11 Grandparent Picture Books that Avoid Age Stereotypes & 2 Signed Book GIVEAWAY!

Please welcome my guest author, Lindsey McDivitt, with her list of 10 grandparent picture books that avoid age stereotypes.

We are giving away a pair of signed picture books, Christmas Fairies for Ouma and Tofu Takes Time! To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter at the bottom.

p.s. Here is another one …

Grandpa and the Kingfisher by Anna Wilson, illustrated by Sarah Massini

Grandpa and his grandson spent together watching Kingfisher birds along the river. As the bird pair raise their young, it’s a metaphor that Grandpa uses to explain the circle of life. Only nature lives forever, he tells his young grandson. As the seasons progress, the Kingfisher’s parents also go through the cycle of life, and the grandson draws comfort knowing that the chicks are now grown up as he remembers his grandfather. This is a gentle story about death and dying for the youngest of readers. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

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Lindsey McDivitt is on a mission to nip ageism in the bud. We’re all bombarded regularly by negative stereotypes propelled by myths about aging. Well-regarded research tells us age stereotypes truly affect our health and wellness in detrimental ways, beginning in childhood.

Kids really need to see a greater diversity of older characters in their books—older adults and grandparents that illustrate the joys of having many, many birthdays. Visit Lindsey’s website and blog “A is for Aging” for more Age Positive picture book reviews. Her new picture book Christmas Fairies for Ouma released on November 1, 2022.

11 Grandparent Picture Books that Avoid Age Stereotypes

Christmas Fairies for Ouma by Lindsey McDivitt, illustrated by Katarzyna Bukiert

Follow the magical journey of a child’s card traveling 10,000 miles across the world to her grandmother in South Africa–from the hand of one kind stranger to another with NO name, no street, and no stamps. Is it kindness or Christmas magic? Celebrate the love between a grandparent and grandchild and Christmas joy with hidden fairies on every page and a heartwarming message of caring and connection. Illustrator Katarzyna Bukiert infused a modern Ouma with personality and vitality. It’s based on the author’s amazing true family story. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Ten Beautiful Things by Molly Beth Griffin, illustrated by Maribel Lechuga

Facing a challenging time young Lily finds comfort with her compassionate grandmother. She and Gram travel by car to Iowa, Lily’s new home, and it’s obvious Lily is anxious. Gram begins a game—find ten beautiful things on the journey. At first, Lily fails to see beauty out the car window, but the richness of Gram’s experience rubs off. There is beauty in an old barn and the smell of spring mud. The rare book with a child helped by an older person. This white family set in the Midwest is also rare. Child readers gain insights into the poetry found in ordinary living, loss, and resilience. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

Brand New Bubbe by Sarah Aronson, illustrated by Ariel Landy

Age diversity and love in a blended family. A girl gains a third grandmother through her mom’s marriage. Bubbe, her new Jewish grandmother is warm, vital, and colorful, but Jillian’s not convinced she needs another. She enjoys “…theater with Noni, or bike riding with Gram.” Jillian’s great-grandma, Great Mama-Nana—is an infrequent character in picture books.

Bubbe wins Jillian over by teaching her to make matzo ball soup (which she learned from her bubbes of course). “Family is more than blood” Jillian learns. Family legacy and the diverse nature of older people shine. Recipes for matzo ball soup, gazpacho, and Italian wedding soup.

The author also released a new kind of family tree—The Family Constellation. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Tofu Takes Time by Helen H. Wu, illustrated by Julie Jamera

It’s amazing what can be conveyed in the sparse wording of a well-written picture book! Lin’s grandmother NaiNai teaches her patience and appreciation for our planet’s gifts as they make tofu together. Soybeans and water and time require soil and sunshine, thread and fiber, and more.

