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Picture Books
This list is a resource meant to help us all to nip ageism in the bud--by exposing kids to more accurate images of aging. We believe teachers, librarians, parents and grandparents can form more positive attitudes to growing older by reading and discussing these books* with kids.
*We strive to ensure this list does not include books containing negative age stereotypes. (Note: many"intergenerational book lists" do include age stereotypes.) This page is a work in progress. Suggestions welcomed. Please feel free to contact me.
Book reviews on the A is for Aging blog page often include ideas for talking with kids about aging and ageism.On this page:
Alphabetized list of Positive Aging picture books
Books for children ages 3-6
Books for children ages 6-9
Notes:
Sandra L. McGuire, Ed.D has studied the importance of aging education for many years and published numerous articles on the topic. Beginning with our collaboration in 2015 her booklist “Growing Up and Growing Older” can be found here. They are gradually being added to the book list on this website.
Thanks to SEA Change (Societal Education About Aging for Change) for permission to begin with their original list. For info contact Marsha Weiner at contentmaven2009@gmail.com. Original list has been changed by Lindsey McDivitt.
Read more regarding Educators on using picture books to change attitudes to aging.
Alphabetized list of Positive Aging picture books:
Click on a book's image or title to find the closest library with that title and also options for purchase. (Some may be out of print.)
Abuela
Illustrated by: Elisa Kleven
Description: A little girl and her grandmother fly together over New York City. (Also in a Spanish edition)
Ages: 3-6
Topics: creativity, extended family, grandparents, intergenerational, multicultural
Abuelita and I Make Flan
Illustrated by: Adriana Hernandez Bergstrom
Description: BUELITA AND I MAKE FLAN is about a girl who accidentally drops a family heirloom while baking with her abuela and must find a way to make things right. (Description author's website)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: family heritage, grandmother/granddaughter, grandparents, Latina-American, multicultural, traditions, women
A Chair for My Mother
Description: Grandparents, families, cooperation, saving, goal-setting A girl, her mother, and grandmother all contribute coins to the coin jar that will buy a new chair for mama after a fire destroys their possessions.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: cities, extended family, fears, making a difference, perseverance, thankfulness, wisdom
A Couple of Boys have the Best Week Ever
Description: Grandparents, summer activities, friends & friendship, humor James and Eamon stay with Eamon’s grandparents while in Nature Camp for the best summer ever!
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: grandparents, intergenerational, nature
Albert the Fix-It Man
Illustrated by: Julie Paschkis
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Description: Elder valued in community, neighborliness, active older man
Ages: 3-6
Topics: community, intergenerational, making a difference, neighbors, older role model, retirement, volunteerism, work
An Inconvenient Alphabet : Ben Franklin and Noah Webster’s Spelling Revolution
Illustrated by: Elizabeth Baddeley
Description: Terrific Inter-generational true story! "Once upon a revolutionary time, two great American patriots tried to make life easier. They knew how hard it was to spell words in English. They knew that sounds didn’t match letters. They knew that the problem was an inconvenient English alphabet. In 1786, Ben Franklin, at age eighty, and Noah Webster, twenty-eight, teamed up. Their goal? Make English easier to read and write. But even for great thinkers, what seems easy can turn out to be hard." (Publisher)
Ages: 3-6
Topics: history, intergenerational, late-life career, men, picture book bios
A Little at a Time
Illustrated by: Paul Tong
Description: A young boy visits his grandfather in the city and asks many questions like "how did that tree get so tall" and "how did you get so smart Grandpa." He answers patiently, along with "a little at a time."
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: cities, grandfather/grandson, grandparents, intergenerational, using life experiences
A Map into the World
Illustrated by: Seo Kim
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Description: Paj Ntaub, a young Hmong American girl, and her family reach out to an older grieving neighbor. Growth & aging & death are portrayed as normal and natural. Four generations are clearly delineated.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: community, extended family, family heritage, Grief, Hmong-American, intergenerational, late-life happiness, making a difference, neighbors
An Old Man and His Penguin
Illustrated by: Milanka Reardon
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Description: The true story of Joao Pereira de Souza, the penguin he rescued, and how Joao became an “honorary penguin. A warm tale of a compassionate human/animal bond, stewardship, and an environmental message.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: picture book bios
Amazing Grace
Illustrated by: Caroline Binch
Description: Families, grandparents, school, books & stories, dramatization, gender roles, multicultural. Publ. 1991. Grace’s grandmother helps Grace, a girl who loves stories, realize that with effort anything can be achieved.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: African-American, books, grandmother/granddaughter, intergenerational, multicultural, perseverance, racism, stereotypes
A Morning with Grandpa
Illustrated by: Christina Forshay
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Description: Mei Mei’s grandpa is practicing tai chi in the garden, and Mei Mei is eager to join in. As Gong Gong tries to teach her the slow, graceful movements, Mei Mei enthusiastically does them with her own flair. Then Mei Mei takes a turn, trying to teach Gong Gong the yoga she learned in school. Will Gong Gong be able to master the stretchy, bendy poses? Celebrates the joy of learning new things together. (from publisher)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: family heritage, grandfather/granddaughter, men, multicultural, physical challenges, traditions
A Plan for the People: Nelson Mandela’s Hope for His Nation
Illustrated by: Charly Palmer
Description: Palmer’s powerful paintings complement this inspiring story of sacrifice and loss, devotion and learning, and patience and hard work. McDivitt and Palmer deftly chronicle the ongoing global fight against racism; Mandela’s journey makes for a powerful reminder of the ability to change. (Description from School Library Journal. Starred review)
Ages: 6-9
Topics: Activism, history, late-life career, legacy, making a difference, men, multicultural, older role model, perseverance, picture book bios, racism, using life experiences, wisdom, work
A Queen to the Rescue: The Story of Henrietta Szold, Founder of Hadassah
Illustrated by: Yevgenia Nayberg
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Description: "Henrietta Szold took Queen Esther as a model and worked hard to save the Jewish people. In 1912, she founded the Jewish women's social justice organization, Hadassah. Henrietta started Hadassah determined to offer emergency medical care to mothers and children in Palestine. When WWII broke out, she rescued Jewish children from the Holocaust, and broadened Hadassah's mission to include education, youth development, and women's rights. Hadassah offers free help to all who need it and continues its mission to this day."--Publisher
Ages: 6-9
Topics: Activism, history, Jewish history, late-life career, making a difference, multicultural, older role model, women, work
A River of Words
Illustrated by: Melissa Sweet
Description: Biography/picture book Poets & poetry, biography, vocations, persistence Though he practiced medicine, William Carlos Williams became a recognized poet continuing well into his sixties.
Ages: 6-9
Topics: creativity, late-life career, late-life happiness, nature, older role model, perseverance, picture book bios, using life experiences, work, writing
A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Illustrated by: Erin Stead
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Description: Dedication, jobs – zookeeper, animals, zoos, friends & friendship. Caldecott Medal for illustrations.
