Families who loved Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs by Tomie dePaola often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when you need a gentle, honest way to talk about the death of a great-grandparent or an elderly family member. It provides a comforting framework for children who are experiencing their first encounter with loss, focusing on the beautiful continuity of family love across four generations. The story follows young Tommy as he visits his grandmother, Nana Downstairs, and his frail but spirited great-grandmother, Nana Upstairs. Through their shared rituals, like eating candy or sitting in a special chair, children see that aging is a natural part of life. When Nana Upstairs passes away, the book guides children through the transition from physical presence to keeping someone in their memory, making it an essential resource for parents navigating grief with preschoolers or young elementary students.
