Diverse Picture Books That Honor Grandparents Across Cultures
While there are a million different names for grandparents, from Abuela and Baba to Nonna, Yaya, and Bumpa, they all share the same superpower: Unconditional love and an infinite supply of snacks. Because they hold our history, our culture, and our best memories, capturing that bond on our bookshelves is a must. Whether you are shopping for the perfect sentimental gift or trying to diversify your home library, these incredible books celebrate grandparents from all walks of life.
But don’t just buy the book and tuck it away. Have the grandparents sign it like a guestbook, or record an audio clip of them reading it. Years from now, hearing their voice reading these stories will mean more to your kids than any store-bought gift ever could.
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Add to BookshelfMy Abuela Is a Bruja
by Mayra Cuevas
A granddaughter believes that everything her Puerto Rican abuela does is magic. She lovingly calls her a Bruja, a witch, because she infuses a special something into the way she cooks, dances, tells stories, and even the way she loves. As the young girl searches for magic of her own, she learns that it has been inside her all along, passed down through generations of family and cultural heritage. Rich, sensory-filled language and colorful illustrations bring Puerto Rican traditions, food, music, and nature to life in a warm and joyful way. This multi-award-winning book, available in both English and Spanish, encourages children to embrace their roots and recognize the magic in everyday moments.
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$19.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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Ten Ways to Hear Snow
by Cathy Camper
On a picturesque winter morning, Lina walks through a snowy neighborhood to visit her grandmother, Sitti, and to make warak enab together. Along the way, Lina begins to notice the many sounds of snow and gains a deeper understanding of how her visually impaired grandmother experiences the world. With calming illustrations and lyrical storytelling, this touching story explores mindfulness, empathy, and Arab American culture. It’s the perfect winter read-aloud for encouraging readers to slow down and appreciate the small details around them.
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$18.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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Nana Akua Goes to School
by Tricia Elam Walker
It’s Grandparents Day at school, and although she loves her Ghanaian grandmother, Zura worries that her classmates won’t understand her traditional facial markings. With a little planning, Zura and Nana Akua devise a warm and empowering way to teach the class about West African traditions and Adinkra symbols. Gorgeous collage illustrations and vibrant cultural details make this engaging read-aloud a celebration of family pride and embracing what makes us unique. It’s an excellent picture book for Grandparents Day or back-to-school read-alouds.
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$19.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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My Grandfather’s Song
by PhĂąng NguyĂŞn Quang and Huynh Kim LiĂŞn
“Listen, do you hear it?” This quiet story is a tribute to the lush wilderness and the journey of the first pioneers into South Vietnam. When a Grandfather shows his grandchild how to build a life in the jungle, the boy’s initial feelings of overwhelm ease as he learns to listen to nature’s rhythms. Through fishing, farming, and weathering storms, Grandfather teaches Tà that home is created with patience and respect for the land. Mesmerizing illustrations make this heartfelt multigenerational story an exploration of family heritage and the beauty of living in harmony with nature.
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$18.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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Ba-chan the Ninja Grandma
by Sanae Ishida
It’s summer, and with Little Kunoichi’s friends away on vacation, her super-secret ninja island has quickly become a floating boredom box. When she asks her parents for more toys, they send her to stay with her quirky and creative ninja grandma instead. Through whimsical escapades and clever life lessons, Little Kunoichi discovers that curiosity, kindness, imagination, and resourcefulness are far more valuable than material things. Playful illustrations, hidden details, and Japanese cultural touches make this a fun read-aloud for adventure-loving kids who need a little help tapping into their creativity.
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$16.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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Icy Fruit
by Charlotte Cheng
In the summer of 1965, a Taiwanese entrepreneur turned fresh fruit into a beloved frozen treat enjoyed across the country. Inspired by the author’s real-life grandfather, this heartwarming story magnifies his creativity, perseverance, and the power of his simple idea. Lyrical storytelling and vibrant illustrations make this a perfect read-aloud for summer story times in the classroom and library. Readers will come away inspired by Agong’s ingenuity — and ready to eat an icy fruit pop, too!
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$18.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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Something About Grandma
by Tania de Regil
This tender picture book follows Julia as she spends her first summer alone with her grandmother in a small town outside Mexico City. Surrounded by gardens, sweet bread, family stories, and a touch of everyday magic, Julia discovers the comfort, wisdom, and love that make her Grandma so special. Julia passes this love along when her parents collect her at the end of the summer with her newborn baby brother in tow. Warm, whimsical illustrations and gentle storytelling create a cozy read-aloud that highlights cultural traditions and intergenerational love.
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$18.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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Grandmas Are Magic
by Yamile Saied MĂ©ndez
Calling all Disney lovers! This heartwarming picture book celebrates the loving wisdom and encouragement of grandmothers through beloved Disney and Pixar characters like Gramma Tala (Moana), Abuela Alma (Encanto), and Grandma Fa (Mulan). Each page highlights the special ways grandmas and their special blend of magic can help children find courage, joy, confidence, and love while connecting those lessons to readers’ own families. Minji Kim’s soft, colorful illustrations and familiar movie moments make this a fantastic read-aloud for Disney fans or a thoughtful gift for Mother’s Day or Grandparents Day.
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$17.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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The Greatest
by Veera Hiranandani
A grandfather sees himself as an ordinary man and doesn’t understand why his grandchildren think he’s the greatest. Through games, stories, music, and Jewish traditions, readers explore the bond between a grandfather and his grandchildren during their Sunday visits. These simple traditions that Grandpa sees as ordinary make him extraordinary in his grandchildren’s eyes. A soft palette of gouache illustrations blended with gentle humor paints a sweet picture of Jewish culture and the quiet ways grandparents shape our lives.
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$18.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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10
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My Grandma and Me
by Mina Javaherbin
A young girl and her beloved grandmother bond in pre-revolutionary Iran in this heartfelt tribute. Through everyday moments, sharing meals during Ramadan, sewing a chador, listening to stories, and praying, Mina learns about tradition, faith, and family. At a pivotal moment, Mina and her friend’s grandmothers pray for each other in their different religions, allowing readers to witness the universal love of grandparents and the memories that stay with us forever. Beautiful illustrations filled with Persian details and warmth make this a sweet and meaningful read-aloud that shares Iranian culture and Islamic traditions in an accessible way.
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$7.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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Freedom Soup
by Tami Charles
This powerful and beautifully illustrated picture book follows Belle and her grandmother, Ti Gran, as they prepare traditional Haitian Freedom Soup to celebrate the New Year. While cooking together, Ti Gran shares the history of Haiti, the Haitian Revolution, and the meaning behind this important family tradition. With rich sensory details and lyrical storytelling, this engaging read-aloud is perfect for classrooms and families looking to honor resilience, freedom, and intergenerational love.
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$8.99Buy from Other Retailers:
