Grandparents hold a special place in every child’s heart, and celebrating them is even more meaningful for Indian families living in the US.

With distances sometimes keeping generations apart, books can be a beautiful bridge—bringing stories, memories, and cultural values into your child’s life while honoring the special bond with grandparents.

Celebrate the love, wisdom, and warmth of grandparents with your little ones this year—and perhaps start a tradition of reading together every Grandparents Day.

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I’ll Go and Come Back by Rajani LaRocca, illustrated by Sara Palacios

Recommended Age – 3-7 years

Jyoti, a young girl, visits her grandmother in India and learns that love can be shared even when speaking different languages.

At first, everything feels unfamiliar—but through small moments like sharing food, playing, and reading together, Jyoti and her Sita Pati form a deep bond.

Masala Chai: Fast and Slow by Rajani LaRocca, illustrated by Neha Rawat

Recommended Age – 3-7 years

This warm and delightful story beautifully captures the special bond between Aarav and his grandfather, Thatha, who have very different ways of moving through the world.

As Aarav learns the art of making masala chai, he discovers the value of patience and slowing down.

Where Three Oceans Meet by Rajani Larocca, illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan

Recommended Age – 4-8 years

This picture book celebrates the beauty of India and the enduring love of family.  Three generations of women share a trip and meet symbolically where three oceans meet—a beautiful story inspired by a real road trip.

Goodnight Ganesha by Nadia Salomon, illustrated by Poonam Mistry

Recommended Age – 4-7 years

This cozy bedtime story is like a warm hug from Nani or Dadi. Two siblings snuggle in for the night at their grandparents’ home in India, and through gentle rhymes, readers are reminded of the little rituals—prayers, stories, comfort—that make Indian childhoods so special.

The illustrations are rich with cultural details (think of diyas, mandirs, and colorful fabrics). An absolutely beautiful picture book that is one of my all-time favorites.

Hot Hot Roti for Dada-ji by Farhana Zia, illustrated by Ken Min

Recommended Age – 5-10 years

A warm, lively celebration of family, food, and storytelling. Aneel’s adventurous grandfather, Dada-ji, shares tales of his youthful strength—powered by hot, fluffy rotis and spicy mango pickle.

Dadaji’s Paintbrush by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane

Recommended Age – 5-8 years

This touching story captures the magical bond between a boy and his Dadaji through painting, creativity, and shared imagination.

From making paints from marigolds to brushes from jasmine flowers, the grandfather teaches the joy of creating and sharing art with the village children.

After Dadaji passes away, the boy must navigate grief and rediscover the joy of painting with the gift his grandfather left behind.

Bindu’s Bindis by Supriya Kelkar, Illustrated by Parvati Pillai

Recommended Age – 3-7 years

This charming picture book follows little Bindu, whose love for colorful bindis connects her to her Nani in India. When Nani visits, they share the bindis just in time for Bindu to wear them to her school talent show, helping her find confidence and embrace her unique sparkle.

Chachaji’s Cup by Uma Krishnaswami, illustrated by Soumya Sitaraman

Recommended Age – 6-9 years

This gentle, beautifully illustrated story captures the bond between Neel and his Chachaji (grand-uncle) over steaming cups of masala chai.

As Neel listens to tales of Hindu gods, demons, and Chachaji’s adventures in the Indian Army, he also discovers the deeper story behind a treasured teacup—a symbol of family, heritage, and the legacy of the 1947 Partition.

Thatha’s Pumpkin by Lalita Iyer, illustrated by Proiti Roy

Recommended Age – 3-7 years

This delightful story is a treat for both the heart and the taste buds! Thatha’s pumpkin adventures turn into a celebration of family, neighbors, and community, with delicious pumpkin dishes—both savory and sweet—bringing everyone together for Tia’s birthday.

Grandmother School by Rina Singh, illustrated by Ellen Rooney

Recommended Age – 3-5 years

This inspiring story follows a young girl walking her Aaji to school, a place where grandmothers in her village finally get the chance to learn to read and write.

Through the narrator’s pride and excitement, children witness the joy, determination, and empowerment of women pursuing education later in life. It’s a moving reminder of the power of learning, family support, and breaking barriers across generations.

When I Found Grandma by Saumiya Balasubramaniam, illustrated by Qin Leng

Recommended Age – 4-7 years

This story captures the joys and surprises of a long-awaited visit from Grandma. Maya is excited to see her grandmother, but soon discovers that Grandma’s habits, foods, and lively personality are a little different from what she expected.

Through heartfelt moments—from morning prayers to cooking adventures and even a surprise trip—Maya learns to appreciate her grandmother’s love and quirks.

When I Visited Grandma by Saumiya Balasubramaniam, illustrated by Kavita Ramchandran

Recommended Age – 3-6 years

This charming story captures the sometimes tricky—but always loving—dynamics between a granddaughter and her Grandma during a visit to India.

Maya expects a quiet, leisurely trip, but instead finds herself navigating bustling markets and nosy neighbors.