Ages: 0-3, 3-6
Topics: Friendship, work
Aunt Flossie’s Hats (& Crab Cakes later)
Illustrated by: James Ransome
Description: Families, family stories, hats. When they visit their favorite relative, Sara and Susan enjoy her collection of hats and stories and share crab cakes.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: African-American, extended family, family heritage, history, intergenerational, multicultural, using life experiences
Bend Your Knees Louise: A Pickleball Primer
Illustrated by: Kevin Fales
Description: "This fun-loving grandmother teaches, Jack and Louise, the sport of Pickleball in a wise and playful way - and the results are even better than she hopes. With clever rhymes and outstanding illustrations by award-winning artist, Kevin Fales, Bend Your Knees, Louise! guarantees to make believers - and devoted pickleball players - out of its readers."-- Amazon.com
The Berenstain Bears and the Week at Grandma’s
Description: By the end of the week a brother and sister stop worrying about what they will do at Grandma and Grandpa's and have lots of fun. Shows the similarities between young and old.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: fears, grandparents, late-life happiness
Bertolt
Illustrated by: Jacques Goldstyn
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Description: A loner spends time in an ancient oak tree he calls Bertolt, enjoying birds, animals, and spring storms, and when he finds that Bertolt has died, he plans a special tribute. (World Cat)
Be the Change: A Grandfather Gandhi Story
Illustrated by: Evan Turk
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Description: t Grandfather Gandhi’s service village, each day is filled, from sunrise to sunset, with work that is done for the good of all. The villagers vow to live simply and non-violently. Arun Gandhi tries very hard to follow these vows, but he struggles with one of the most important rules: not to waste. (from website Grandfather Gandhi.)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: Activism, community, family heritage, fears, grandfather/grandson, legacy, making a difference, multicultural, neighbors, older role model
Betsy’s Day At The Game
Illustrated by: Katherine Blackmore
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Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: baseball, grandparents, intergenerational
The Big Bath House
Illustrated by: Gracey Zhang
Description: In this celebration of Japanese culture and family and naked bodies of all shapes and sizes, join a little girl--along with her aunties and grandmother--at a traditional bath house. Once there, the rituals leading up to the baths begin: hair washing, back scrubbing, and, finally, the wood barrel drumroll. Until, at last, it's time, and they ease their bodies--their creased bodies, newly sprouting bodies, saggy, jiggly bodies--into the bath. Ahhhhhh! With a lyrical text and gorgeous illustrations, this picture book is based on Kyo Maclear's loving memories of childhood visits to Japan, and is an ode to the ties that bind generations of women together. (Publisher)
Ages: 3-6
Topics: appearances, community, extended family, grandmother/granddaughter, intergenerational, multicultural, traditions
Big Moon Tortilla
Illustrated by: Dyanne Strongbow
Description: Grandparents, multicultural (Native Am.), bad days After Marta has had a bad day, her grandmother shares some comforting words of advice. Out of print
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: grandmother/granddaughter, intergenerational, multicultural, older role model, using life experiences, wisdom
Big Papa and the Time Machine
Illustrated by: Shane W. Evans
Description: A journey into African American history: When a little boy is afraid to go to school, his grandfather, Big Papa, takes him away in his time machine—a 1952 Ford—to the times he was scared of something life handed him. That’s called being brave Big Papa says. (Description from Bookshop.org)
Ages: 6-9
Topics: African-American, family heritage, fears, grandfather/grandson, grandparents, history, intergenerational, men, multicultural, older role model, racism, using life experiences
Bon Appetit! The Delicious Life of Julia Child
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Description: Non-fiction picture book biography of chef Julia Child, who had a long, productive, and happy life.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: late-life career, late-life romance, picture book bios
Bottle Houses: The Creative World of Grandma Prisbrey
Illustrated by: Julie Paschkis
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Description: Creative life, imagination and perseverance, love of color. Real life Grandma P. builds her own creative home from bottles and other found materials. Sadly out of print, but still available.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: aging, art, creativity, extended family, grandmother, intergenerational, late-life career, perseverance, picture book bios, work
The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos
Illustrated by: LeUyen Pham
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Description: As a boy famed mathematician Paul Erdos “spent his days counting and thinking about numbers. He couldn’t tie his own shoes or butter his own toast” and that changed little as he grew up. However, this math genius generously shared his brain, helping other mathematicians with math problems and research.
Ages: 6-9
Topics: community, math, men, picture book bios
Brand New Bubbe
Illustrated by: Ariel Landy
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Description: "Jillian does not want another grandmother, after all she already has a Noni and a Gram, so when her mother marries Michael she is distinctly cool to her new Bubbe--but her mother convinces her to give Bubbe a chance, and Jillians and all her grandmothers come together over a bowl of soup. Includes recipes for Matzo Ball Soup, Italian Wedding Soup, and Gazpacho"--Provided by publisher
Ages: 3-6
Topics: extended family, family heritage, grandmother/granddaughter, grandparents, multicultural, traditions, women
Buffalo Storm
Illustrated by: Jan Ormerod
Description: Hallie must leave her beloved Grandmother behind when her family joins a wagon train to Oregon. A quilt gifted by Grandmother comforts her as she faces storms and other fears.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: fears, grandmother, grandmother/granddaughter, history, intergenerational, nature, wisdom
Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa
Illustrated by: Joni Stringfield
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Description: Long distance grandparents, story and coping ideas for kids and grandparents using nature.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: creativity, fears, grandparents, intergenerational, misunderstandings, nature, wisdom
The Cats of Mrs. Calamari
Illustrated by: John Stadler
Description: "Mrs. Calamari has cats, lots of them, but her new landlord, Mr. Gangplank, and his dog, Potato, do not like cats. Fortunately, Mr. Gangplank has lost his glasses so he believes Mrs. Calamari when she says she doesn't have cats... This has everything going for it: true humor, adorable artwork, and a story that hangs together from beginning to end. The cat's meow!" (description from Booklist) *Starred Review, Booklist*
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: humor, late-life happiness, men, neighbors, women
Christmas Fairies for Ouma
Illustrated by: Katarzyna Bukiert
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Description: With no name, no street, and no stamps, how is Ouma ever going to get Tessa's letter? Follow the magical journey of a child's Christmas card traveling 10,000 miles across the world, from the hand of one stranger spreading cheer to another, all the way to her grandmother in South Africa. Is it kindness or Christmas magic?
