Hurray for Grandparents

The last line in the recent book The Truth about Grandparents by Elina Ellis captures the true spirit of grandparents. “Grandparents are AMAZING!”


I love to watch the grandparents who visit the library with their grandchildren. Whether as a full-time caregiver to their grandchildren or an occasional back up caregiver when needed, grandparents bring their grandchildren to the library to bond. During programs, they dance, sing songs, and make crafts together. Some grandparents will patiently follow their youngest grandchildren as they explore the library, introducing them to new words and concepts along the way. Other grandparents will get down on the floor with grandchildren to play with trains or build puzzles. Many grandparents will tirelessly read book after book after book to willing grandchildren. During all of these activities, these grandparents shower their grandchildren with love and acceptance helping build a deeper sense of emotional security in the children.


Grandparents also get something out of this special relationship. In a 2018 AARP survey a majority of grandparents report that relationships with their grandchildren are good for their mental, physical and social well-being. Furthermore, grandparents who visit the library with their grandchildren have the opportunity to socialize with others in their situation. These social connections help grandparents build networks and develop support systems.

So let’s shout “hurray for grandparents” and share a story with these amazing people!

The Truth about Grandparents by Elina Ellis
A child relates strange things that might be heard about grandparents, but concludes that they are amazing.

Stardust by Jeanne Willis
A girl who is always outshined by her older sister is comforted by her grandfather, who reminds her that everything and everyone is made of stardust that shines in all different ways.

The Biggest Puddle in the World by Mark Lee
When Sarah and Charlie go to stay with their grandparents, it rains for days. At first, they have fun exploring inside the big, old house, but eventually they want to explore outside, too. "Where does the rain come from?" Sarah asks her grandfather, Big T. He promises to show her once it stops raining. When the storm passes, Sarah, Big T., Charlie and Keeper the dog go exploring. They jump in puddles, draw a puddle map and finally find the biggest puddle in the world!

My Grandma and Me by Mina Javaherbin
While Mina is growing up in Iran, the center of her world is her grandmother. Whether visiting friends next door, going to the mosque for midnight prayers during Ramadan, or taking an imaginary trip around the planets, Mina and her grandma are never far apart.

Our Favorite Day by Joowon Oh
Follows Papa and his granddaughter as they spend another Thursday together.

Hello, Fall! by Deborah Diesen
A grandparent and child recall the beautiful and wonderful sights and sounds of a fall day spent together.

Grandma’s Purse by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
When Grandma Mimi comes to visit, her granddaughter cannot wait to see what treasures she has hidden in her purse.

Because Your Grandparents Love You by Andrew Clements
Grandparents are the reassuring heroes in this story about a boy and girl who go on an overnight visit at their grandmother and grandfather's farm.

Encyclopedia of Grannies by Eric Veillé
Why do grannies always tell us to speak up? Why do they have creases on their faces? Are grannies flexible? How do you cheer up a sad granny? How old are grannies, actually? Eric Veillé explains it all in this offbeat book for the extended family to chuckle over--no matter what kind of grandma you have, are, or would like to be.

Tea with Grandpa by Barney Saltzberg
No matter how far apart they are, a little girl and her grandfather share a cup of tea every day at half past three.








-Briana, Hopewell Branch

Comments

  1. Love this so much! So we'll written and such great pictures. Grandparents are a true blessing and treasure.

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