page. There’s movement and sparkle in every spread, from swishing feathers to gleaming seas, giving young readers plenty to linger over.
At its heart, the book celebrates intergenerational bonds—how a grandmother’s presence can anchor a child even when adventures get a little wild. It’s a reminder that stories, whether imagined or real, become more magical when shared across generations. Families looking for a read-aloud that combines action with heart will find themselves returning to Grandma Marjorie and the Feathered Pirate again and again.
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The Magic of Love by Alyssa JanneyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
As the illustrator of The Magic of Love, one of my favorite parts of this project was bringing out the hidden treasures that run quietly through Alyssa Janney’s story. They aren’t just in the words, but in the way Lily discovers small moments of connection with her grandmother “Gee”—a smile sparked by a familiar sound, a flower book that brings back a memory or a family souvenir on a fireplace. I wanted those treasures to feel like little surprises children could spot on the page, encouraging them to linger and look deeper.
The natural world is also an important backdrop to the story. Rolling hills, winding paths, and blooming gardens mirror Lily’s journey of patience and discovery. Just as a landscape holds layers of history, Gee’s memories and love still ripple beneath the surface. My goal was to let the illustrations carry that sense of continuity—of seasons changing, of roots holding fast—even when words and memory become fragile.
What makes The Magic of Love so special is its honesty paired with hope. It doesn’t shy away from the challenges of dementia, but it shows children how creativity, nature, and love can help us reach one another in new ways. To me, that’s the real treasure: a story that leaves families not only moved, but equipped to see the beauty in every shared moment.
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Roy the Koi: The Fish Who Lived Forever by Holly DiBella-McCarthyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A gentle, life-affirming tale of kindness, legacy, and the ripples we leave behind
Roy the Koi: The Fish Who Lived Forever is a warm, reflective story that blends gentle storytelling with a quietly powerful message: our kindness and love can echo long after we’re gone.
Roy isn’t just any koi fish—he’s the wise old heart of his pond, loved by the children and all the people of the town. The story gracefully guides young readers through the idea of saying goodbye—not with fear or sadness alone, but with gratitude for all the memories and lessons Roy leaves behind.
Joseph McCarthy and Holly DiBella-McCarthy write with softness and care, turning a natural part of life into something comforting rather than frightening. The tone is thoughtful yet accessible, perfect for gently opening conversations about loss, remembrance, and what it means to truly “live forever” in the hearts of others.
The illustrations further enhance the book’s peaceful, contemplative feel, capturing the beauty of koi pond, sunlight on water and happiness of town's people.
At its heart, Roy the Koi isn’t just a story about a fish; it’s a gentle meditation on legacy, kindness, and how love lives on. Ideal for family reading, classrooms, or any child beginning to explore the deeper questions of life, it leaves young readers with a comforting truth: when we love and are loved, we never truly disappear.
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A Week at Camp with Gramma and Gramp by Cathy MayMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Summer Adventures, Family Style
There’s something magical about summer break—the freedom to explore, play, and discover new things outside of routine. Cathy May’s A Week at Camp with Gramma and Gramp captures that magic with warmth and charm, celebrating the joy of spending time with grandparents who turn everyday moments into adventures.
The story follows a child’s weeklong stay with Gramma and Gramp, where “camp” is less about tents and cabins and more about the simple pleasures of family time. There are outdoor activities, new skills to learn, and cozy evenings that leave the child feeling both loved and adventurous. It’s a reminder that camp doesn’t have to be far away or formal—sometimes, the best camp is right in your grandparents’ backyard.
May’s writing is playful and light, filled with the excitement of discovery, while also grounded in the tenderness of intergenerational love. The book paints grandparents not just as caregivers, but as guides, companions, and memory-makers. Children will connect with the fun of trying new things, and adults will feel the nostalgia of summers spent with family.
A Week at Camp with Gramma and Gramp is a delightful read-aloud for families, especially those who want to highlight the special role grandparents play in children’s lives. It’s a story that says: adventure is all around us, especially when we share it with people who love us most.
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Grandma's Secret Ingredients by Francis KeeneMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Love Is the Real Secret
Cooking with Grandma is rarely just about food—it’s about stories, laughter, and the warmth that comes from being together. In Grandma’s Secret Ingredients, Francis Keene invites us into a kitchen where recipes become magical and love is the most important flavor of all.
The story follows a child who discovers that Grandma’s cooking holds a special secret. Each dish she makes isn’t only delicious—it carries with it little lessons, memories, and the kind of wisdom that can’t be written down on a recipe card. Children will delight in the cozy rituals of chopping, stirring, and tasting, while adults will recognize the deeper truth: the real secret ingredient is always love.
