• The Dump Man’s Treasures by Lynn Plourde, illus. by Mary Beth Owens. (2008) Ages 4-8
  Mr. Pottle repairs discarded books and lends them back out to the residents of a fictional Maine village. When he is sick, the children bring him books—and discover that he can’t read.
• Grandfather Buffalo by Jim Arnosky. (2006) Ages 4-8
  The oldest buffalo can’t always keep up with the rest, but he watches over them. Then he leads a newborn calf safely through a dust storm, proving that he is “still a part of the herd.”
• Hooray for Grandparents’ Day! by Nancy Carlson. (2000) Ages 4-8
  Arnie thinks he has no one to bring to school for Grandparents’ Day, but neighborhood helpers who hear his story (including the children’s librarian and the coach) surprise him by showing up.
• I Know a Lady by Charlotte Zolotow, illus. by James Stevenson. (1984) Ages 3-7
  In this quiet story, Sally describes a generous lady in her neighborhood who cares for animals, loves children, and shares the bounty of her garden and kitchen throughout the seasons.
• Loop the Loop by Barbara Dugan, illus. by James Stevenson. (1992) Ages 5-9
  The older friend in this story is in a wheelchair, but that doesn’t keep her from displaying her fiestiness and her yo-yo skills. Eventually, she moves to a nursing home and forgets her younger friend’s name, but they care for one another’s cat and doll, and remain closely connected.
• Miss Opal’s Auction by Susan Vizurraga, illus. by Mark Graham. (2000) Ages 4-8
  When Miss Opal moves to an apartment, her young neighbor watches the auction of her house’s contents. Each object—especially the homemade recipe book—brings back memories.
• Miss Emma’s Wild Garden by Anna Grossnickle Hines. (1997) Ages 4-8
  Miss Emma and a young friend talk about all the wild flowers and animals that live in the garden, from dandelions to deer to butterflies—not to mention the exuberant child herself!
• Miz Berlin Walks by Jane Yolen, illus. Floyd Cooper. (1997) Ages 4-8
  Mary Louise gradually gets to know and love her elderly neighbor, who tells wonderful stories as she walks around the block of her Virginia home.
• Mr. George Baker by Amy Hest, illus. by Jon J. Muth. (2004) Ages 4-8
  Mr. George Baker is 100 years old and never learned to read, though he was a famous drummer in his day. Now he and his young friend take the bus to school together every morning. We also meet Mrs. Baker, who is 90, packs lunch for her husband, and dances with him in their kitchen.

You can download the booklist as a pdf.