This modern Chinese-American duo follows the time-consuming process, but senses are heightened with delightful sound words such as “Bubble Bobble Popple!” and “Frizzle Sizzle Hiss!” Nai Nai passes on tradition while also gently urging patience and attention to detail. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Granddad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate

Gramps has passed away, but this book handles grief in a refreshing way that shows kids the joy, adventure, and love enjoyed in a long life. A young girl hears stories of their travels from her other grandfather, Grandad, in this picture book with fantastic LGBTQ+ representation. Gramps and Grandad visited so many places in their camper over their years together. Now Grandad is alone, but his granddaughter nudges him to dust off the camper and follow his passion for exploring. I love that Grandad’s Camper shows kids an older adult’s ability to enjoy life despite grief and age. [picture book, ages 3 and up]

When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterling, illustrated by Aaron Asis

Lola’s summertime visits from the Philippines glow in her granddaughter’s memory. She treasures Lola’s sweet stories, her singing in her language Tagalog, and the fragrance from making mango jam. The young girl and Lola also enjoy fishing together and time at the beach in America. This story is rich in sensory experiences and happiness. But like many children with long-distance grandparents, their special time together comes to an end with the visit. Fortunately, Lola shares a surprise to extend their connection and their special summer. [picture book, ages 1 and up]

Big Papa and the Time Machine by Daniel Bernstrom, illustrated by Shane W. Evans

A little boy is afraid of the first day of school, but his grandfather, Big Papa, bolsters his confidence with tales of his own challenges related to African-American history. Bravery was necessary at many points looking back as if from a time machine—actually Big Papa’s 1952 Ford. The book is mostly a touching dialogue between the two generations in African-American vernacular. Experts have found that sharing a family’s tough times actually builds resilience in children. An important but gentle lesson is shared here. Big Papa is not afraid to
admit to his own fear. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Look Grandma! Ni, Elisi! By Art Coulson, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight

Bo learns perseverance, trial and error, and the math concept of volume as he searches for the right container for his homemade marbles. His grandma, Elisi, allows him to sell them at the family booth at the Cherokee National Festival, but they must fit into a small space. This ingenious dilemma incorporates bits of the Cherokee language and a warm grandmother/grandson relationship encouraging Bo’s independence. [picture book, ages 3 and up]

Abuelita and I Make Flan by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom

Anita loves cooking with her grandmother, but she is afraid to confess she broke Abuelita’s favorite plate. While making flan for Abuelo, her Cuban grandfather, Anita learns people are more important than things. Like many older adults, her Abuelita has learned that truth with the years. She shares tales of other flan recipes but emphasizes that it’s the people themselves that made them special. I love that despite having arthritis the grandmother cooks with Anita and has much to contribute. Both grandparents are Cuban and the book is written in a mix of English and Spanish. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

See You Someday Soon by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Suzy Lee

Visits from grandparents are vital, but so are finding ways to connect between visits, across the miles. Many children have experienced separation from loved ones in recent years, even when just across town. This book will even encourage talking about those feelings. See You Someday Soon features an unnamed white child and a thoroughly modern grandmother which gives the book a universal feeling. The child imagines all kinds of journeys to see the beloved grandma. It’s heartwarming and playful with clever die-cuts allowing peeks at other pages. [picture book, ages 3 and up]

Christmas Fairies for Ouma and Tofu Takes Time Signed Book Giveaway!

We are giving away a pair of signed picture books, Christmas Fairies for Ouma and Tofu Takes Time! To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter at the bottom.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lindsey McDivitt is the author of three biographies for children including A Plan for the People: Nelson Mandela’s Hope for His Nation (2021). Her first fictional picture book, Christmas Fairies for Ouma, will be released in 2022 from Familius Books. Find her at www.lindseymcdivitt.com where she reviews picture books with accurate images of aging and older adults on her blog “A is for Aging.” To learn more, visit her website, blog, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook page.

p.s. Related posts:

Grandparents’ Day and The Many Meanings of Meilan

Barbara Dee on Parenting in Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet

Picture Books with Blended Families

Family Tree Books for Kids

Top 10 Books with Bedtime & Family Themes

Japanese Internment Books for Kids & My Family’s Story

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