Reading with your grandchildren is a great way to bond. Whether at bedtime, in person or over video chat, here is a roundup of great books every grandparent should read with their grandchildren.
Yes, of course, storytelling is about the tales of when you were a kid and the retelling of family history, but a special part of being a grandparent is getting to read together and share the magical bond of books.
Beyond a fun activity, reading together is an opportunity to create memories, learn and share new words, ideas, cultures and historical moments, strengthen empathy and wind down together after a hectic day.
The most important part of reading aloud (other than just being together) is picking a book you can enjoy. Here are some of our favourites, beloved by both kids and adults alike. Now, curl up and let the adventure begin!
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
“I’ll eat up, I love you so!” In this iconic story, the imagination of a little boy named Max runs wild, leading him to an island of mythical creatures where he becomes their king and learns that being in charge is no easy task. amazon.ca
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
There’s so much to observe when the moon comes out and bedtime arrives. This soothing story is a classic that you might remember reading to your own kids as their eyes got heavy and sleep set in. amazon.ca
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Changing from a caterpillar to a butterfly really works up an appetite, and this colourful and interactive book acts as a teacher for identifying foods and showcasing the beautiful metamorphosis to a butterfly. Whether you make it a philosophical metamorphosis is up to you. amazon.ca
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
It sure can be lonely living on another planet with only a rose as a friend. In this coming-of-age-adjacent story, the Little Prince tours the universe to gain wisdom. It’s a timeless tale that explores the themes of love, friendship, loss and loneliness. This one is a little more advanced—it’s actually a novella—but there are abridged, illustrated versions for littles and graphic novels for tweens, too. amazon.ca
Something from Nothing by Phoebe Gilman
The beloved author of other beloved titles like Jillian Jiggs and The Balloon Tree beautifully illustrates a Yiddish folktale, highlighting the relationship between Joseph, his grandfather and the transformative ways that you can turn anything into something. amazon.ca
Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola
Strega Nona— which translates to Grandma Witch— is a magical old woman who gives her Calabrian town cures and potions. But her specialty is her on-demand pasta pot. When Strega Nona goes out of town, more than pasta brews with Big Anthony tries his hand at her mystical kitchen tool. amazon.ca
Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers
No matter if you’re old or young, we’ve all been new to earth before. This heartfelt story from beloved author Oliver Jeffers reminds us that while the planet is complicated, the simplest thing we can do is be kind, no matter where we are on our journey. amazon.ca
Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa by Anna Dewdney
Going to your grandparents is special, but if it’s your first time being away from home overnight, it can come with a few nerves, too. When Llama Llama spends his first night away from Mama, he forgets something very important. It’s a good thing Grandpa Llama has a solution. amazon.ca
In a Jar by Deborah Marcero
A terrific book for grandparents who live far away, this story chronicles the story of Llewelleyn, a little rabbit who collects things, like feathers and stones in jars. When she meets Evelyn, she discovers that they can collect extraordinary things together, like the sound of the ocean and rainbows. When Evelyn moves away, they’ll have to find a way to keep up with their magical collection from afar. amazon.ca
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Seven books in the fantasy series mean seven opportunities to visit Narnia and create a magical world together. The iconic series of fantasy novels examines themes like courage, good and evil, and making sacrifices for those you love. Three of the books have been made into movies, which you can watch together after reading the books. This is another one that skews a little older, but you can look for the illustrated versions or just wait until your grandchildren hit school age. amazon.ca
Published in May 2025.
