rincesses and pirates are facing stiff competition from grandparents who are the current stars of children's fiction, with ever more picture books focusing on the transformative bond between old and young. by Sam Usher (Templar, 4opp, £12.99) is a charming example, telling the simple story of a boy and his grandfather as they discover the wonder of the natural world during a day beside the sea. (‘It was the best sandcastle I'd ever seen! Grandad said, “I think we deserve an by Lucy Brownridge (Frances Lincoln, 24pp. £24.99), in which we join three kittens as they help their grandparents tackle a raft of cosily familiar Christmas chores. (‘So little time left and so much cooking still to do!’)
