Grandparents, Aging & Memory Loss
If your children are lucky enough to have grandparents & great-grandparents in their lives, you’ve seen firsthand how special their bond can be. These special relationships can face tough challenges in the face of illness, changes in memory or major life events.
The books below can help your children begin to understand difficult issues, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease, moving to an assisted living facility/retirement home, and illness. I’ve specifically chosen books here that are informative and gentle, I hope they will be helpful to you and all of the ones you love.
I hope you love the books I recommend! Please note that the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Remember Balloons - James’s grandpa has the best balloons because he has the best memories. James loves hearing stories from his grandpa’s life, but when his balloons begin to float away, he can’t remember them anymore. James is heartbroken but he soon realizes that he can hold grandpa’s balloons and carry on sharing his stories for him. Also available in Korean!
Travels With My Granny - This book introduces the concepts of confusion and dementia in a very sweet and gentle way. Told from the perspective of a young boy, who’s grandma used to travel all over the world, but who can now hardly leave her chair. Together they revisit all of her destinations in their imaginations.
Oma’s Quilt - Emily’s grandma is sad to leave her house and move to a retirement home. Nothing feels right and she misses everything about her old life. Emily and her mother decide to make her a quilt, using bits and pieces of treasured items from her old home to bring her happy memories to her new home.
Newspaper Hats - a heartwarming story of a girl and her grandpa. Georgie’s grandfather has Alzheimer’s Disease and doesn’t always remember her. When she visits him at his nursing home she wonders if he’ll be able to remember her this time. Despite his memory loss, they find ways to connect in meaningful and tender ways, looking through his old photographs and making newspaper hats.
Grandpa’s Stories - a stunningly beautiful book about the bond between grandpa and his granddaughter. As the seasons change, she remembers all of the wonderful things she and grandpa did together. In Autumn her grandpa passes away, and she decides to record their adventures together in a book. I love the way this book models writing and drawing as helpful tools for processing grief.
The titles below are my favorite books about our beloved grandparents!
I Love My Glam- Ma - for the fashion-forward grandma in your life, and a celebration of all of the special things that make her fabulous!
Grandma’s Purse - Grandma Mimi’s purse is full of lots of special treasures. Follow Mimi and her granddaughter as they find all of the items that make Mimi so special.
Tea With Grandpa- Despite living many miles apart, Grandpa and his granddaughter set aside a special time each day to be together via video chat.
All About Grandmas - a celebration of grandmas of all shapes, sizes, and interests, and all of the things they do to make us feel loved.
Go, Grandma, Go! & Go, Grandpa, Go! - colorful rhyming book, featuring all of the different ways that grandmas and grandkids play. I love the energy and rhythm of this book, and the illustrations featuring grandmas of all shapes and sizes.
Someday We Will - Beaming Books has so many great titles for families and this one does not disappoint. A sweet book about all of the fun things that grandparents and grandkids do together, from going on road trips, and playing outside, to eating ice cream before dinner. I love the way this book brings to life the excitement and anticipation of visiting grandparents, who live far away, after a time apart. This book reminds me so much of the way my sisters, brother and I counted down the days until we visited our grandparents each summer!
My Nana and Me - is a peek inside of a fun-filled day at Nana’s house. Full of tea parties, stories and all of the magical moments that make up the special bond between grandparents and grandkids. I love the way author, Irene Smalls, and illustrator, Cathy Ann Johnson, bring to life that warm and fuzzy feeling of being wrapped in grandma’s love.
And of course, Todd Parr, has books about all different kinds of grandmas, grandmas and the special bond they share with their grandkids! Check out The Grandma Book and the Grandpa Book.
A Day With Yahyah - Follow this lively family on a day with Yayah, their grandmother. As they explore the wonders of nature around them, look for mushrooms and learn all about their Indigenous Canadian heritage. Author Nicola I. Campbell shares the rich history and language of her Interior Salish and Métis community. I love the way that this book features the importance of strong intergenerational relationships and provides a window into the experiences of First Nations families. Be sure to check out the glossary in the back of the book and learn words in the Nte?kepmxcin (First River Salish) language!
Encyclopedia of Grannies - this book is hilarious and is the perfect book for reading with your own grandma. Featuring grandmas of all shapes and sizes, and facts about their wonderful qualities, different nicknames, words of wisdom, and colorful sayings.
It’s Good To Have a Grandma - There are so many reasons that grandmas are the best! They have more time than moms and dads so they’re never in a hurry. They’re always up for adventures like sledding or going to the beach, especially when parents are too busy. This book celebrates grandmas and all of the wonderful things that they do.
A Grandma’s Magic - this book is so beautiful, it brought a tear to my eye! A colorful and heart-warming book about our beloved grandmas. I love the way this book celebrates special moments with grandma and reminds little readers that near or far, grandma’s magic is always with us.
Brand New Bubbe - This sweet book was full of surprises and I loved every single one! Jillian already has 2 grandmas she loves, but when she gets a stepdad, she also gets a brand-new bubbe. With a little patience, some delicious homemade food, and a lot of love, her new Bubbe helps Jillian find that there’s always room in her heart for more love.
Quick Tips:
Preview the books before reading with your child. This will help you decide if the length and wording are appropriate for him/her. It'll also help prepare you for questions and topics that may come up as you read.
Choose a time when you can read the book slowly with your child, let her/him look at the pictures and take in the words.
Be prepared for questions. Stop reading and listen when questions and comments come up. These will give you insight into what your child is feeling and thinking.
Remember- you don't need to have all the answers. Just acknowledging your child's feelings goes a long way.
Here are some ideas for when you don't know what to say:
I'm glad you told me about that."
“ I didn't know that, but I'm happy I know that now."
"I feel that way sometimes too."
“That’s a good question”
“I was wondering the same thing.”
“I’m not sure right now, let’s talk about this again soon.”
Be sure to share any concerns about your child with a trusted pediatrician, their teacher or caregiver. These professionals are a great resource and can offer advice or additional guidance.