Yuliia Zolotova’s illustrations glow with warmth and homeliness. From the swirls of steam rising from a pot to the sparkle in Grandma’s eyes, each page feels like an invitation to pull up a chair at the table. There’s a gentle rhythm to the art that mirrors the comfort of cooking together, turning the story into an experience as much as a read.
Grandma’s Secret Ingredients is a tender celebration of family traditions, the bonds that grow stronger in the kitchen, and the timeless recipes that nourish both body and soul. Perfect for bedtime reading or sharing before a family meal, it’s a book that reminds us all of the flavors that truly matter.
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Oscar and Emmy Visit Grandma by Terri SabolMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this delightful follow-up, Oscar and Emmy Visit Grandma, author Terri Sabol captures the highs and hiccups of a family vacation from a child’s perspective. When Oscar and Emmy’s parents head off on a trip, the siblings stay behind with Grandma - only to discover that life at Grandma’s house runs on a rhythm all its own.
The story humorously explores themes of flexibility and resilience, as Oscar and Emmy navigate everything from unfamiliar meals to bedtime routines that don’t quite match their own. Through these small, relatable moments, children learn that adapting to change doesn’t have to mean losing comfort - it can mean discovering something new.
Natalie Merheb’s bright and expressive illustrations elevate the story’s humor and warmth, perfectly capturing Grandma’s the atmosphere of a new temporary home. Her art adds visual punchlines that enhance the book’s gentle wit and emotional beats.
With its lighthearted tone and underlying message about embracing differences, this book makes a wonderful read for kids ages 4–8—especially those preparing for time away from home or a visit with extended family.
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Gung Gung's Garden by Sheun LeeMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Growing Roots, Growing Love
Sometimes the most meaningful lessons are learned in the garden. In Gung Gung’s Garden, Sheun Lee tells a heartfelt story about the bond between Jade and her grandfather, showing how tending to plants becomes a way of tending to each other.
Jade love spending her days in her Gung Gung’s lush, carefully tended garden. She joins him—digging, planting, and watching things grow—she begins to see the beauty not just in the garden itself, but in the care, tradition, and love behind it. The garden becomes a living metaphor for family roots, resilience, and the gifts passed down across generations.
Sheun Lee’s writing is gentle and poetic, inviting children into a world that feels both familiar and full of wonder. Tammy Do’s illustrations are vibrant and tender, bursting with greens, florals, and soft light that makes each page feel alive. The interweaving of cultural detail and universal themes makes the book resonate widely, offering young readers both a window and a mirror.
Gung Gung’s Garden is a story of patience, legacy, and love. It reminds us that gardens don’t just grow vegetables and flowers—they grow connections, memories, and an enduring sense of belonging.
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Operation Nana: A Plan Full of Love by Kelle LimaMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Plan Full of Love
What if you could choose your family? In Operation Nana: A Plan Full of Love, Kelle Lima tells the story of Juju, a spirited little girl with a very big plan. She wants Miss Rose, her caring neighbor, to become her Nana. Not in the official sense, but in the way that truly matters—through love.
The story shines because it captures the honesty of a child’s heart. Juju doesn’t see barriers like “real” or “not real” family—she simply knows the joy she feels with Miss Rose, and she decides that joy deserves a name: Nana. Children will instantly recognize Juju’s determination and imagination, while adults may find themselves moved by how naturally kids expand the circle of love around them.
The illustrations are warm, cheerful, and full of personality, echoing Juju’s energy and the comfort of Miss Rose’s presence. Each page feels like an invitation into Juju’s world, where love is a mission worth planning, and kindness can turn a neighbor into family.
At its heart, Operation Nana reminds us that belonging is not just about where you were born, but where you are welcomed and cherished. It’s a story that opens doors for conversations about adoption, blended families, or simply the magic of chosen connections. And it leaves you smiling, ready to believe in the power of little plans that grow into something much bigger.
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Grandparents’ tales aren’t just stories for children—they’re bridges between generations. They invite us to pause, listen, and cherish the love and lessons that come with family, whether by blood, by choice, or by memory. Each of these books opens a little door to that world, creating opportunities for bedtime snuggles, meaningful conversations, and laughter-filled afternoons.
If you’re looking for a gift that’s both heartwarming and lasting—or simply a way to celebrate the grandparents in your child’s life—these titles are a wonderful place to start. You can explore them all through the Amazon links included here and find the perfect story to share with the little ones in your life.