Through these moments, children experience the joys and challenges of cross-cultural and intergenerational relationships.

A Day of Joy with Daddi Ji by Chachi’s Storytime, illustrated by Rafa Harger

Recommended Age – 3-7 years

This heartwarming story celebrates the bond between a Sikh grandmother (Daddi Ji) and her grandchild.

Through simple, joyful activities and shared moments, children see how grandparents pass down traditions, culture, and family stories in playful and meaningful ways.

A Day of Joy with Nani Ji by Chachi’s Storytime, illustrated by Rafa Harger

Recommended Age – 3-8 years

This delightful story takes readers on a day filled with love, laughter, and learning alongside Nani Ji and her granddaughter, Savera Kaur.

Through simple activities and heartfelt conversations, the book beautifully showcases how Sikh grandparents pass down culture, traditions, and family history.

Dancing in Thatha’s Footsteps by Srividhya Venkat, illustrated by Kavita Ramchandran

Recommended Age – 4-6 years

The story of Varun, who discovers a love for Bharatanatyam after watching his sister’s class. At first, he hides his interest because he thinks boys aren’t supposed to dance.

But with gentle support from his grandfather, Varun learns that following your passion is something to be proud of.

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Meera Makes Aloo Paratha by Sangeetha Narayan, Aditi Wardhan Singh (Editor), illustrated by Noor Alshalabi

Recommended Age – 4-9 years

Meera’s Dadaji teaches her how to make aloo parathas, but the lessons go far beyond cooking. Through their time together, Meera learns about patience, open-mindedness, and the importance of meaningful conversations with family.

My Paati’s Saris by Jyoti Rajan Gopal, Illustrated by Art Twink

Recommended Age – 4-8 years

This charming story celebrates the special bond between a granddaughter and her Paati through the magic of her colorful saris.

Each sari becomes a playful invitation to imagination—transforming into a swing, a hiding spot, or even a cape for grand adventures.

100 Chapatis by Derek Mascarenhas, illustrated by Shantala Robinson

Recommended Age – 4-7 years

This tender story captures both the excitement and uncertainty of welcoming a new sibling, told through the comforting bond between a boy and his Pappa.

While Simon anxiously waits for news from the hospital, Pappa keeps him busy by making one hundred chapatis together. From kneading the dough to flipping each one in the pan, the simple act of cooking becomes a gentle lesson in patience, love, and connection.

My Dadima Wears a Sari by Kashmira Sheth, Illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi

Recommended Age – 4-8 years

In this charming story, two young sisters wonder why their Dadima always wears a sari instead of pants or dresses. What follows is a gentle exploration of tradition, identity, and the many creative ways a sari can be worn and enjoyed.

Grandfather Gandhi by Arun Gandhi, Bethany Hegedus, illustrated by Evan Turk

Recommended Age – 4-8 years

Co-written by Mahatma Gandhi’s own grandson, this powerful story offers a unique glimpse into the relationship between little Arun and his famous Bapuji.

Children will relate to Arun’s struggles with anger and self-control. At the same time, parents will appreciate the way Gandhi’s timeless message of peace and nonviolence is woven into a personal, heartfelt tale.

Ammama’s Sari by Niveditha Subramaniam

Recommended Age – 1-6 years

This wordless picture book celebrates the little wonders of childhood through the lens of a grandmother’s sari. To the young girl in the story, Ammama’s sari isn’t just fabric—it’s a swing, a hiding place, a comfort blanket, and a world of imagination.

What Happened to Grandpa by Nandini Nayar, illustrated by Aditi Anand

Recommended Age – 6-12 years

This beautifully sensitive book tackles a tough topic—memory loss in grandparents—through the curious eyes of a little boy.

When he notices Grandpa forgetting things, he gently pieces together stories and memories to keep their bond alive. It’s tender, honest, and filled with empathy, making it a wonderful conversation starter for families navigating similar experiences.

Days with Thathu by Geeta Dharmarajan, illustrated by Nancy Raj

Recommended Age – 3-7 years

This tender story captures the everyday magic of spending time with a beloved grandfather, affectionately called Thathu.

Through simple yet lyrical storytelling, children see how ordinary moments—walking together, sharing stories, or just being side by side—become extraordinary in the company of a grandparent.

The Day Grandfather Tickled a Tiger by Ruskin Bond, illustrations by Viplov Singh

Recommended Age – 6-9 years

No one tells whimsical childhood stories quite like Ruskin Bond! In this charming tale, a young boy recalls his eccentric grandfather’s antics—including the unforgettable day he actually tickled a tiger.

The story is equal parts funny and heartwarming, showing how grandparents often bring a sense of adventure and mischief into our lives.

Final Thoughts

Grandparents Day is a beautiful opportunity to nurture intergenerational bonds, especially for Indian families in the US.

These heartwarming books not only celebrate grandparents but also keep children connected to their culture, heritage, and family values.

Whether it’s a story about cooking with Grandma, listening to magical tales from Nani, or sending letters to Dadaji, these books make every moment of connection memorable.