Grandparents’ Day – revised
In September, there is a day designated for Grandparents’ Day (I think every day should be Grandparents’ Day). Preschool storytime is a perfect time to celebrate grandparents, as many of the caregivers who bring children to storytime are the grandparents. For a craft, a simple greeting card would be nice. If you would like something more elaborate, make photo refrigerator magnets for the kids to give to grandparents as a gift. Instructions are available at: www.busybeekidscrafts.com/Grandparents-Day-Crafts-for-Kids.html Or make paper flowers or other gifts. For more ideas check out: www.grandparents-day.com/activities.htm
Ackerman, Karen. SONG AND DANCE MAN. With Stephen Gammell’s Caldecott Medal illustrations, this Grandpa is a great tap dancer.
Blackstone, Stella. MY GRANNY WENT TO THE MARKET. In this counting book, Granny buys things as she travels around the world.
Buckley, Helen. GRANDFATHER AND I. In this story featuring an African-American grandfather, a child describes how his grandfather is a wonderful companion because he isn’t in a hurry.
Buckley, Helen. GRANDMOTHER AND I. Grandmother’s lap is the perfect place to be during a lightning storm.
Busse, Sarah. BANJO GRANNY. Owen’s grandmother travels a long distance to visit him, so he can hear her play the banjo.
Butterworth, Nick. MY GRANDPA IS AMAZING. A child describes his amazing grandpa, in this brief story with cartoon illustrations.
Carlson, Nancy. HOORAY FOR GRANDPARENT’S DAY! Arnie doesn’t have any grandparents but he finds a great substitute to come for the school party.
Douglass, Barbara. GOOD AS NEW. Can Grandpa fix Grady’s teddy bear, so it as good as new?
French, Vivian. OLIVER’S VEGETABLES. When Oliver stays a week with his grandparents, he eats vegetables picked from the garden.
Lum, Kate. WHAT! CRIED GRANNY: AN ALMOST BEDTIME STORY. Granny builds a bed, sews a pillow, and makes everything her grandson needs for his overnight visit.
Marshall, James. RED RIDING HOOD. The classic folktale told in a brief, humorous version, where granny and Red survive the wolf’s attempts to make them a meal.
Paul, Ann Whitford. EVERYTHING TO SPEND THE NIGHT. A girl brings her suitcase to spend the night at Grandpa’s; she has something for each letter of the alphabet.
Wells, Rosemary. BUNNY CAKES. Max bakes an earthworm cake for his grandmother.
Wood, Audrey. THE NAPPING HOUSE. The snoring granny is an important part of this cumulative story.
Woodruff, Elvira. CAN YOU GUESS WHERE WE’RE GOING? Grandfather promises a great time while Jack guesses where they are going – and it turns out to be the library!
Also see the previous Grandparents’ Day storytime ideas page from June 2009 and August 2008.
Penny Peck,
San Leandro Public Library
September, 2009