There is no denying there is something special between grandparents and their grandkids. It is as though our parents forgot how to strict they use to be when they became grandparents! Whatever you may call them — dada-dadi, nana-nani, ajja-ajji, appatha-ammatha, thatha-paati — the bond is so special and it should be celebrated. So, this Grandparent’s day, here are a few books perfect to read on the couch with your grandparent. Parents, the last three books on this list help children deal with the loss of a grandparent in a heartwarming, nuanced way.
Paati vs UNCLE
Written by Meera Ganapathi
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Inju is shipped off to his Paati’s house in Mumbai for summer hols, but what he doesn’t expect is a thrilling adventure where it is PAATI vs UNCLE and no one is backing down! Is this too much excitement for Inju during his summer holidays or does he too rise up to the challenge! Listen to the podcast with the author here.
Sneaker Paati
Written by Anita Nair
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Kittu has no idea his father’s aunt is a Japanese-speaking, headstand-doing, sneaker-wearing Paati! When she comes over to watch him while his parents are busy he doesn’t expect it to be so much fun. Watch them take on neighbourhood bullies and forge lifelong friendships!
Munni Monster
Written by Madhurima Vidyarthi
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Munni is aghast because her grandmother’s sister is coming to stay with them. When she learns her grandaunt has cerebral palsy and will be taking her room, Munni is embarrassed! Will she learn what it means to live with the elderly when they are disabled? Perfect for kids 10+ Listen to a podcast with the author here
Dance Nani, Dance
Written by various authors
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One of my favourite anthologies, this collection of stories featuring grandparents is sure to become a prized possession on your shelf. The stories are heartwarming, funny, crazy, and altogether enjoyable! Perfect to gift and to read along with grandparents.
Maari
Written by Anusha Veluswamy, illustrated by Shruti Hemani
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Kanmani is confused about why the village is celebrating the scorching heat. But Appatha sits her down and gently explains the ways of their village and shows her the empathy present in nature.
Aaji Vs Daarji
Written by Mamta Nainy, illustrated by Shubhashree Mathur
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Binni and Timmi get into a hilarious battle where Aaji can fly and Daarji can lift trucks! This innocent battle of boasts gets crazier and crazier until the school bus stops. Who will win?
Nani’s Walk to the Park
Written and illustrated by Deepa Balsavar
Buy the book here. Use code PBMOR10
Venki walks with his Nani to the park but before getting there, Nani has some errands to run in their neighbourhood. As Venki sees their neighbourhood through Nani’s eyes he discovers magic in every lane and an adventure right around the corner.
Ammachi’s Amazing Machines
Written and illustrated by Rajiv Eipe
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What are Ammachi and Sooraj inventing today? Is it all to make delicious coconut barfi? Join along!
The Magic Couch: Adventures with Thatha
Written by Shilpa Rao, illustrated by Sahitya Rani
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With Thatha and the magic couch, can an adventure be far behind? Join them as they explore Mars and dive deep into the Bay of Bengal!
Zooni’s Alarm Clock
Written by Vibha Batra, illustrated by Pankaj Saikia
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Bud Bab has used his drum to wake people up for Seher, for forty years. But this year, his drum is broken! Can Zooni help her grandfather keep up his tradition?
Summers With Dadu
Written by Aparajita Ramsagar Singh, illustrated by Debaleena Chakraborty
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Summer holidays with Dadu is Anand’s favourite time of the year, but when Dadu passes away, things become different. Until Anand finds something that assures him that Dadu will always be looking back at him.
Thammi’s Gift
Written by Himani Dalmia, illustrated by Priya Kuriyan
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Thammi creates a library for Devika even before she is born and reading with Thammi is Devika’s favourite time of the day. But Thammi leaves to become a star, one day. Will she come back to assure Devika when she needs her the most?
What Happened to Grandpa?
Written by Nandini Nayar, illustrated by Aditi Anand
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When Grandpa starts forgetting the names of things and rules of games, Neha and Grandpa write notes and create new names for everything and everyone. But when Grandpa leaves, Neha doesn’t know how to process the loss, until she finds the notes.