Grandmother's Dreamcatcher, story by Becky Ray McCain, illustrations by Stacey Schuett. Although the young narrator of this story enjoys staying with her grandmother, a Chippewa like herself, she has bad dreams because she misses her parents.  Her grandmother teaches her how to make a dreamcatcher that will snag her bad dreams and let only pleasant dreams reach her. Using the concept of a dreamcatcher (instructions for making one are in the back), McCain demonstrates how tradition can be passed down from grandparents to grandchildren.  Schuett's gouache illustrations help the story reflect the warmth and comfort the little girl feels when she's with her grandmother. Ages five to nine. (Albert Whitman & Co, 1998)

Granddaddy's Gift, story by Margaree King Mitchell, illustrations by Larry Johnson.  Little Joe, a young girl growing up in the segregated South, witnesses her grandfather's strength and pride as he battles the Jim Crow laws and stands up for his right to vote. Caught trying to skip school at the beginning of the story, she also learns from him that the opportunity for an education is a privilege that he was not allowed and that she must take advantage of. Johnson's powerful story about a grandfather's positive influence on his grandchild and Mitchell's realistic oil paintings of life during the struggle for civil rights help to teach both children and parents about this important yet tumultuous time in American history. Ages five to nine. (Troll Publishing, 1998)

Through Grandpa's Eyes, story by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrations by Deborah Ray.  When John spends time with his blind grandfather, he tries to experience the world as his grandfather does. Imitating his grandfather's actions and listening to his wise advice, John learns to feel the direction of the wind, smell what's for breakfast, and hear the smile in his grandmother's voice.  MacLachlan's story vividly introduces to the reader a world that exists beyond sight and reveals the intense admiration and awe a young boy has for his grandfather. Besides being a wonderful description of a boy's relationship with his grandfather, this book is an inspiring story of a man overcoming his disability to lead a rewarding life. Ages five to nine. (Harper & Row, 1979)

A Chair for My Mother, story and illustrations by Vera B. Williams.  After a terrible fire destroys all of their furniture, Rosa saves money with her mother and her grandmother for a new chair. She anxiously awaits the day when the coin jar is filled and her mother can finally have a comfortable place to relax after working as a waitress all day.  A 1983 Caldecott Honor Book for its unique illustrations, this book is inspiring and sincere in its depiction of three generations of women living together and working to get their lives back on track. Ages four to eight. (Greenwillow Press, 1982)

Now One Foot, Now the Other, story and illustrations by Tomie dePaola. Bobby and his grandfather Bob are best friends. Bob tells him stories, teaches him to walk, and builds towers of blocks with him; but when Bob has a stroke and can no longer move or talk, Bobby is initially scared of him. He soon overcomes this fear and helps his grandfather learn to walk, build blocks, and tell stories again. As grandparents get sick, children are often uncomfortable and confused about how to act around them. This story helps show children that although the physical relationship with a grandparent might deteriorate, the love still remains strong. Ages four to eight. (G.P. Putnam & Sons, 1980)

Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs, story and illustrations by Tomie dePaola. Four-year-old Tommy loves to visit his grandmother and great-grandmother who live together in a two-story house. Whenever he visits, he runs upstairs and spends time with his 94-year-old great-grandmother, Nana Upstairs, eating candy, telling stories, and combing her silver-white hair. Tommy cries when Nana Upstairs dies, but is comforted by the thought that she will always be with him in his memory. An excellent companion piece to Now One Foot, Now the Other, this story deals honestly and compassionately with the feelings of loss after the death of a loved one. Ages four to eight. (G.P. Putnam & Sons, 1973)

Ghost Wings, story by Barbara M. Joosse, illustrations by Giselle Potter. A young girl loves to spend time with her best friend, her grandmother, in the Magic Circle, watching the monarch butterflies fill the trees with gold. When her grandmother passes away, the girl remembers the lessons her grandmother taught her and honors her on the Mexican Day of the Dead. Set in Mexico, Joosse's charming and sad tale relates two common aspects of children's experiences with grandparents: the joy of spending time with them and the sadness when they pass. Both of these are powerful points that combine to make this an excellent book to read and discuss with children. Ages five to nine.  (Chronicle Books, 2001)

What! Cried Granny: An Almost Bedtime Story, story by Kate Lum, illustrations by Adrian Johnson. When Patrick goes to visit his grandmother, she struggles to find all of the things he needs to get to sleep. Comically exaggerating each requirement, she cuts trees down to make his bed and shears sheep to make his pillow. This story will make readers laugh as it suggests the extent to which a grandmother will go for her grandchild. Ages four to eight.  (Dial Books for Young Readers, 1999)

Kids and Grandparents: An Activity Book, activities by Ann Love and Jane Drake, illustrations by Heather Collins. Filled with entertaining crafts and recipes, this book offers a long list of meaningful activities for grandparents and children to do together.  Many of the crafts, such as creating a family tree, a patchwork quilt, or a family crest, focus on teaching children about their families, but some of the book's recommendations, like making fudge, are simply fun things to do together. Ages four to 99. (Kids Can Press, 2000)