Great Reads for Grandkids: 5 Read-Aloud Recommendations Seniors and Kids Can Enjoy Together
With school supplies on the shelves and summer calendars winding down, it’s the most wonderful time of the year once again – the start of a new school year! And with growing numbers of older adults assisting with childcare responsibilities in today’s world, it’s common for seniors and their grandchildren - or great-grandchildren, to enjoy more frequent, or even daily interaction.
For those looking to maximize these moments of connection, whether after school pick-up or during a quick weekend visit, check out our list of great reads for grandkids for five read-aloud recommendations seniors and kids can enjoy together.
Value of Intergenerational Reading
Reading aloud offers numerous benefits for all ages. For older adults living longer past retirement and looking for purposeful ways to share years of expertise, experience, and wisdom with younger generations, it can be a relationship-centered learning opportunity. Many children rely on contributions from older generations when it comes to their academic success and daily learning. In a recent article featured by The Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE), a research organization at Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, guest author Adam Brown writes about the benefits of intergenerational education for elders and young learners:
“Research worldwide has shown that intergenerational learning can boost children’s social skills, increase school attendance, deepen knowledge of culture and history, and accelerate academic learning, while also providing socio-emotional and health benefits to older adults.”
Seniors can view an activity as simple as reading aloud to children as a meaningful experience with the potential to impact their future success as a student. The following is a list of five read-aloud recommendations curated for older adults and children with this in mind.
Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail
By: Jennifer Thermes
Published: 2018
Outdoor-minded seniors will enjoy this inspiring true story which tells the tale of Emma Rowena Gatewood, known as “Grandma Gatewood,” and her solo trek across the entirety of the 2,168-mile Appalachian Trail in 1955 at age 67. The book features beautiful illustrations with map details of actual trails, facts, and real photos. The story promotes positive aging and is a showcase of the strength and power of a resilient spirit at any age.
This book is 48 pages long and ideal for children ages five to seven or reading levels of kindergarten through grade two.
Last Stop on Market Street
By: Matt De La Pena
Illustrated by: Christian Robinson
Published: 2015
This book illustrates the power of perspective shared between a grandmother and her grandson when traveling through their city streets. With bold and colorful artwork and imagery throughout, both the illustrator and author weave a message of community, diversity, and connection into a rhythmic, but simple story about the value of things unseen – beauty, service, and love.
This book is ideally suited for ages two to six years old and was a winner of the 2016 Newbery Medal, a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor, and a Caldecott Honor. The shorter, straightforward wording is easy to read for older adults who may prefer less text when reading aloud.
Richard Scarry’s Busy, Busy Town
Written & illustrated by: Richard Scarry
Published: 2000
An easy and engaging read for seniors and the youngest readers, Busy, Busy Town can be read forward or backward and is perfect for a quick reading session. It’s well-styled for shorter attention spans and applies a healthy dose of humor, practical learning about community roles and landscapes, and classic Scarry characters.
The perfect coffee table book for older adults who are still working or don’t see their youngest loved ones that often, this recommendation serves as a great conversation starter for younger children. Read through the text or enjoy the pictures to inspire laughs and fun dialogue about jobs and responsibilities, cooperation, teamwork, safety, and working together.
Scarry’s books feature some small text that may be difficult to read for those with vision challenges. Thankfully, the idea of reading with magnifying glasses can be fun for younger children and is an option to consider for those open to the idea.
This book is 48 pages tailored for readers ages two to four years or preschool through grade two.
The Gardener
By: Sarah Stewart
Pictures by: David Small
Published: 1997
A 1998 Caldecott Honor Book, The Gardener shines brilliantly with illustrations of a growing city garden masterpiece, while highlighting the importance of human connection and close relationships, especially during difficult times. Set in the Depression-era summer of 1935, the story provides a unique opportunity for reflection and memory sharing with older adults who can offer younger readers their own anecdotes of what they know or may have experienced from that time in history.
The storyline of this book is told through letters back and forth between the main character and her parents and grandmother. Seniors who enjoy container gardening will be drawn to this book for its whimsical, exquisitely detailed garden illustrations.
At 40 pages in length, this book is leveled at a reading age of five to nine years old. It can be enjoyed by readers of all ages but may be easier to follow for grade level one and above.
Owl Moon
By: Jane Yolen
Illustrated by: John Schoenherr
Published: 1987
Owl Moon is a tale of a young girl who ventures quietly into the woods with her father after dark to call for owls. With compelling descriptions and beautiful watercolor illustrations, the story captures their sense of hope and anticipation of catching a glimpse of the elusive bird of night.
This book offers an intimate look into the natural world, and for seniors and children who enjoy exploring, it can inspire curiosity for non-fiction reading, forest exploration, or other nature-connected learning activities.
A 1988 Caldecott winner, Owl Moon is 32 pages and a good choice for readers ages two to seven or preschool through grade two.
Seniors and caregivers looking for additional tips and ideas for cultivating relationships and intergenerational connections can subscribe to Cardinal Bay’s blog for valuable free resources. Schedule a visit to any of our independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities in Texas and Oklahoma, and experience our maintenance-free, relationship-centered lifestyle. Contact us today!