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: Christmas, family heritage, grandmother, grandmother/granddaughter, kindness, letters, multicultural
Crouching Tiger
Illustrated by: Yan Nascimbene
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Description: Grandpa visits from China and imparts his skills in tai chi to his young grandson and also pride in his Chinese-American heritage.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: China, family heritage, grandfather/grandson, multicultural, perseverance
The Doorbell Rang
Description: Grandparents, families, sharing, math concepts, baking – cookies. Out of Print. Grandma saves the day just when it seems that there aren’t enough cookies for Victoria and Sam to share as unexpected guests drop in.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: grandmother, grandparents, intergenerational, math, using life experiences
Dancing in Thatha’s Footsteps
Illustrated by: Kavita Ramchandran
Description: Varun is fascinated when he watches his sister's dancing class, where she learns bharatanatyam, a dance from India. He tries out some moves at home in secret since he is convinced dancing is not for boys. His grandfather tries to convince him otherwise. (WorldCat description)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: creativity, family heritage, grandfather/grandson, grandparents, men, multicultural, traditions
Don’t Call Me Grandma
Illustrated by: Elizabeth Zunon
Description: Great-grandmother Nell eats fish for breakfast, she doesn’t hug or kiss, and she does NOT want to be called grandma. Her great-granddaughter isn’t sure what to think about her. As she slowly learns more about Nell’s life and experiences, the girl finds ways to connect with her prickly great-grandmother. (Description from Lerner Books)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: African-American, extended family, Great grandmother, women
Dream: A Tale of Wonder, Wisdom and Wishes
Illustrated by: multiple award winning artists
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Description: Strengths and challenges of life stages, hopes and dreams for the future no matter what age; beautifully illustrated, includes quotes and inspiration.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: aging, art, history, respect for elders, wisdom
Family Pictures/Cuadros de Familia
Description: Non-fiction. Folk paintings and brief narratives recall the artist’s growing up in a large Hispanic family in Texas. Diversity/Multicultural – Hispanic (American), bilingual – Spanish/English, families, everyday activities, memoir
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: aging, art, extended family, family heritage, grandparents, intergenerational, multicultural, traditions
Fancy Nancy: Bonjour Butterfly
Illustrated by: Robin Preiss Glasser
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Description: Family,Grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary
Ages: 3-6
Topics: extended family, grandparents, late-life romance
The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau
Illustrated by: Amanda Hall
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Description: Self-taught artist Rousseau begins painting late in life and perseveres despite poverty & criticism.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: art, creativity, history, perseverance, picture book bios
Full, Full, Full of Love
Illustrated by: Paul Howard
Description: Sunday Dinner at Grandma's house. Multi-cultural (Af. Am.) out of print
Ages: 3-6
Topics: African-American, extended family, grandmother, intergenerational, multicultural, thankfulness, traditions
Gabby and Grandma Go Green
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Description: Grandparents, environment, recycling, activities, crafts.
Ages: 0-3, 3-6
Topics: creativity, grandmother, grandmother/granddaughter, making a difference, nature, older role model
Georgia Rises: A Day in the Life of Georgia O’Keefe
Illustrated by: Ora Eiten
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Description: A day in the life of famous artist Georgia O'Keefe as an active woman in her 90's.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: aging, art, creativity, history, late-life career, late-life happiness, nature, older role model, picture book bios, retirement, work
Goose Moon
Illustrated by: Jim Postier
Description: Grandpa and granddaughter fish, toboggan and sit by the fire as he plays guitar. He shares a tale inspired by Native American folklore of the coming Goose Moon--a sign summer is on its way.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: grandfather/granddaughter, grandparents, intergenerational, late-life happiness, nature, using life experiences
Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code
Illustrated by: Katy Wu
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Description: The riveting true story of a trailblazing woman. Grace Hopper coined the term “computer bug” and taught computers to “speak English.” Throughout her life, Hopper succeeded in doing what no one had ever done before. Forced to retire at 60, but then asked to return, Grace finally retired from the Navy at age 80. (adapted from publ description)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: creativity, history, late-life career, perseverance, picture book bios, retirement, women, work
Grandad’s Camper
Illustrated by: Harry Woodgate
Description: Gramps and Grandad were adventurers. They would surf, climb mountains, and tour the country in their amazing camper. Gramps just made everything extra special. But after Gramps died, granddad hasn’t felt like traveling anymore. So, their amazing granddaughter comes up with a clever plan to fix up the old camper and get Grandad excited to explore again. This beautiful picture book honors love and reminds us not only to remember those we have lost, but to celebrate them. (Description Little Bee Books)
Ages: 6-9
Topics: diversity, grandfather/granddaughter, grandparents, late-life happiness, LGBTQ, loss, men, respect for elders
Grandfather and I
Illustrated by: Jan Ormerod
Description: Grandparents, everyday activities, families, multicultural (African Americans). In the middle of a busy family, only grandfather has lots of time to walk and look with his grandson.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: African-American, grandfather/grandson, grandparents, multicultural
Grandfather Counts
Illustrated by: Ange Zheng
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Description: Multi-cultural (bi-racial family: American, Chinese), grandparents, language differences.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: China, extended family, grandparents, intergenerational, multicultural
Grandfather Gandhi
Illustrated by: Evan Turk
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Description: Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson tells the story of how his grandfather taught him to turn darkness into light in this uniquely personal and vibrantly illustrated tale that carries a message of peace.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: Activism, family heritage, fears, grandfather/grandson, legacy, making a difference, multicultural, older role model, picture book bios, using life experiences, wisdom
Grandfather’s Wrinkles
Illustrated by: Richard McFarland
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Description: Grandfather explains where wrinkles come from in warm and child-friendly terms.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: aging, appearances, grandfather/granddaughter, grandparents, late-life happiness, wisdom
Grandma in Blue with Red Hat
Illustrated by: Harry Bliss
Description: When a young boy learns about what makes art special--sometimes it's beautiful, sometimes it's funny, sometimes it tells a story--he realizes that these same characteristics are what make his grandmother special, too. As a result, he finds the inspiration to create his own masterpiece that's one of a kind. (Description-- Abrams Books)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: art, creativity, grandmother/grandson, legacy, older role model, schools, using life experiences
Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trial
Illustrated by: Jennifer Thermes
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Description: At age 67, Emma Gatewood decided to go for a nice long walk . . . and ended up completing the Appalachian Trail. With just the clothes on her back and a pair of thin canvas sneakers on her feet, Grandma Gatewood hiked up ridges and down ravines, braved angry storms and witnessed breathtaking sunrises relying on the kindness of strangers. A story of true grit and girl power at any age. (Adapted from author’s website)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: adventures, community, fears, grandmother, late-life happiness, nature, perseverance, physical challenges, picture book bios
Grandmama’s Pride
Illustrated by: Colin Bootman
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Description: Multi-cultural (Af.Am.) strong older role model, activism, human rights, racism, segregation Young African-American sisters visit their grandmother in 1950’s southern U.S. and encounter segregation. Along with many others Grandmama refuses to ride public buses in protest and they manage to effect change in the laws.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: Activism, African-American, grandmother, grandmother/granddaughter, history, making a difference, multicultural, older role model, racism, slavery, wisdom
Grandmother School
Illustrated by: Ellen Rooney
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Description: Every morning, a young girl walks her grandmother to the Aajibaichi Shala, the school that was built for the grandmothers in her village to have a place to learn to read and write. The narrator beams with pride as she drops her grandmother off with the other aajis to practice the alphabet and learn simple arithmetic. A moving story about family, women and the power of education—when Aaji learns to spell her name you’ll want to dance along with her. (Description from publisher Orca Books, 2020.)
Topics: aging, community, discrimination, grandmother, grandmother/granddaughter, grandparents, multicultural, respect for elders, schools, women
Grandpa Alan’s Sugar Shack
Illustrated by: David Geister
Description: "Here is the gentle story of a granddaughter discovering one of the great joys of her grandfather's youth, spring in the north woods when the maple trees are bursting with sap. Together, grandfather and granddaughter make their way out into the chilly pre-dawn woods to find and tap maple trees, hang buckets, and collect sap. And then patiently (or not!), they wait for the sap to boil into syrup back at the sugar shack. They wait. And they wait. Until ... at last! The first sweet taste of amber sticky goodness is ready."--Jacket.
Ages: 6-9
Topics: African-American, family heritage, grandfather/granddaughter, grandparents, intergenerational, late-life happiness, men, multicultural, nature, traditions, using life experiences
Grandpa’s Face
Illustrated by: Floyd Cooper
Description: Tamika sees her beloved grandfather making a mean face while he rehearses for one of his plays and becomes afraid that someday he will make that face at her. Actors, African-Americans, families, grandparents, perception, fears.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: African-American, appearances, creativity, fears, grandparents, intergenerational, late-life career, multicultural, work
Grandparents
Illustrated by: Rosa Osuna
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Description: Fun and heartwarming--a grandfather shows his love and appreciation for his wife as he persuades her to attend a dance with him. But she has many reasons to delay their outing: she needs to put eyeliner around her eyes--which are as sad as a moonless night…Delightful. (adapted from WorldCat)
Ages: 3-6
Topics: aging, appearances, fears, grandparents, late-life happiness, late-life romance, multicultural
Grandpa’s Soup
Illustrated by: Satomi Ichikawa
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Description: After the death of his wife, an old man gradually realizes that making the soup she used to cook and sharing it with friends eases his loneliness. His resilience and generosity are inspiring.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: community, grandparents, intergenerational, making a difference, neighbors, resilience, traditions, volunteerism
Gus & Me
Illustrated by: Theodora Richards
Description: True tale by Rolling Stones musician Keith Richards about his relationship with his grandfather and introduction to music.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: creativity, grandfather/grandson, grandparents, late-life career, late-life happiness, men, older role model, picture book bios, work
Hand over Hand
Illustrated by: Renne Benoit
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Description: But Nina is determined that her grandfather, her lolo, will take her fishing with him on his old banca boat despite the fact its not girls’ work. If her lolo will show her how to jig the lines, to set the hook, and to pull in a fish, hand over hand, she can prove to everyone in their Filipino fishing village that she deserves her turn in the boat, girl or no!
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: community, family heritage, grandfather/granddaughter, grandparents, multicultural, nature, perseverance, traditions, work
Hard Work, But It’s Worth It: The Life of Jimmy Carter
Illustrated by: Kyung Eun Han
Description: "The first picture book about the inspiring life of humanitarian Jimmy Carter, the thirty-ninth president of the United States and a Nobel Prize winner. From the statehouse to the White House and beyond, Jimmy has worked to make change for all people, devoting decades to public service and becoming one of the most respected humanitarians of our time." (From publisher)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: Activism, community, history, legacy, making a difference, men, older role model, perseverance, picture book bios, volunteerism, work
Harry and Walter
Illustrated by: Qin Leng
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Description: Harry (4 3/4) and Walter (92 1/2) are the best of friends, until young Harry must move away. Intergenerational friendship, neighbors, community, late life happiness, wisdom
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: aging, community, intergenerational, late-life happiness, legacy, neighbors, older role model, wisdom
The Hello Goodbye Window
Illustrated by: Chris Raschka
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Description: Grandparents, family, everyday adventures, multi-cultural (bi-racial family).
Ages: 3-6
Topics: grandparents, late-life happiness, multicultural
Henri’s Scissors
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Description: Non-fiction bio of artist Henri Matisse.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: art, creativity, disability, late-life happiness, physical challenges, picture book bios
Here Comes Grandma
Illustrated by: Julie Paschkis
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Description: An active long-distance grandma visits.
Ages: 0-3, 3-6
Topics: grandmother, late-life happiness, physically active
The Honeybee Man
Description: Fred is an urban beekeeper who shares the fruits of his work with neighbors. Information about beekeeping and bees is included.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: beekeeping, bees, cities, science
Hot Hot Roti for Dadi-ji
Illustrated by: Keri Min
Description: Grandparents, families, food, multi-cultural – India. Aneel’s active grandparents bring stories, special foods, and fun with them from India.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: family heritage, grandfather/grandson, multicultural, stories, using life experiences
How Old Am I?
Illustrated by: JR
Description: A first-ever children's visual reference book on age - and a unique celebration of the diversity of humankind around the globe. Created by the iconic street artist JR for young readers aged 4-8. For young children, the concept of age is abstract when they don't have a relatable context ... until now! This unique book showcases the faces and life stories of 100 people from around the world, organised by age, from a one-year-old to a centenarian, giving children a visual and descriptive reference point for each age. Striking close-up black-and-white portraits are paired with read-aloud text that shares personal experiences, wishes, memories, and emotions, leaving readers with an appreciation and understanding of the ageing process. (Description from Bookshop.org)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: aging, Aging reference book, appearances, art, community, intergenerational, late-life career, late-life happiness, multicultural, respect for elders, using life experiences, work
I Call my Grandpa Papa; I Call my Grandma Nana
Description: Grandparents, families, schools, multicultural. Children and their teacher share the names for their lively and loved grandparents in two books. Names for grandparents from different countries are noted on end papers.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: grandparents, multicultural, schools
I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes her Mark
Illustrated by: Elizabeth Baddeley
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Description: Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has spent a lifetime disagreeing: disagreeing with inequality, arguing against unfair treatment, and standing up for what’s right for people everywhere. This biographical picture book about the Notorious RBG, tells the justice’s story through the lens of her many famous dissents, or disagreements. (from the publisher)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: Activism, history, late-life career, making a difference, multicultural, older role model, perseverance, picture book bios, sexism, using life experiences, work
I Know a Lady
Illustrated by: James Stevenson
Description: Communities, neighbors, friendliness, everyday activities Out of print
Topics: intergenerational, late-life happiness, neighbors
I Love My Glam-Ma!
Illustrated by: Suejean Rim
Description: Grandmothers go by many different names, but they are all glamorous and special in their own way, so they are all Glam-mas--especially to the children that they love, and who love them. (World Cat description)
Ages: 3-6
Topics: grandmother, grandmother/granddaughter, grandparents, intergenerational, late-life happiness, women
I Love Saturdays y Domingos
Illustrated by: Elivia Savadier
Description: Grandparents, families, multicultural – Spanish-speaking A young girl enjoys the similarities and the differences between her English-speaking and Spanish-speaking grandparents.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: grandparents, multicultural
Indelible Ann: The Larger-than-life Story of Governor Ann Richards
Illustrated by: Carlynn Whitt
Description: "A folksy, larger-than-life picture book biography about Ann Richards, the late governor of Texas who has inspired countless women in politics today"-- Provided by publisher
It Jes’ Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to Draw
Illustrated by: R. Gregory Christie
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Description: Picture book bio of the acclaimed American folk artist who only begins drawing at age 85.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: art, creativity, multicultural, picture book bios, slavery, using life experiences
Iris Apfel: A Golden Book Biography
Illustrated by: Ellen Surrey
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Description: Iris Apfel—businessperson, interior designer, and fashion icon has captivated the world with her colorful and unique style—is an inspiring read-aloud for young children. (Publisher's description)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: ageism, appearances, art, creativity, late-life career, late-life happiness, picture book bios, using life experiences, women, work
Jayden’s Impossible Garden
Illustrated by: Ken Daley
Description: "Nine-year-old Jayden loves the outdoors, but his mother is nervous about him playing in their neighborhood. With the help of his neighbor Mr. Curtis, can Jayden help Mama see that nature and beauty are all around?"
