Books with Positive Portrayals of Older Characters: for Kids 3-6 Years Old

Wilfrid helps an elderly friend, Miss Nancy, regain lost memories by bringing her some of her favorite things to remind her of them. This is a tender story of a friendship between two very different people, both of whom have four names, and the nature of memories.

A young girl tells how her great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother perform an everyday activity, whether gathering flowers or making tortillas, and how every time it was the same but different. The vivid illustrations evoke Central American folk art and complement the graceful text presented in Spanish and English.

Rosalba imagines flying over New York City with her much loved abuela. The young girl uses a lovely mix of English and Spanish to describe their journey, moving from the busy streets of Manhattan to the Statue of Liberty. Brightly colored illustrations detail what Rosalba and her grandmother glimpse as they fly, and the rich tales of Abuela’s memories.

Grace loves to act, but one day some kids tell her she can’t play the part of Peter Pan because of the way she looks. Grace’s grandmother helps this young girl realize that with effort anything can be achieved. An inspiring and heartwarming story.

After a fire destroys their home and possessions, Rosa, her mother, and her grandmother save their money to buy a big comfortable chair. Suffused with warmth and tenderness, A Chair for My Mother celebrates family love and determination. A Caldecott Honor book. Spanish version also available.

A girl visits both sets of grandparents on weekends. On Saturdays, she speaks English with Grandpa and Grandma, while on Sundays, los domingos, she speaks Spanish with Abeulito and Abeulita. The format provides a glimpse at the subtle differences between cultures and highlights their similarities, one of which is each set of grandparents’ love for their granddaughter. Spanish words are interspersed in the fluid text.

Grandpa regales his visiting grandchildren when he revisits his days as a song and dance man — complete with banjo and jokes. Illustrations sparkle, showing Grandpa once again young and the delight his revisited youth creates.

In simple text and crisp, clear color photographs, grandparents of all sizes, shapes, ages, and abilities are shown. This attractive book introduces the idea that each of us is different but still have much in common.

On her way home one windy autumn night, a fearless old lady notices a pair of shoes following her (clomp clomp!). Then she sees and hears the pants, shirt, and the rest of the outfit, but she’s not afraid — that is until she sees a large pumpkin head! And run she does to the safety of her own home. This engaging story, based in traditional literature, is illustrated with crisp, humorous illustrations and encourages listener participation.

Uncle Elephant takes care of his nephew until his parents who were lost at sea are found again. The elderly uncle and young boy share laughter and concern in this easy chapter book that leads to a satisfying conclusion in a perfect combination of pictures and story.

The window at Nanna and Poppy’s house looks like a regular window, but it’s really a doorway to the child’s world and a celebration of the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Celebrate family with this 2006 Caldecott Medal-winning book.

When their mother bakes a dozen cookies, Sam and Victoria plan to have six each. Then the doorbell rings — again and again! Just when it seems that there aren’t enough cookies, grandma saves the day!

For one glorious, hot summer week, James went to stay with his friend Eamon’s grandparents so the boys could go to a nature camp. Though the boys seem to prefer playing video games and staying indoors, the truth is in the comic illustration. Adults will recall summer vacation while young readers will enjoy its unbridled joy.

A young child imagines the day when he will be as old as his grandfather and share what his grandfather enjoys now. The tender relationship clearly reflects a young child’s viewpoint.

Every day, Amos McGee goes to his job at the City Zoo where he’s attentive to each of his animal friends’ special needs. One day, however, Amos doesn’t feel well and must miss work and so his friends visit to take care of him. Gentle, expressive illustrations expand this touching tale. (2011 Caldecott Medal Winner)

When they visit their favorite relative, Aunt Flossie, Sara and Susan enjoy her collection of hats and their many stories as they share tea, cookies, and crab cakes.

Young Jay Jay helps his loving and much loved grandmother prepare for a big family dinner. Warm, welcoming illustrations spice up this rhythmical ode to the joys of family and food.

Gabby and her grandmother enjoy doing “green” projects when they spend time together. Tips and instructions for making a cloth bag are included.

In the middle of a busy family, only grandfather has the time to walk and look with his grandson as long as they like.

Simon the cat is so old that most of his parts have stopped working, but is re-energized when a new kitten arrives for him to raise.

Fred is an urban beekeeper who shares the fruits of his work with neighbors. Information about beekeeping and bees is included.

Aneel’s active grandparents bring stories, special foods, and fun with them from India.

Children and their teacher share the names for their lively and loved grandparents in two books. Names for grandparents from different countries are noted on endpapers.

Children and their teacher share the names for their lively and loved grandparents in two books. Names for grandparents from different countries are noted on endpapers.

Sally describes an elderly neighbor who grows flowers, waves to children as they pass and bakes cookies.

Little Red Riding Hood gets a Wild West twist in a funny version of the familiar tale. On her way to visit Grandma, Little Red meets a wily wolf in the desert….But Grandma runs in to save the day!

Red’s feisty grandmother enlists the wolf as her assistant muffin maker in this contemporary parody of the traditional fairy tale..

An old woman who has outlived all her friends is reluctant to become too attached to the stray dog that visits her each day…until one day he doesn’t appear

The joy shared between grandparents and grandchildren is presented in photographs and brief text following an introduction by Desmond Tutu.

Grannies come in all shapes and sizes, but the best Granny is your very own!

In this familiar sing-along, Grandma has as much fun as her sports-loving granddaughters at a big league baseball stadium.

Verdi, a python, discovers that no matter how old or green he becomes, he is still his fun-loving self.