My parents raised a reader. (That is what made me a big proponent of reading to and with children.) They often used books to help explain life events: becoming a big sister, moving, aspects of faith, death.
I can’t remember ever reading a book as a child that included an intergenerational relationship. So, I decided to make a search for books for children that include intergenerational tales. I found a GREAT site – The Intergenerational Library. While it doesn’t have tons of children’s books but it gave me a start. A big thank you to all my Tweeps who also shared their favorites.
Maybe one day there will be a section in the library that highlights informative books about the generations in our libraries. For now let’s start a virtual shelf. Here are a few I found online in no particular order:
- Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox
- Say Hello, Lily by Martha Aviles
- My Abuelita by Yuyi Morales
- “Fishing with Grandpa D” by Tony Pennington
- “Down Home at Miss Dessa’s” by Bettye Stroud
- Are You Going to be Good? by Cari Best
- Big Mama by Tony Crunk
- Circle Unbroken by Margot Theis Raven
- Gus and Grandpa by Claudia Mills (This is the first book in a series)
- The Hat that Wore Clara B. by Melanie Turner-Denstaedt
- Jazzy Miz Mozetta by Brenda C. Roberts
- Little Mama Forgets by Robin Cruise
- The Name Quilt by Phyllis Root
- Once Upon a Time by Niki Daly
- Tin Lizzie by Allen Drummond
- I Already Know I Love You by Billy Crystal
- Now One Foot, Now the Other by Tomie dePaolo
If you’re into books to assit children in exploring different concepts, check out this post from my friends at eCaring. http://blog.ecaring.com/through-a-childs-eyes-books-to-teach-children-about-aging/
JoAnn,
We recently read, “The Hat that Wore Clara B”–it was lovely. I’m a fan of books that give my kids diverse windows into the world. Thanks for the work that went into compiling your list!
Warmly,
Ann
It is wonderful to find another supporter of “The Hat that Wore Clara B”. Happy reading!
Thanks for the list of books. I will check them out! I also use books with my kids to start conversations about important topics and also to give them a window into the big wonderful world. Best, Allison
Books can be such wonderful ways to start conversations. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the books as you read them.
I love The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Kathy – I also love “The Giving Tree”. I hesitated putting it on the list as I view it more a story on giving/sharing than on relationship across generations. What do the rest of you think?