RD.COM Books
ByMolly Pennington, PhD
Updated: Nov. 28, 2022
Snuggle up and settle in! There's no greater comfort than being read to by Nana or Gramps. Here are the best books to read to grandkids in every age group.
1/18
Via amazon.com
Age Baby to 1: Grandma Wishes
Did you know there’s a special Grandma Star that only grandmothers can wish upon? This sweet story features bright and delightful illustrations of woodland creatures sure to captures a baby’s heart. Little ones learn about the love that comes from Grandma and all the hopes she has for their future. Check out the story of this tech-savvy grandma found the secret to staying close to grandkids who live far away.
2/18
Via amazon.com
Age Baby to 1: Grandpa’s Wish List
Follow Grandpa Badger as he makes a list of all the wishes he has for his new grandchild. This strong and sturdy board book brims with colorful drawings that babies will adore. And Grandpa will love the sentiment about getting ready for the new addition.
3/18
Via amazon.com
Age Baby to 1: Look Look!
Babies adore looking through this board book’s high contrast illustrations which are perfect for stimulating their imagination and inspiring an early love of learning. Black-and-white cut-out pictures offer cheer and interest while red words like “smile” and “children” engage and delight.
4/18
Via amazon.com
Age 2 to 3: Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa
Experience beautiful illustrations and beloved characters in this story about little Llama’s first night away from home. Gram and Grandpa show that an overnight trip is full of comfort and love and everything little ones need to feel safe and secure.
5/18
Via amazon.com
Age 2 to 3: Grandpa and Me
Toddlers love to “lift-the-flaps” in this book series that allows them to discover new illustrations. You’ll adore your grandchild’s delight in this interactive story about making a pizza with Grandpa. If you want your grandchild to listen to some stories on their own, here’s a list of free audiobooks for kids they’ll love.
6/18
Via amazon.com
Age 2 to 3: Grandma Loves You
Get ready for sweet bunnies, turtledoves, and lovely watercolor illustrations. Total sweetness awaits in this rhyming story about a Grandmother’s deep and enduring love for the new little grand-bunny.
7/18
Via amazon.com
Age 4 to 5: The Hello, Goodbye Window
Return again and again to this beautiful tale about Nanna and Poppy’s “magic” kitchen window. Their grandchild experiences the wonders of the world by peering through the window in this gorgeously illustrated picture book that children love.
8/18
Via amazon.com
Age 4 to 5: Just Grandma, Grandpa, and Me
Mercer Mayer’s classic Little Critter books delight children with their adorable and distinctive illustrations. In this edition, the Little Critter experiences a fun day out and about with each of his grandparents.
9/18
Via amazon.com
Age 4 to 5: Grandpa’s Little One
Billy Crystal wrote this sweet story about a grandpa’s love for his granddaughter. Vivid illustrations capture birthday party adventures. Crystal’s sweet words are sure to pull heartstrings and provide a few laughs along the way.
10/18
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Age 6 to 7: How to Babysit a Grandma and Grandpa
This charming boxed set contains two beloved babysitting guides—one for each grandparent. Instructions include how to keep grandma busy: have a costume parade! And snack ideas for grandpa include “olives served on fingertips.” These books are filled with so many ways to have a ton of fun watching over grandparents while the parents are away.
11/18
Via amazon.com
Age 6 to 7: You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You
This cozy book comes from the Very Short Stories to Read Together series, so it’s perfect for grandkids who are just starting to read on their own. The book’s words are color-coded so you can take turns with your grandchild and read ending lines together. Cute illustrations and fun rhymes help foster a love of reading.
12/18
Via amazon.com
Age 6 to 7: Katie Morag and the Two Grandmothers
Meet red-headed Katie who has two Scottish grannies who are different as can be. One is a mainland sophisticate, while the other loves hard work on her island farm. Katie will help bridge the gap in this delightful series with charming illustrations.
13/18
Via amazon.com
Age 8 to 9: Charlotte’s Web
This childhood classic is perfect for the grandchild ready to read a novel with you chapter by chapter. Wilbur is a farmyard pig who thinks his fate is sealed. Along comes the mesmerizing and wise spider Charlotte to change his life forever. Sweet and heartrending, it’s an enduring tale children love. Don’t miss these 11 early reading habits that make young kids love books.
14/18
Via amazon.com
Age 8 to 9: The Secret Garden
Return to a literary classic with this interactive edition of The Secret Garden. Enticing artwork and graphics accompany the sweet story of three children who bond over a hidden sanctuary in nature that helps them heal. Visit the huge English manor where young Mary is sent after she’s orphaned. She can hear mysterious, faraway cries at night—and finding the source will kick off adventure and healing.
15/18
Via amazon.com
Age 8 to 9: Grandpa’s Great Escape
David Williams’ excellent novels depict the adventures and derring-do of grandparents. Check out Gangsta Granny, as well. In this story, Jack’s Grandpa starts to get forgetful and is placed in an old folk’s home run by a meanie. Time for Jack to help his Grandpa escape from the Twilight Towers. Perfect reading for the grandkid who longs for action.
16/18
Via amazon.com
Age 10 to 11: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Grandpa Joe finally gets out of bed to accompany his grandson Charlie on a tour of the candy factory run by the famed Willy Wonka. Inside they meet the very wise Oompa-Loompas and a bevy of naughty children, all while experiencing the delights, trials, and tests of Wonka’s mysterious factory. You’ll love reading it with a curious and adventurous grandkid.
17/18
Via amazon.com
Age 10 to 11: Anne of Green Gables
This classic novel remains popular and beloved, thanks in part to the Netflix series. Your grandchild will likely relate to the optimistic and plucky Anne. She’s sent to a set of foster guardians, a brother,and sister, who expected a boy to help work their farm. They try to send Anne back, but she’s simply not the kind of child anyone can send away.
18/18
Via amazon.com
Age 10 to 11: Watership Down
When your grandchild is ready for an epic story filled with suspense and adventure, read this beloved novel together. The story takes place in a warren of rabbits, each of them mythic and heroic characters. They face conflict and obstacles as they embark on a journey for a new home.
Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Reader’s Digest editors, who aim to highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of revenue from our partners, such as Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We welcome your feedback. Have something you think we should know about? Email us at [emailprotected].
Originally Published: August 30, 2018
Author
Molly Pennington, PhD
Molly is a writer and collage artist with a PhD in film and cultural studies from the University of Pittsburgh. Her professional astrology services and artwork are available at Baroque Moon Astrology. She covers the zodiac, books, movies, TV and culture for Reader’s Digest, and loves to talk about all the ways we make meaning.
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