Few bonds in life are stronger than those between a grandparent and grandchild, and reading together creates lifelong, shared memories. Research has found that reading to youngsters has a number of benefits, including exposure to communication skills along with different types of people and situations.
In honor of National Grandparents Day on Sept. 11, we’ve pulled together a list of some of our favorite books you can read to and with your grandchildren. Some of these books give children a memorable lesson, while many focus on the special relationship between grandchildren and their grandparents. Others are just plain fun to read! We hope you and your grandchild enjoy these stories.
- “Here Comes Grandma!” by Janet Lord. In this story, a grandmother travels by skis, train and other methods to visit her grandchild.
- “Why Is Blue Dog Blue?” by George Rodrigue. This favorite features the very recognizable silk-screen images of Blue Dog by the author, who is also a Cajun artist. The book lets kids know that being different is great.
- “Me With You,” by Kristy Dempsey. This rhyming story describes a granddaughter and grandfather simply enjoying their time together, whether they’re walking in a rain shower or watering flowers.
- “Old Bear,” by Kevin Henkes. When winter comes, Old Bear slumbers, and his dreams center on his youth once again. Children can learn about the seasons, and grandparents appreciate Old Bear’s memories of younger days and his awakening in the spring.
- “The Little Big Book for Grandmothers,” by Alice Wong and Lena Tabori. This book includes fairy tales, songs, poems, activities, recipes, vintage illustrations and more.
- “Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa,” by Alayne Kay Christian. The special bond between grandchildren and grandparents takes center stage in this award-winning book. The story also explores the idea of separation and how children can recall good memories when they’re far away from their grandparents.
- “The Hello, Goodbye Window,” by Norton Juster and Chris Raschka. In this tale of a happy childhood, the perspective is from a young girl spending time with her grandparents. It’s a wonderful book for grandparents and children to read out loud together.
- “You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You,” by Mary Ann Hoberman. This book is ideal to read with younger children. It’s targeted to new readers and includes lines that readers alternate or read together.
- “Henry and Mudge and The Great Grandpas,” by Cynthia Rylant. This book for ages 4 and up follows Henry and a large dog named Mudge as the two go see Great-Grandpa Bill at “the grandpa house,” a communal living home for seniors. Henry and his pooch find a pond for swimming, and all the fellows take a dip together.
At Havenwood Heritage Heights in picturesque Concord, New Hampshire, you’ll find a strong spirit of friendship and camaraderie — and a place that grandchildren love to visit. To learn more about active retirement living, please contact us today.
