Celebrate Grandparents Day With 12 Darling Picture Books

Dedicated to the author’s foremothers, Gullah Geechee people from the sea islands of South Carolina “who carried history in their pocketbooks,” this story mines the endless depths of a grandmother’s purse to reveal layer upon layer of whimsy and joy. “This coin purse holds my coins, of course, but it also holds memories,” Grandma says of one of its many treasures. “Your grandfather brought it back from Japan for me. So when I do something small like put away change, I do something big and think of him, too.” The curious little girl relishes every discovery, from a compact mirror to lipstick, perfume, and earrings. Ultimately, she finds a gift for herself —a little purse just like Grandma’s.

Created by childhood friends who grew up to become a journalist and artist, respectively, this vividly illustrated picture book evokes the beauty and mystery of everyday life. It features a young girl and her grandfather exploring their San Antonio neighborhood and discussing the interconnectedness of it all. Life is not a line, the story suggests, but a series of circles connecting the seen and unseen, the rainbow and the earth, the stems and the seeds, the living and the ancestors. The vibrant strokes and saturated color of the digitally created images within this Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Book help children see themselves as part of the greater cycle of life.

This stunner features dueling illustration styles in a moving exploration of a grandfather and a grandson’s struggle to bridge linguistic, cultural, and generational divides. When his mom drops the boy off at his grandfather’s house, they greet one another with a bow before settling into uncomfortable silence. It’s only when the boy takes out his markers and starts drawing that a spark of connection emerges. Grandpa draws too. His elegant pen and ink sketches of elaborate wizards and dragons stand alongside the boy’s more colorful, cartoonish strokes, together building “a new world that even words can’t describe.” At the end of the story, the pair remains speechless, only happily so, having created new art and forged a new relationship.

This is a sweet treat of a story that will melt your heart. When little Esther’s mom can’t help her bake for school, Grandpa steps in with music, laughter, and a sprinkle of love. Their kitchen adventure brims with happiness and a recipe passed down from Grandma. This grandpa-granddaughter duo bakes more than cupcakes—they whip up a celebration of family, connection, and tradition. With cozy illustrations and a real recipe to try at home, it’s perfect for cuddly story times and bonding moments. Parents and grandparents of young kids will love the warmth, giggles, and intergenerational love this book serves up.

Every Saturday, Luis and Abuela don capes and embark on fun-filled adventures—until Abuela gets sick and has to hang up her capa. With tenderness and hope, this story guides young readers through the emotional journey of change, aging, and love that grows even when routines shift. Luis’s care and courage shine as he finds new ways to connect with his beloved grandmother. Well adapted for sparking meaningful conversations about illness and evolving relationships, this vibrant tale is a bilingual treasure.

Based on the author’s own childhood in Iran, this book captures the beauty of everyday moments shared between two generations—sweeping, baking, and praying. The characters’ relationship is affectionate, nurturing, and full of quiet joy. Beyond portraying a warm family connection, the story gently introduces themes of cultural tradition, spirituality, and interfaith friendship. This touching picture book invites young readers into a world of love, respect, and togetherness, offering both a window into Iranian life and a mirror of universal family bonds.

This book is a loving and gentle story that helps children navigate grief with grace and hope. Set in a cozy Indian village, it follows a boy who shares peaceful painting sessions with his beloved Dadaji. When Dadaji passes away, the boy tucks away the special paintbrush they shared—until a child’s request inspires him to pick it up again. With soft, soothing illustrations and lyrical storytelling, this book offers comfort and reassurance that a gift of love never truly disappears. It’s a poignant, beautiful reminder that even when someone is gone, the love they gave us continues to bloom.

This sparkling picture book reimagines the adage “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” through the charming eyes of a young girl who receives a lemon tree from Grandma instead of the gadgets she requested. With witty second-person narration and lively illustrations bursting with color, the story guides readers through caring for the tree—and discovering patience, responsibility, and unexpected rewards. It’s a charming reminder that sometimes the best gifts aren’t the ones you expect—but the ones that help you grow.

Award-winning author Margarita Engle invites us into a vibrant, musical romp through the colorful streets of Cuba! Told through the eyes of a young girl visiting her abuelo, who is a singing pregonero (fruit seller), this story bursts with rhythm, flavor, and love. Spanish and English swirl together like tropical juice as the characters chant the names of various frutas—mango, piña, limón!—bringing everyday moments to life with joyful energy. Palacios’s bright, playful art matches the story’s lively beat, while Engle’s verse invites readers to dance, sing, and celebrate culture and connection.

Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story From the Border, by award‑winning author Mitali Perkins and illustrator Sara Palacios, tells a spirited, imaginative story about family ingenuity and love in the face of obstacles. María and her brother Juan haven’t seen Abuela in five years—but during a special border‑side Posada celebration, they come up with a creative plan when their gifts can’t pass through the fence. María turns Juan’s drawing into a kite that soars over the slats, bridging two worlds in a moment of pure magic. Palacios’s lively illustrations are full of festive color, and Perkins’s picture‑book debut delivers hope with humor and cultural pride. A brilliant read for kids that sparks conversations about borders, traditions, and the power of creative connection.

Bestselling author Todd Parr will delight you with these two sweet books, The Grandma Book and The Grandpa Book. With Parr’s signature bold illustrations and simple, affirming text, each book celebrates the unique ways grandmas and grandpas show love—whether they live nearby or far away, tell silly jokes, or give the best hugs. These two books shine with inclusivity and humor, reflecting the beautiful variety of families and relationships. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, they are well adapted to spark giggles, warm fuzzies, and great conversations about family. Both offer a fantastic tribute to grandparents in all their fun and quirky forms.