Jayden’s Secret Ingredient
Illustrated by: Ken Daley
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Description: Jayden does not like green beans, but when his friend Mr. Curtis invites neighbors to share the harvest of scarlet runner beans from their garden, Jayden finds the courage to try something new. Includes recipes. Intergenerational story.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: African-American, community, disability, intergenerational, men, nature, neighbors, older role model, physical challenges
Jingle Dancer
Illustrated by: Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu
Description: Contemporary Native American family, inter-generational sharing of traditions Young girl represents four loving, older family members in the traditional Jingle Dance.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: community, creativity, extended family, family heritage, intergenerational, multicultural, perseverance, respect for elders, traditions
Julian is a Mermaid
Illustrated by: Jessica Love
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Description: Riding the subway with his abuela Julian glimpses beautiful costumed mermaids. All he can think of is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume. But what will his abuela think about how Julian sees himself. A jubilant celebration of self love, individuality and acceptance.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: appearances, creativity, fears, grandfather/grandson, grandmother, individuality, multicultural, wisdom
The Keeper of Wild Words
Illustrated by: Madeline Kloepper
Description: Mimi is a writer and when she finds that some of her favorite words for natural things, such as wren, violet, and dandelion, are disappearing she appoints her granddaughter, Brooke, as the keeper of wild words, and shows her how to bring them to life by knowing, appreciating, and using the things they stand for. (WorldCat.org)
Kiki’s Hats
Description: Joy of giving, creating a better world, leaving a legacy Kiki, an older woman, knits thousands of hats to give away and urges others to share them also.
Topics: community, intergenerational, late-life happiness, legacy, making a difference, older role model, thankfulness, wisdom
Kiyoshi’s Walk
Illustrated by: Nicole Wong
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Description: Kiyoshi asks his grandfather, the wise poet Eto, where poems come from, and Eto takes him on a walk through the city to seek an answer. (Description from WorldCat)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: cities, creativity, family heritage, grandfather/grandson, grandparents, late-life happiness, legacy, men, multicultural, nature, using life experiences, work
Last Stop on Market Street
Description: Multi-cultural (Af. Am.), grandson and grandma, city living, jealousy, thankfulness, volunteerism
Ages: 3-6
Topics: African-American, cities, community, grandmother/grandson, jealousy, multicultural, thankfulness, volunteerism
Lillian’s Right to Vote
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Description: About the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Based on a real woman.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Lots of Grandparents
Description: Picture book/nonfiction Grandparents, families, everyday activities, photographs Photographs of grandparents and their grandchildren show the joy as they visit, play, and read together.
Ages: 6-9
Topics: grandparents, multicultural
The Magical Garden of Claude Monet
Description: Julie, daughter of French painter Berthe Morisot, visits the country garden of painter Claude Monet. Shows late life creativity and painting and gardening as lifelong activities.
Ages: 6-9
Topics: art, creativity, history, intergenerational, late-life career, late-life happiness, nature, work
Margory Saves the Everglades: The Story of Margory Stoneman Douglas
Illustrated by: Rebecca Gibbon
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Description: Marjory Stoneman Douglas didn’t intend to write about the Everglades but when she returned to Florida from World War I, she hardly recognized the place that was her home. The Florida that Marjory knew was rapidly disappearing—the rare orchids, magnificent birds, and massive trees disappearing with it. Marjory couldn’t sit back and watch her home be destroyed—she had to do something. Thanks to Marjory, a part of the Everglades became a national park and the first park not created for sightseeing, but for the benefit of animals and plants. Without Marjory, the part of her home that she loved so much would have been destroyed instead of the protected wildlife reserve it has become today. (Publisher)
Ages: 3-6
Topics: Activism, making a difference, nature, older role model, perseverance, picture book bios, volunteerism, women
The Matchbox Diary
Illustrated by: Bagram Ibatoulline
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Description: A kindergartner meets her great-grandfather and gets to know him and his past via trinkets in matchboxes he has saved over his lifetime.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: family, great grandfather, history, immigration, using life experiences, work
Meena
Illustrated by: Carianne Wijffels
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Description: Meena’s young neighbors believe she is a witch until their many misunderstandings are cleared up.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: aging, appearances, fears, grandmother, misunderstandings, neighbor
Miss Colfax’s Light
Illustrated by: Eileen Ryan Ewen
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Description: In 1861, at the age of 37, Harriet Colfax took on the job of lighthouse keeper for the Michigan City lighthouse off Lake Michigan. It was a bold and determined endeavor. For 43 years, until the age of 80, Harriet kept her light burning, through storms, harsh winters, and changes in technology. This true story contains excerpts from her actual log. (adapted from publisher)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: history, late-life career, nature, perseverance, physical challenges, picture book bios, retirement, women, work
Miss Mary Reporting: The True Story of Sportswriter Mary Garber
Illustrated by: C.F. Payne
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Description: Mary Garber was a pioneering female sportswriter in the 1940’s when it was definitely not a woman’s job. She persevered despite struggles to be accepted in a man’s world. She was a sportswriter for 56 years. Mary championed black children in sports in black schools—writing about them when no one else paid attention.
Ages: 6-9
Topics: history, late-life career, making a difference, perseverance, picture book bios, women, work
Miss Moore Thought Otherwise: How Anne Carroll Moore Created Libraries for Children
Illustrated by: Debby Atwell
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Description: Picture book bio shows us a strong single woman busting both gender and age stereotypes.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: books, history, picture book bios, retirement, work
Miss Rumphius
Illustrated by: Barbara Cooney
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Description: Growing older, a lifetime, legacies, flowers, planting When still a little girl, Alice Rumphius decided that when she grew up she would visit faraway places, live by the sea and do something to make the world more beautiful–per her grandfather’s advice.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: aging, community, disability, intergenerational, late-life happiness, legacy, making a difference, nature, neighbors, physical challenges, using life experiences, work
Mornings with Monet
Illustrated by: Mary GrandPre`
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Description: Famed Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived near France’s River Seine his entire life. Barb Rosenstock, author of the new Mornings with Monet, shares that Monet painted the river more than any other subject—working on themes of “water, air, light and reflection.”
Ages: 6-9
Topics: art, creativity, late-life career, late-life happiness, men, nature, perseverance, work
The Most Beautiful Thing
Illustrated by: Khoa Le
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Description: “Drawn from author Kao Kalia Yang’s childhood experiences as a Hmong refugee, this moving picture book portrays a family with little money—and a great deal of love. Weaving together Kalia’s story with that of her beloved grandmother, the book moves from the jungles of Laos to the family’s early years in the United States.” (Book jacket)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: appearances, caregiving, extended family, family heritage, grandmother, grandmother/granddaughter, grandparents, Hmong-American, intergenerational, multicultural, physical challenges, respect for elders, wisdom, women
Mr. McGinty’s Monarchs
Illustrated by: Eileen Ryan Ewen
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Description: Mr. McGinty and his dog Sophie love checking in on the monarch caterpillars and butterflies on their walks. But one day Mr. McGinty they find all the milkweed in town has been mowed down! And monarch caterpillars can’t survive without milkweed. Can Mr. McGinty come up with a plan to save the monarchs?
