Picture books that celebrate grandparents

This beautifully illustrated story lovingly highlights the different personalities that make up families. When Katie Morag’s glamorous Granma Mainland comes to visit, welly-wearing Grannie Island doesn’t appreciate her ‘fancy ways’. When a prize sheep gets stuck in Boggy Loch on Show Day, help is needed from both grandmothers for our heroine Katie Morag to save the day.

Last Stop on Market Street is a charming picture book that follows CJ and his grandmother on a bus ride through the city. The poetic text and vibrant illustrations beautifully capture the diversity and energy of urban life. Through CJ's curious questions and his nana's wise responses, the story explores themes of gratitude, community, and finding beauty іn unexpected places.

There's always a sprinkling of magic that comes with spending time with a beloved grandparent. And grannies do seem to have an uncanny ability to pull out just the thing you need at any given moment. But Emily and Harry are sure there's something extra special about their Wee Granny – and the tartan bag in which she carries everything but the kitchen sink.

Little tiger Patterpaw is tired and ready for a snooze, but a thunderstorm threatens to spoil the peace. Granny and Grandpa Tiger employ the help of their jungle friends to make sure that Patterpaw has the sleepiest sleep of all. Gorgeous illustrations, and a perfect, calming book for bedtime.

Another lovely story featuring Noi from The Storm Whale – this time he is staying with his grandma on a remote island. He’s not sure about Grandma at first – she boils seaweed for breakfast and keeps her teeth in a jar. But, as Noi faces danger, it’s Grandma who comes to his rescue they have a wonderful time together. Beautifully told and illustrated as always by Benji Davies.

Sona loves to spend time with her seeya (her grandfather), and even though they speak different languages, they love all the same things. With soft, dream-like illustrations, this beautiful picture book shows how some bonds can overcome generations and language barriers.

When Nana’s grandson visits her in the city, he finds it very loud and busy – this is no place for a nana to live! But Nana loves the city and she makes a bright red cape for him to feel brave. Rich illustrations with simple text show how much joy can be found when we face our fears.

A little boy looks back at his great-grandad’s life told in the form of a topiary. This brilliant book takes moments from a life well lived and illustrates them in lush, green sculptures. Both sublime and heartfelt, it is perfect to share across the generations.

Not all grandparents are perfect role models in picture books. . . There is something deliciously exciting about the villainous Grandma Swag in Cops and Robbers by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. The robbers of London town are up to no good, with a plan to steal toys and ruin Christmas. Can anyone foil their plans? This classic romps along in beautifully crafted rhyme, with a vibrant cast of characters and detailed illustrations.

Meet Gabriel, an old elephant sitting in a harbour, thinking about when he was young and dreaming of joining the lifeboat crew. This is a story about being brave and the determination to fulfil a dream. The book starts and ends with Gabriel as an old elephant, encouraging readers to wonder what stories older people (and animals!) might have to share. Stunning illustrations in oranges, greys and blues bring life by the sea vividly to the page.