One thing that may be on kids’ minds as they process coronavirus and the many changes to their lives it has caused in recent weeks, is their grandparents. Kids may be missing them, if they are self-quarantining and not able to visit in person as much as usual. Kids also may be feeling worried, if they have picked up on the idea of different levels of vulnerability to COVID-19.
Here are 12 books, which are ALL available in e-book format from the New York Public Library, that celebrate the relationship between kids and their grandparents. (You may need to put some on hold and wait a bit, but others were available for check-out as of this morning!).
I Really Want to See You, Grandma by Taro Gomi
Yumi and her grandma both really want to see each other. Trouble is, they manage to have this idea and leave their houses for a visit at the same time! Will they find each other? Read to see… (If the illustration style looks familiar, you’re not imagining things. Taro Gomi is the author/illustrator of the iconic Everybody Poops!)
The Empañadas that Abuela Made / Las empañadas que hacía la abuela by Diane Gonzalez Bertrand, translated by Gabriela Baeza Ventura, illustrated by Alex Pardo Delange
Mmmmm….Abuela is making pumpkin empanadas. Yes, please! Even though we can’t have big family gatherings right now, that doesn’t mean we can’t read about them! Plus, the recipe for Abuela’s empanadas can be found in the back of this bilingual book, if you want to try your hand at making them.
Escalera a la Luna by Maya Soetoro-Ng, illustrated by Yuyi Morales
In this dreamy story (which is the perfect kind for Yuyi Morales’ mystical illustrations), Suhaila gets to spend time with her Grandma Annie. Although Suhaila never got to know her in this life, she is able to spend time with her by climbing a magical golden ladder to the moon.
Grandfather Counts by Andrea Cheng, illustrated by Anghe Zhang
They may not speak the same language, but this does not stop Helen and her grandfather from forming a strong bond of love during his visit from China.
Grandma Lena’s Big Ol’ Turnip by Denia Lewis Hester, illustrated by Jackie Urbanovic
We’re talking one e-NOR-mous turnip! So enormous, it’s near impossible to pull up out of the ground. But don’t worry, if anyone can do it, master gardener Grandma Lena can!
Grandma’s Purse by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
I just love every book Vanessa Brantley-Newton is involved in. In this one, a little girl explores the many wonders to be found in Grandma Mimi’s treasure-filled purse!
Todd Parr’s instantly recognizable stick figures and vibrant colors will grab any reader’s attention. The Grandpa Book celebrates the many wonderful behaviors of a typical grandpa–big fish story-telling, knick-knack collecting, grandkid picture-hoarding…
Marisol McDonald and the Clash Bash by Monica Brown, illustrated by Sara Palacios
Marisol wants so badly for her grandma from Peru to come to her 8th birthday. Even though Abuelita can’t be there in person, she does surprise Marisol with an online video visit! (Kids who are learning to connect with grandparents this way during coronavirus quarantine will love seeing their experience mirrored by this book.)
Skyfishing by Gideon Sterer, illustrated by Polly Bernatene
A granddaughter helps her grandfather adjust to life in the big city, where fishing catches them some unusual treasures…
Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
I’ve reviewed Sofia Valdez before for its awesome story of civic engagement, but it also features an adorable Abuelo-granddaughter relationship. In fact, its Abuelo’s trash-pile-related injury that inspires Sofia to go into politics in the first place!
When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L. B. Deenihan, illustrated by Lorraine Rocha
When Grandma shows up, not with any of the cool, high-tech gifts on the young protagonist’s birthday wish-list, but with a lemon tree, this granddaughter tries to hide her disappointment. But, soon she discovers that Grandma knows best, when the gift “blossoms” into the best present ever.
When I Was Little by Toyomi Igus, illustrated by Higgins Bond
Much has changed since our grandparents’ time. A little boy listens as grandpa tells him what life was like when he was a little boy. Looking back at the past with our elders can be really comforting during a time of crisis like we are currently in. It reminds us that the world has been around long before (and will continue long after) the specific moment we are in.
Even though we may be needing to give our elders more physical space than usual right now, it does not mean we cannot continue to be close in heart and mind. These books (and perhaps reading them while video chatting with your own beloved grandmas and grandpas!) are a great way to help you feel connected.