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: Activism, community, intergenerational, making a difference, men, nature, older role model, retirement, schools, volunteerism
Mr. Putter and Tabby Toot the Horn/series
Illustrated by: Arthur Howard
Description: Easy Reader. Mr. Putter’s neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry, decides that they should join a band, but finding the right one isn’t as easy as it sounds—for them or their pets. Mr. Putter’s everyday adventures continue in other books in the series such as Mr. Putter & Tabby Paint the Porch;
Ages: 6-9
Topics: community, intergenerational, neighbors
My Teacher
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Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: cities, making a difference, retirement, schools, using life experiences
Mr. Cornell’s Dream Boxes
Illustrated by: Jeanette Winter
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Description: Joseph Cornell loved to draw and paint and collect things. With these drawings and paintings and collected treasures, he made marvelous shadowboxes--wonderlands covered in glass. And who did he most like to share them with? Children, of course. (from World Cat)
Ages: 3-6
Topics: art, creativity, intergenerational, late-life career, late-life happiness, men, picture book bios, work
Mrs. Katz and Tush
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Description: Friends & friendship, community, caring for others, cats & kittens, multi-cultural (African-Am. & Jewish). A lifelong and caring friendship between young Larnel and his neighbor Mrs. Katz. Many books by Patricia Polacco feature Positive Aging and intergenerational relationships–such as Chicken Sunday and The Bee Tree.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: African-American, community, family heritage, history, intergenerational, multicultural, neighbors, older role model, thankfulness, traditions
Mr. George Baker
Illustrated by: Jon J. Muth
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Description: Intergenerational friends, multi-cultural (Af. Am.), long life and marriage of many decades, literacy and continued learning. At 100 years old, Mr. Baker is learning to read and rides the school bus with his very young friend Harry.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: African-American, aging, books, Centenarian, community, intergenerational, late-life happiness, late-life romance, multicultural, neighbors, schools
My Abuelita
Illustrated by: Yuyi Morales
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Description: Grandparent raising her grandchild, multi-cultural, late life work. A young boy lives with his grandmother who is preparing for her mysterious job.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: creativity, grandfather, grandparents, intergenerational, late-life career, late-life happiness, multicultural, older role model, raising grandkids, work
My Hippie Grandmother
Illustrated by: Abby Carter
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Description: An enthusiastic ode to free spirits of all generations. A young girl describes all the things she likes about her grandmother, including growing vegetables, picketing City Hall, and playing the banjo. Who says grandmothers have to wear tidy buns and be relegated to rocking chairs? (World Cat)
Ages: 3-6
Topics: grandmother/granddaughter, late-life happiness, late-life romance, making a difference, women
My Name is Georgia: A Portrait
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Description: Author/illustrator Jeanette Winter shows us the life of painter Georgia O'Keefe as she follows her dream from Wisconsin to art studies in Chicago and New York, and finally to her beloved New Mexico. Georgia lived to the age of 98. (Sadly out of print, but still available)
Ages: 6-9
Topics: aging, art, creativity, late-life career, late-life happiness, nature, older role model, picture book bios, work
Nana Akua Goes to School
Illustrated by: April Harrison
Description: Next Monday is Grandparents Day at scholl, and Zura is bringin her favorite person in the whole universe--Nana Akua. But what will her classmates think about the traditional tribal marks on Nana's face? Will they be frightened? What if they're mean to Nana? Luckily Nana Akua knows just what to do. (Book jacket copy)
Nana in the City
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Description: Young boy visits Nana’s home in the big city and is initially frightened.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: cities, grandmother
Nature’s Friend: The Gwen Frostic Story
Illustrated by: Eileen Ryan Ewen
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Description: Gwen Frostic was a nature artist & early environmentalist who sketched in nature, then created striking prints. After a serious illness as a child she remained strong and independent. A pioneering woman, Gwen never let her disabilities, gender or age define her. She sold her beautiful greeting cards and books worldwide hoping to open people’s eyes to the beauty of our natural world.
Ages: 6-9
Topics: Activism, aging, creativity, disability, history, late-life career, late-life happiness, making a difference, nature, perseverance, physical challenges, picture book bios, work
Nelson Mandela
Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson
Description: A picture book biography of the South African president best known for his political activism and fight to end apartheid. Bio, apartheid, multi-cultural (South Africa), late life work, respect for elders, wisdom
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: late-life career, multicultural, picture book bios, respect for elders, South Africa, wisdom
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Illustrated by: Paddy Bouma
Description: Official picture book version of Nelson Mandela’s autobiography. Activism, apartheid, late life work, multi-cultural (South Africa), respect for elders, wisdom.
Ages: 6-9
Topics: Activism, history, late-life career, late-life happiness, making a difference, multicultural, older role model, picture book bios, racism, respect for elders, using life experiences, wisdom, work
niwicihaw/I Help
Illustrated by: Caitlin Nicholson
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Description: This simple story in Cree and English explores a young child’s relationship to his grandmother, or nôkhom, as they go for a walk in the woods to pick rosehips. The young boy follows his grandmother, walking, listening, picking, praying and eating, just as she does. In doing so, he absorbs the rich cultural traditions and values of his Cree heritage. (from the publisher)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: family heritage, grandmother/grandson, multicultural, Native American, nature, respect for elders
Nonna’s Birthday Surprise
Illustrated by: Renee Graef
Description: Nonna Lidia helps her grandchildren prepare a birthday dinner for their great-grandmother Nonna Mima. She tells them about her childhood home with the animals, fruits and vegetables.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: extended family, family heritage, grandmother, late-life happiness, nature, traditions, using life experiences
Nonna Tell Me a Story: Lidia’s Egg-citing Farm Adventure
Illustrated by: Renee Graef
Description: Nonna Lidia has her grandkids for a sleepover and she shares stories of her childhood on the farm with her own grandparents, the children's great-grandparents. The kids feed chickens, collect eggs and learn about an organic farm. Recipes included.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: extended family, family heritage, Farming, grandmother, late-life happiness, nature, traditions, work
No Truth without Ruth: The life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Illustrated by: Nancy Zhang
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Description: Before becoming a justice of the Supreme Court, Ruth had to fight the notion that being female meant that she was less smart, less qualified, and less worthy of attention than her male counterparts. But her fight for equality as a lawyer made an imprint on American history, by changing the way the law dealt with women's rights. (adapted from publisher)
Ages: 6-9
Topics: Activism, history, late-life career, legacy, making a difference, multicultural, older role model, perseverance, picture book bios, retirement, sexism, using life experiences, women, work
The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story
Illustrated by: Jess X. Snow
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Description: Dayeon is a young South Korean girl who longs to be a haenyeo like her Grandma. Haenyeo’s are female divers—many are 60 years old or older and some are in their 80s. They deep sea dive off Jeju Island to “pluck treasures from the sea.” Although Dayeon wants to be a haenyeo like her Grandma, she has a scary memory of the sea and is afraid to dive.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: extended family, grandmother, grandmother/granddaughter, grandparents, history, intergenerational, late-life career, legacy, multicultural, nature, older role model, traditions, women, work
Old Rock (is not boring)
Illustrated by: Deb Pilutti
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Description: Old Rock has been sitting in the same spot in the pine forest for as long as anyone can remember. Spotted Beetle, Tall Pine, and Hummingbird think just sitting there must be boring, but they are in for a wonderful surprise. Fabulous tales of adventurous travel, exotic scenery, entertaining neighbors, and more from Old Rock's life prove it has been anything but boring. (Bookshop.org)
Old to Joy
Illustrated by: Anita Crawford Clark
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Description: Joy visits her Grandmama, who lives in an old house with all kinds of old things. As the day passes, Grandmama patiently helps Joy discover how old things and old ways can bring joy to any heart. This intergenerational story encourages a healthy-aging mindset.
