The older I get the more complicated Mother’s day becomes. It is supposed to honor you, as a mom, for all the work and sacrifice that you pour into your children. Yet, there is not a bouquet of roses big enough, or brunch buffet long enough to repay you….and you know you would do all of it for free anyway.
It’s a day where you’re not sure if you should shout from the rooftops about your newborn or whisper quietly because your dearest friend just lost her baby…or has been unable to conceive at all. What about those that have never known their mother’s, choose not to be mothers or have strained relationships….?
Mother’s day, for us, has also been complicated since I got married. My mother-in-law passed away before we celebrated our first anniversary. So even after I became a mother myself, mother’s day has always had a cloud over it. Even after 12 years I still ache for my husbands loss.
…and this year, ….we are mourning the loss of my grandmother. If you are blessed to have a grandmother in your life know how amazing they are and realize that the time you have with them is so very precious. So here’s to grandmother’s this week! May we know them, love them, and become them. Here are 14 books to help you celebrate!
SUPERHERO GRAN by Timothy Knapman
Who wouldn’t want to stay at grandma’s house when her superpower is love? Two siblings relish all the ways that grandma’s ordinary fun like dress up and make believe, makes her a superhero in their eyes. Large sized picture book makes for a fun bedtime read.
DON’T CALL ME GRANDMA by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Not all grandma’s are warm and snuggly sweet. Some don’t even want to be called grandma but prefer the name grandMOTHER. With ruby red lipstick, bottles of perfume and tales of long ago, a young girl learns to connect with her somewhat scary grandmother and appreciate her for who she is.
Grandma’s Purse by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
A little girl finds joy digging into her grandmother’s purse and discovering all kinds of treasures. So what better present for a little girl, then to get a purse of her very own. Known mostly for her adorable illustrations, I think Vanessa Brantley-Newton should author more as well.
Grandma’s Tiny House by JaNay Brown-Wood
Oh my goodness this one was an instant hit! Counting all the friends, family and food coming into grandma’s tiny house for a party was a delight. I also appreciate the illustrations. It’s not often that illustrators get the crinkly, curly texture of African-American hair just right. This sweet board book brought back memories of my own childhood and my grandparent’s epic parties.
Grandma in Blue with the Red Hat by Scott Menchin
We actually red this one for “art week” last summer. A little boy’s art teacher explains to him what makes art so very special and he decides to paint the thing that is most precious to him.
Saturday’s Are for Stella by Candy Wellins
George loves his Saturday’s with his Grandma Stella. They share field trips, baking, and big hugs. When Stella passes away, George wants to cancel Saturdays. Can he bring back Saturdays and find a new way to share his precious memories with the newest member of the family? Bring tissues!
Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker & April Harrison
This is one of our favorite read aloud and it’s SO well done. A young girl is afraid of what people will think of her grandmother’s cultural scars when she comes to school on grandparents day. The symbols on her cheeks become a teaching moment not just for the students but for the teacher and other grandparents in attendance. Soon everyone wants Adrinka symbols on their faces.
Freedom Soup by Tami Charles
A wonderful window into Haitian culture and a new years eve tradition. A little girls grandmother teaches her how to make freedom soup, and more importantly WHY they make/call it freedom soup. This doubles as both a holiday and Black history read aloud. While my family doesn’t call it freedom soup, I make a similar soup on New Year’s Day.
Miss Tizzy by Libba Moore Gay
This is a beautiful story of a community grandmother. The type of woman that parented a neighborhood, played with kids and always had warm hugs, fresh stories and a sweet treat ready. When Miss Tizzy falls ill, can the neighborhood children find a way to let her know how much she means to them?
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena
This is such a popular book and there is a good reason why! A little boy boards the bus with his grandmother and takes a trip across town to a soup kitchen to help. Along the way he questions why things aren’t better for them, but his grandmother and her beautiful laugh and the community on the bus show him how to see the beauty in what he already has.
15 Things Not to Do with a Grandma by Margaret McAlister
Such a funny read aloud, perfect for grandma/grandchild story time. Things like DON’T hide an elephant in Grandma’s bed or DON’T send Grandma up to the moon in a rocket will have you laughing. A list of all the things you should DO with grandma’s like: Hug, story time and kisses will have you snuggling for joy!
Dance Like A Leaf by AJ Irving
Grandmother’s health declines steadily and a little girl takes the lead in their fall traditions. This is a soft introduction to the death of a loved one. Claudia Navarro beautifully depicts these Mexican characters and their wonderful fall setting.
Grandma Lena’s Big Ole Turnip by Denia Hester
Grandma Lena’s got a green thumb. When she decides to grow turnips, one summer, one particuar plant grows to an enormous size. Can Grandma Lena and her family, along with Rascal the dog, and Baby pearl, pull it out of the ground and turn it into a feast fit for the whole neighborhood? So much fun to read aloud!
When Grandma Gives You A Lemon Tree by Jamie L.B. Deenihan
This is absolutely one of our family favorites. A little girl with a long birthday list of gifts receives a lemon tree from her grandmother instead. She tries unsuccessfully to give it back, but in caring for it she learns many valuable lessons. She quite literally turns lemons into lemonade. A great book about gracefully accepting gifts and how to make the most of what you have.
