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Just in time for Father’s Day! While grandmothers get the lion’s share of attention in the media, picture book authors are far more even-handed. Quality children’s books featuring grandfathers abound, and it was hard to choose our favorites!

These heartwarming stories of love, loss, and bonding are our top picks for the best picture books about grandfathers. From a toolbox that teaches the value of hard work to a grandfather-grandson duo discovering the power of art, these books offer a celebration of the special relationship between grandfathers and grandchildren. Don't miss out on these must-reads that will create unforgettable memories for both you and your grandchildren.

When Grandpa Give You a Toolbox 
by Jamie L.B. Deenihan

Written by the same author as When Grandma Give You a Lemon Tree, this story is just as much fun. When a boy gets a toolbox from his grandpa instead of the dollhouse he requested, he’s disappointed until he discovers how much he can do with it. The humor, storyline and colorful pictures are a celebration of community, compassion and hard work. The grandkids give it two thumbs up! Get a copy here.

Drawn Together
by Minh Lê
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My grandson especially loved this one! When the young boy in this story visits his grandfather who speaks another language, they can’t communicate. They cycle through confusion, frustration, and silence until they sit down and draw together. On paper, they discover a shared love of art and storytelling. With few words and gorgeous illustrations, this story of the bonds between a grandfather and grandson is a visual feast and moving tale. Order a copy for your grandchildren.

A Stopwatch from Grandpa
​by Loretta Garbutt

This book tackles a difficult subject in a simple, understandable way. When a child inherits Grampa's stopwatch after he dies, it becomes a way to explore the stages of grief by remembering the time they spent together. A sensitive, child-centered way to talk about loss and love. If you have a child who has lost their grandfather, this book is a perfect way to talk about their loss. Buy now on Amazon.

Grandfather’s Journey
by Allan Say
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Allen Say's story of his grandfather’s journey from Japan is a simple, beautiful tale about love and missing home. Though it has deep themes, the story and illustrations will capture the youngest readers. It’s a perfect way to start a conversation about where your family comes from. Get a copy for your family.

The Song and Dance Man
by Karen Ackerman
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The idea of grandparents having had other roles in life is a revelation to most grandchildren. This Caldecott winning story about a grandfather who used to perform on the stage is a wonderful jumping off point for grandfathers to share stories of their younger days. Despite the subtle drawings and story about things outside their experience (tap dancing! Vaudeville! attics!), our young grandchildren were mesmerized. Buy now for your grandchildren!

How to Babysit a Grandpa
by Jean Reagan
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Perfect for reading with Grandpa! The instructions for how to babysit a grandpa come down to doing all the things he loves to do with his grandchildren. The silly premise and playful illustrations will make delight your grandchildren. This makes a great gift for grandpa from the grandkids!

Get your copy now.

The Bee Tree
by Patricia Polacco

When Mary Ellen tires of reading, her grandfather teaches her how to find honey. The spirited description of the chase through the countryside is read-aloud at its best, with lots of repetition and delightful words. The final message will please any grandparent who loves to read—this was one of our favorites! Buy it today.

The Hello, Goodbye Window
by Norton Juster
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Nanna and Poppy's Window is the lens through which we see a delightful relationship between grandparent and grandchild. I immediately loved both the story and the colorful illustrations by Chris Raschka, and my grandchildren adored it, too. It stands up to repeated readings--even three in a row! Each time we read it, we have a different conversation inspired by the book. Get your copy on Amazon.

Looking for books about grandmothers? See our picks here!