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read
Illustrated by: Oge Mora
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Description: In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had a child. Mary Walker lived through twenty-six presidents and her precious Bible waited 101 years before she was able to read it. She finally learned to read at the age of 116.
Ages: 6-9
Topics: African-American, aging, history, late-life happiness, perseverance, picture book bios, women
On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein
Illustrated by: Vladimir Radunsky
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Description: Non-fiction picture book bio of Albert Einstein.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: history, late-life career, legacy, men, picture book bios, science, work
Our Grandparents: A Global Album
Description: Grandparents, multicultural, families, everyday activities, photographs The joy shared between grandparents and grandchildren is presented in photographs and brief text following an introduction by Desmond Tutu.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: extended family, grandparents, intergenerational, multicultural
Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People
Illustrated by: Julie Paschkis
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Description: Pablo wrote poems about the things he loved—things made by his friends in the café’, things found at the marketplace, and things he saw in nature. He wrote about the people of Chile and their stories of struggle. Because above all things…Pablo Neruda loved people. (adapted from publisher description)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: Activism, art, creativity, history, men, multicultural, nature, perseverance, picture book bios, poetry, using life experiences, work, writing
Papa Chagall, Tell us a Story
Description: Famed Russian painter Marc Chagall shares historical tales of his rags to riches past, including WW II, with his twin grandchildren. art, history, intergenerational
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: art, creativity, family heritage, grandparents, history, intergenerational, late-life career, legacy, multicultural, perseverance, picture book bios, using life experiences, work
Paris Hop
Illustrated by: Renee Andriani
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Description: A grandmother and granddaughter have travel adventures in Paris.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: cities, grandmother, grandmother/granddaughter, travel
The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton
Illustrated by: Don Tate
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Description: George Moses Horton taught himself to read while a slave and became the first African American to be published in the South.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: African-American, creativity, history, multicultural, perseverance, picture book bios, slavery, writing
Rock, Brock and the Savings Shock
Illustrated by: Barry Gott
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Description: Twins Rock and Brock learn the value of saving money from their grandfather. Additional information at the end of the book teaches about savings and lifelong financial security.
Ages: 6-9
Topics: grandfather/grandson, older role model, perseverance, retirement, wisdom, work
Rosie Revere, Engineer
Illustrated by: David Roberts
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Description: Young Rosie faces setbacks in her dream to be an engineer, but her Great-Great Aunt Rose encourages her creativity and persistence.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: creativity, extended family, history, older role model, perseverance, world war II
Seaside Dream
Illustrated by: Lambert Davis
Description: Cora's Grandma is lonely for her homeland of Cape Verde Islands. Cora wants a birthday gift for her that will remind her of her homeland and make her happy.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: family heritage, grandmother, grandmother/granddaughter, multicultural
She Sang Promise: the Story of Betty Mae Jumper, Seminole Tribal Leader
Illustrated by: Lisa Desimini
Description: Bio celebrating Betty Mae Jumper, who in 1967 became the 1st woman elected a Seminole Tribal leader. Shares her later life and Seminole life and customs.
Ages: 6-9
Topics: history, late-life career, making a difference, multicultural, Native Americans, older role model, picture book bios, traditions, work
Shoebox Sam
Illustrated by: Frank Morrison
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Description: Shoebox Sam is an older man who lives above his shop--he has paying customers, but also gives away shoes, socks and food. Delia and Jesse visit on Saturdays to help, and learn about giving and sharing.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: African-American, community, intergenerational, making a difference, multicultural, volunteerism, work
Silly Frilly Grandma Tillie
Illustrated by: Anne Jewett
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Description: Gelett Burgess award winner for multi-generational family. Creativity highlighted.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: creativity, grandmother, intergenerational
Sitti’s Secrets
Illustrated by: Nancy Carpenter
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Description: Young Mona lives in America with her parents and her grandmother, her Sitti, lives far away in the Mid East. Mona cannot speak her grandmother’s language and Sitti cannot speak hers, but their connection grows loving and strong Multi-cultural (Am., Palestinian), language differences, appearances
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: appearances, family heritage, grandmother, grandmother/granddaughter, intergenerational, multicultural, nature, traditions
Small Wonders: Jean Henre Fabre & his World of Insects
Illustrated by: Guiliano Ferri
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Description: In spite of ridicule over his long life during the 1800’s, Jean-Henri Fabre persisted for decades carefully observing insects’ behavior in their habitats. As he neared his ninetieth year he was still working, and to the astonishment of villagers, was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature for his poetic writing about the lives of insects.
Ages: 6-9
Topics: aging, creativity, history, late-life career, men, nature, perseverance, picture book bios, retirement, scientist, using life experiences, work
Song and Dance Man
Description: Grandparents, families, Caldecott Medalist Three children spend the day in their grandfather’s attic, enjoying his tap dancing and memories of vaudeville in this Caldecott Medal winning book. Out of print.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: creativity, grandfather, grandparents, history, intergenerational, late-life happiness, retirement, using life experiences
Stand Up and Sing!: Pete Seeger, Folk Music & the Path to Justice
Illustrated by: Adam Gustavson
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Description: Using his musical talents over his long life, Pete Seeger encouraged others to rally behind causes that mattered--fighting for Civil Rights, ending the Vietnam War, or cleaning up the Hudson River. For Pete, no challenge was too great, and what started out as a love for music turned into a lifetime of activism and change. (adapted from World Cat)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: Activism, community, creativity, history, legacy, making a difference, music, nature, older role model, perseverance, picture book bios, volunteerism, work
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Description: Grandparents, baseball, family outings In this familiar sing-along, Grandma has as much fun as her sports-loving granddaughters at a big league baseball stadium.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: baseball, grandmother, grandmother/granddaughter, grandparents, intergenerational, late-life happiness, traditions
Tapicero Tap Tap
Description: Grandpa is called Tapicero Tap Tap due to the tap tap of this hammer as he builds furniture in his shop. He shares youthful dreams of travel--unrealized, with his grandsons. And also his satisfaction with community, fiestas and bullfights.
