Celebrate Grandparents Day with 10 Heart-warming Montessori Book Picks
I always think that in the circle of life, children and later years are very close and similar in many ways.
- A more leisurely pace
- Everyday tasks can be challenging - to move, eat, self care
- Need more collaboration with others
- More present, less about going somewhere
That's why there's a whole movement of Montessori for Dementia, Aging, and for nurseries and senior houses to be close to each other, and for them to spend time together.
Back to grandparents - they are story tellers, culture bearers, and an irreplaceable source of love. Would you spend some time with them this Sunday, in person or virtually?
Here are 10 Montessori-aligned Books to Celebrate the Intergenerational Bond
(The big print: as always thank you for purchasing through the affiliate link to support my small business at no extra cost to you)
1. How to Babysit a Grandma
By Jean Reagan, illustrated by Lee Wildish
A charming manual for kids hosting a sleepover with Grandma, filled with imaginative ideas like disguises at the door, park visits, dress-ups, games, and cozy cuddle time
We love: the humour, and the reference to activities that children and grandma often do together
Special topics: show appreciation, grandpa
Age: Infant Community (1.5-3), Children's House (3-6)
Purchase links (thank you!)
2. How to Babysit a Grandad
By Jean Reagan
A playful, step-by-step guide from a child’s point of view on entertaining, surprising, and caring for Grandpa through games, snacks, adventures, and naps.
We love: the humour, and the ways that children can show appreciation
Special topics: caring for others (as a child), grandma
Age: Infant Community (1.5-3), Children's House (3-6)
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3. Nana in the City
By Lauren Castillo
A little boy visits his grandmother in the bustling city and feels overwhelmed by noise, crowds, and the unfamiliar. But Nana knits him a bold red cape, and suddenly the city transforms—from intimidating to awe-inspiring. By the end of his stay, he realizes the city is full of magic—and even gives Nana the cape so she can feel just as brave.
We love: the gentle and reciprocal support between the boy and the grandma.
Special topics: NYC, City Life, Courage
Age: Infant Community (1.5-3), Children's House (3-6)
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4. I Love Saturdays y Domingos
By Alma Flor Ada
Every weekend is a journey between two worlds for a girl: Saturdays are spent with her European‑American grandparents in English, while Sundays—los domingos—are with her Mexican‑American Abuelito and Abuelita in Spanish. Through these parallel visits, she discovers that cultural differences can coexist beautifully, united by love.
We love: the contrast of different cultures, and the love felt throughout
Special topics: Bilingual families, Hispanic heritage
Suitable age: Children's House (3-6), Elementary (6-12)
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5. Time for Bed Old House
By Sandra Levinthal; illustrated by Monica Arnaldo
On his first sleepover at Grandpop’s house, Isaac is both excited and anxious. Grandpop soothes his nerves by inviting him to help “put the house to bed”—turning off lights, drawing shades, and naming comforting sounds—before reading the house a bedtime story. The familiar “sleepy sounds” of the old house help Isaac settle in with warmth and security.
We love: the sense of warmth and security conveyed by the unhurried story.
Special topics: sleep over at grandparents, bedtime rituals
Suitable age: Children's House (3-6), Elementary (6-12)
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6. Where Are You From?
By Yamile Saied Méndez; illustrated by Jaime Kim
When asked the question “Where are you from?,” a young girl turns to her abuelo for an answer. His replies weave together family, culture, and landscape—offering not just a place on the map, but a sense of identity and belonging. This lyrical story affirms that who we are is shaped by history, love, and heritage carried across generations.
We love: touches on cultural identity, heritage in a beautiful, natural way, accessible to the child
Special topics: Hispanic culture, identity & heritage
Age: Elementary (6-12)
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7. The Truth About Old People
By Elisha Cooper
A gleefully mischievous child shares all the “truths” about grandparents—long white hair, funny teeth, fear of new things… and definitely no dancing—only to reveal through vivid, energetic illustrations just how lively, adventurous, and full of love they truly are.
We love: celebration of older age, defying the stereotype
Special topics: Humour, family bonds
Age: Infant Community (1.5-3), Children's House (3-6)
Purchase links (thank you!)
- UK: Hardcover: £11.75, paperback: £5.99
- US: Hardcover $14.23, paperback: $19.51
- Canada: paperback: $19.98
8. A Grandma's Magic
By Charlotte Offsay
A lyrical celebration of the many little ways a grandmother brings “magic” into everyday life — from baking and gardening to snuggles and storytelling — that stays with the child even when she’s gone
We love: the way it rejoice in everyday moments to celebrate the special bond between child and grandmother
Age: Nido (<1.5), Infant Community (1.5-3), Children's House (3-6)
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9. Berry Song
By Michaela Goade
Set on a windswept island beside a vast ocean, this tender tale follows a Tlingit grandmother guiding her granddaughter through the seasonal rhythms of the land. Together, they collect salmon, herring eggs, and a rainbow of berries—named in lyrical lists like salmonberry, cloudberry, and crowberry—as they nurture a deep connection to the earth and each other.
We love: the beautiful illustration, rhythmic language
Special topics: indigenous Tlingit culture (indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America), foraging
Suitable age: Children's House (3-6), Elementary (6-12)
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10.Grandpa's Stories
By Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Allison Colpoys
A little girl cherishes a year of memories with her grandfather—walking, playing, listening to tales through the seasons—and when he passes away, she finds solace by capturing their moments together in a special notebook he left for her, keeping his presence alive in her heart.
We love: beautiful illustration, talking about how to treasure departed families
Special topics: death, remembering loved ones
Age: Children's House (3-6), Elementary (6-12)
We invite you to honor this special intergenerational bond in meaningful ways—perhaps by reading a story together, sharing a family tradition, or creating a simple activity rooted in care and presence. Montessori reminds us that education is not just about materials, but about relationships. Let’s celebrate the grandparents and grandfriends who remind us daily that learning begins with love.