Six brilliant books celebrating grandparents
Published on: 01 October 2020
Author Lisa Thompson's beautiful new book, The House of Clouds, is about a girl and her grandfather, and all the lessons we can learn from the stories of our grandparents' lives. She shares her six favourite stories featuring grandparents.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
When Charlie Bucket finds the last golden ticket to enter Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, it’s Grandpa Joe who he chooses to go with him. Aged ‘ninety-six and a half’, Grandpa Joe is an optimist and very wise. I loved his observations of the other ticket winners and how he quickly susses out exactly what kind of children they are!
Bone Talk by Candy Gourlay
Set in the Philippines in 1899, the grandfathers or ‘ancients’ of a ‘head-hunter’ tribe called Bontok, decide when it is time for a boy called Samkad to become a man. Bone Talk is a ‘coming-of-age’ story like no other I have ever read.
The House with Chicken Legs illustration by Melissa Castrillon
The House With Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson
Marinka’s grandmother, Baba Yaga, has a very important job. It is her job to guide spirits between this world and the next, and it is Marinka’s destiny to follow in her footsteps. A book with a grandparent like no other, The House With Chicken Legs is unforgettable and brilliant.
Bad Nana by Sophy Henn
This is a joy of a book! Bad Nana lives in a house that ‘smells of tea and mischief’ and she wants nearly everyone to have fun. How brilliant is that? Highly original with some incredibly witty illustrations.
Read the review of Bad Nana: Older Not Wiser
Bad Nana illustration by Sophy Henn
Grandad’s Island by Benji Davis
A very comforting picture book about how loved ones are always close, no matter how far away they might seem. Beautifully illustrated with a perfect storyline, this is definitely a book for all ages.
A Pinch of Magic/A Sprinkle of Sorcery by Michelle Harrison
In these two books, The Widdershin sisters have a Granny who smokes a pipe, swigs whisky and runs a shabby pub called the Poacher’s Pocket. At times she’s cranky and angry and at other times she’s warm and kind-hearted and her superstitions are the best! Granny is one of my favourite characters from a fantasy novel!
Stories about grandparents
Explore our favourite stories about grandparents.
Let's hear it for the grandparents
Take a look at some of our favourite books about the grandparents in our life.
Topics: Family, Grandparents, Features