Ages: 6-9
Topics: community, creativity, grandfather/grandson, grandparents, late-life career, multicultural, neighbors, traditions, using life experiences, wisdom, work
Ten Beautiful Things
Illustrated by: Maribel Lechuga
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Description: Lily is moving into her grandmother's farm in Iowa, and she is sad about all the changes necessary in her life--but on the long drive her grandmother challenges her to find ten beautiful things that they can share together. (Description from WorldCat)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: fears, grandmother/granddaughter, grandparents, nature, older role model, using life experiences, wisdom, women
Ten Ways to Hear Snow
Illustrated by: Kenard Pak
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Description: Lina, the main character, is walking through snow to visit her Sitti, her grandmother, who lives in an independent living building. The two are going to stuff grape leaves, an activity that’s harder for Sitti because her sight is failing. Sounds have become very important to this Lebanese grandmother and granddaughter. This book encourages readers to make their own snow sounds, discuss other ways to hear snow, and learn about onomatopoeia. (Adapted from Bookology Magazine)
Ages: 0-3, 3-6
Topics: aging, arab/american, disability, family heritage, grandmother, grandmother/granddaughter, grandparents, multicultural, nature, physical challenges, traditions
The Teacher Who Would Not Retire
Illustrated by: Thomas H. Bone III
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Description: First in a series about a dedicated teacher; forced, but active retirement; ongoing involvement with first grade classroom and kids. The School Rules force Mrs. Belle into reluctant retirement, but rather than stay home and rest she dons creative disguises to slip back into the school. A is for Aging book review below includes 3 sequels in the series.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: community, intergenerational, late-life happiness, perseverance, retirement, schools, using life experiences, volunteerism, work
The Thanksgiving Door
Description: New immigrants from Eastern Europe prepare their first Thanksgiving dinner in America. They welcome two strangers to their private celebration when they show up at the door to their cafe.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: community, holidays, multicultural, thankfulness, traditions
These Hands
Illustrated by: Floyd Cooper
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Description: Activism, stories, skills, racism, legacy. An African-American grandfather teaches skills to his young grandson while sharing anecdotes of his past. He tells of not being allowed to touch the bread dough or bake the bread at the Wonder Bread factory because of his skin color.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: Activism, African-American, grandfather/grandson, grandparents, history, intergenerational, late-life happiness, legacy, making a difference, multicultural, older role model, racism, using life experiences, work
Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything
Illustrated by: Maira Kalman
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Description: Non-fiction picture book bio of Thomas Jefferson--his late life curiosity, energy and long, productive life stand out. Also his healthy habits way ahead of the times.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: creativity, history, late-life career, late-life happiness, legacy, men, nature, picture book bios, presidents, racism, slavery, work
Tia’s Tamales
Illustrated by: Noel Chilton
Description: Grandmother, Abuelita, tells Luz the story of how her great-grandfather learned to make tamales. The message "sometimes you have to make something out of nothing" is shared. Tamale recipe included. Text in English & Spanish.
Ages: 6-9
Topics: extended family, family heritage, grandmother/granddaughter, history, Latino, legacy, multicultural, traditions
Time to Pray
Illustrated by: Ned Gannon
Description: Yasmin visits Grandmother in the Middle East and is awakened by the muezzin at the Mosque calling the faithful to prayer. Grandmother teaches her the five prayers Muslims perform daily & gives her a special gift when she leaves.
Ages: 6-9
Topics: faith, family heritage, grandmother, grandmother/granddaughter, intergenerational, multicultural, older role model, traditions
Tortillas and Lullabies/Tortillas y Cancioncitas
Description: Traditions are passed on through four generations in this celebration of food, family, and affection. Diversity/multi-cultural, Families, traditions – intergenerational, family stories, bilingual – Spanish/English
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: extended family, family heritage, grandparents, history, intergenerational, legacy, multicultural, traditions
Tofu Takes Time
Illustrated by: Julie Jarema
Description: "Lin makes tofu with her grandma and discovers that patience brings a whole universe together in a simple dish made by a modern Chinese American family"--WorldCat
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: Asian-American, family heritage, grandmother/granddaughter, grandparents, traditions, women
The Truth about Grandparents
Illustrated by: Elina Ellis
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Description: Art contradicts text, thus challenging common myths about older adults. For example, the text states, “I’ve been hearing lots of strange things about old people. Some people say they are NOT MUCH FUN. They say grandparents are SLOW…and CLUMSY…” In reality, Yoga and dancing and more are shown, even a little romance.
Ages: 0-3, 3-6
Topics: aging, appearances, extended family, fears, grandparents, late-life happiness, late-life romance
Truth and Honor: The President Ford Story
Illustrated by: Matt Faulkner
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Description: This picture book biography of President Gerald R. Ford offers an opportunity to talk about values like honesty, integrity and compassion in our leaders. A true story with engaging text and beautiful illustrations
Ages: 6-9
Topics: community, history, late-life career, legacy, making a difference, men, older role model, perseverance, physical challenges, picture book bios, presidents, racism, using life experiences, work
Under the Same Sun
Illustrated by: A.G. Ford
Description: The daughter of baseball great Jackie Robinson shares an inspirational story about her family. Auntie Sharon and Grandmother Bibi have come to visit the family in Tanzania -- all the way from America! They tell stories and fill gaps from the years spent apart, enjoy a breathtaking safari in Serengeti National Park, and learn about their ancestors at the ruins of an old slave port. (Descrip from publisher)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: African-American, extended family, family heritage, grandmother, history, multicultural, perseverance, racism, slavery
The Wakame Gatherers
Illustrated by: Kazumi Wilds
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Description: Nanami has two grandmothers: Baachan, who lives with her family in Japan, and Gram, who lives in Maine. When Gram visits Japan, Baachan takes her and Nanami to the seaside to gather Wakame, a long, curvy seaweed. The two grandmothers discover they have much in common despite being from countries that fought in the war they both recall vividly & they share an appreciation of precious peace.
Ages: 6-9
Topics: community, extended family, family heritage, grandmother, grandmother/granddaughter, history, multicultural, nature, traditions
The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps
Illustrated by: Jeanette Winters
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Description: NF picture book bio of Jane Goodall, famed primatologist and activist. Older role model, activism, environment.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: Activism, legacy, making a difference, nature, older role model, picture book bios, work
We Became Jaguars
Illustrated by: Woodrow White
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Description: When Grandma comes to visit and a young boy's parents leave, the rules of the house—and the world—change: grandson and grandmother transform into jaguars! Readers follow their journey into the undiscovered world of nature, experience true freedom, and lose themselves in an exhilarating adventure. After a day of playing, running, and climbing through sumptuous landscapes, the ending will leave you wondering what's real and what's imagined. (Description from the publisher, Chronicle Books. 2021.)
Ages: 3-6
Topics: grandmother, grandmother/grandson, grandparents
When Grandma Gatewood took a Hike
Illustrated by: Erica Magnus
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Description: It took her two tries, but in 1955, sixty-seven-year-old Emma “Grandma” Gatewood became the first woman to solo hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail in one thru-hike, without professional gear or even a tent. Houts chronicles the spirit of a seasoned outdoorswoman and mother of eleven whose grit and determination helped her to hike over two thousand miles. (adapted from publisher)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: community, grandmother, history, late-life happiness, nature, perseverance, physical challenges, picture book bios
Where Three Oceans Meet
Illustrated by: Archana Sreenivasan
Description: "Sejal, Mommy, and Pati travel together to the southern tip of India. Along the way, they share meals, visit markets, and catch up with old friends. For Pati, the trip retraces spaces she knows well. For Mommy, it's a return to the place she grew up. For Sejal, it's a discovery of new sights and sounds. The family finds their way to Kanyakumari, where three oceans meet, and delight in making it to the end of the earth together."- From publisher.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: extended family, grandmother, grandmother/granddaughter, India, multicultural, traditions, women
