Grandparents can be a very important part of a child's life - whether they're related or not. These books celebrate the relationship between children and the older adults in their lives.
Grandpa and Thomas
Pamela Allen
Grandpa and Thomas go on their regular beach outing and have fun picnicking and splashing.
Reviewed by Annie.
I loved you before you were born
Anne Bowen; illustrated by Greg Shed
A grandmother tells of her dreams about the birth of her future grandchild. Absolutely gorgeous.
Reviewed by Annie.
Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs
Tomie De Paola
A worthy holder of the classic tag, recently reissued in full colour to celebrate the 20th anniversary. The book tells the true story of young Tommy and his best friend, his great-grandmother Nana Upstairs. Tommy's mother explains that Nana Upstairs will never come back "[e]xcept in your memory. She will come back in your memory whenever you think about her." When Nana Upstairs and, years later, Nana Downstairs, dies he sees a falling star - "Perhaps ... a kiss from Nana Upstairs."
Reviewed by Annie.
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Possum magic
Mem Fox; illustrated by Julie Vivas
Grandma Poss knows magic - including making Hush invisible. But one day Hush wants to be visible again, so the two possums travel around Australia trying to make Hush visible again.
Reviewed by Annie.
Grandad's magic
Bob Graham
Alison loves Grandad's magic. Sometimes it's very helpful, but one day it turns to disaster.
Reviewed by Annie.
A balloon for Grandad
Nigel Gray; illustrated by Jane Ray
Sam loves his red balloon, but it blows out the window. Sam's dad tells him it's ok because the balloon has gone on an adventure to find Sam's grandad. And grandad will be so happy because he'll know Sam is thinking of him.
Reviewed by Annie.
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When Jessie came across the sea
Amy Hest; illustrated by P.J. Lynch
Jessie is devastated when she has to immigrate to America, at the turn of the twentieth century, without her grandmother. After years of hard work Jessie purchases a ticket for her grandmother to join her. For older children.
Reviewed by Annie.
The games of Nanny Miro
David Hill; illustrations by June Grant
Nanny Miro tells her mokopuna all about the games her Nanny used to play.
Reviewed by Annie.
Gramma's walk
Anna Grossnickle Hines
Donnie's Gramma is in a wheelchair, but through the magic of imagination, the two of them walk to the beach.
Reviewed by Annie.
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The waka huia
Gabrielle Huria; illustrated by Jenny Rendall; Maori by Tahu Potiki; cultural explanation, Te Maire Tau
When Taua dies, Rakituanuku goes on a journey to understand the wisdom of his tribe.
Reviewed by Annie.
A busy day for a good grandmother
Margaret Mahy; illustrated by Margaret Chamberlain
When her grandson needs soothing, Mrs Oberon leaps into action! She can ride rapids, fly, skateboard and bake! What a good grandmother!
Reviewed by Annie.
My granny was a frightful bore (but she isn't any more)
Nanette Newman; illustrated by Beryl Cook
A dear old granny she may once have been, but this granny is now ready to be seen. Told in a delightful rhyme, this story will take the reader along for the ride as granny tries all the things that she always wanted to do. She dances, she sings, she even gets a white pet mouse to share the fun with.
This book will appeal to slightly older readers as the language is rather advanced, but younger children will love the illustrations and the flow of the language.
Recommended for ages 5 +.
Reviewed by Erika.
Remember me
Margaret Wild; illustrated by Dee Huxley
When Grandma starts to loose her memory, she and Ellie think of ways they can make sure Grandma will always remember Ellie, and other important things.
Reviewed by Annie.
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