How do you even begin a friendship with someone from a different generation? According to various reports, the four most common ways to make an intergenerational friend are through work, a mutual friend, a faith-based organization, or in your neighborhood. As it turns out, the context in which you meet someone will already give you a common ground. Start there! In any friendship, but age is a more significant “differentiating factor,” try not to focus on age. While some friendships will have a built-in “age consideration,” such as a mentor-mentee relationship, a friendship between equals recognizes that age is simply a number.
You can stick to shared interests when you’re just starting to know someone. It can be work, that mutual friend, or how long they’ve been living in the neighborhood. Make sure to be genuinely interested, empathetic, and open-minded about the rest of their life as well. Change your mindset from “I can’t relate” or “I’ve never been through that” to “I wonder what that’s like.” If they talk about their favorite movies from the ’70s (before you were born), ask them about the plot lines or when they first watched it. You can tell them about the ups and downs of living in general or the latest YouTube star you discovered. Over time, if there is a desire on both sides to nurture the friendship, they will open up more, and you will be more easily able to celebrate the differences.
Below are ten of the most read picture books that celebrate the special bond between children and grandparents. And, because they can be so beautiful and vital, must-read books that feature intergenerational friendships were included.
The Poppies on the Hill
The book is about respectful relationships on The Poppies on the Hill, written by Ted Landkammer. It is a bittersweet tale of intergenerational friendship. When Sarah’s family moves to a small town, the nine-year-old finds comfort and companionship with her ninety-three-year-old neighbor, Granny Brannigan. The appropriately paced story focuses on how Sarah learns empathy for Granny, older and requires help. The book finds Sarah coming to Granny’s aid more than once. Quick strokes capture Sarah’s girlhood. She progresses from a carefree girl dressed in her mother’s clothes to a deliberately compassionate person who checks up on and cares for her neighbor.
Our Favorite Day
Written by Joowon Oh, this book is about a grandfather and granddaughter who spend time together once a week, and when they do, it is their favorite day every time. SO sweet!
Tiny, Perfect Things
M. H. Clark and Madeline Kloepper wrote this book. This book is simply adorable! It features a grandfather and granddaughter on a walk and all the little bits of nature they notice and treasure. Simple and lovely.
How to Babysit a Grandpa
How to Babysit a Grandpa by Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish is a humorous and adorable book that specializes in sharing how involved grandparents can be with grandchildren and the special times they have together, and the memories they create.
When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree
When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L.B. Deenihan and Lorraine Rocha is a new favorite. In the story, a little girl is initially disappointed to receive a lemon tree for her birthday from her grandmother. However, she soon learns her grandmother’s wisdom, and the tree turns out to be the best gift ever.
Thank You!
Written by Charo Pita and Anuska Allepuz, this book is so heartwarming. A young girl asks her grandmother many of life’s questions, and the grandmother responds by saying she doesn’t know the answer, but she knows what to do: express gratitude.
The House at the End of the Road
A book by Kari Rust is a story about three children who make an unexpected friendship with an elderly gentleman who lives next to their grandmother’s house. They learn about his life and continue to care for him and be friends with him after leaving his home for assisted living.
A Hat for Mrs. Goldman
A Hat for Mrs. Goldman by Michelle Edwards and G. Brian Karas. It is the story of a little girl and her neighbor friend Mrs. Goldman. She likes to go to Mrs. Goldman’s and help her make hats for people in their community. However, one day she decides that Mrs. Goldman needs a hat of her own and decides to act kindly by making one for her.
Birdsong
Birdsong by Julie Flett is a gentle and thought-provoking book about a young girl as she adjusts from a move, develops a sweet relationship with a senior neighbor, and accepts the changing of the seasons and the changing of her new friend’s failing health. It was beautifully written.
The Neighborhood Surprise
Written by Sarah Van Dongen, it is a heartwarming book with a beautiful focus on community as a neighborhood comes together to throw a going-away party for their beloved, elderly neighbor Mrs. Figg. It shows the neighbors cooking thoughtful dishes (such as vegan dishes for their vegan neighbors) and is simply lovely.
Oliver’s Twist 