An Analysis of the Meaning of Grandfathers in Picture Books

This study analyzed 174 picture books about grandfathers published between 1995 and 2025, selected based on titles containing the word “grandfather” and targeting children aged 0–8, excluding educational books, materials for older readers, and special cases such as Santa-themed stories. Using qualitative content analysis, the study examined publication trends, the relationship between narrators and grandfathers, and the meanings attributed to grandfathers. The findings show that grandfather-themed picture books have steadily increased since the 2000s, reflecting diverse cultures, including those of South Korea, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. The narrator-grandfather relationship was categorized into three types: “my grandfather,” “grandpa next door,” and “grandfather with expertise,” with “my grandfather” being the most common, highlighting emotional family bonds. Grandfathers were portrayed as bridges connecting life with memory, companions across generations, and mentors who broadened children's horizons. Notably, grandfathers were depicted not only as figures imparting wisdom but also as individuals who change and grow through intergenerational interaction. These results suggest that picture books serve as vital mediums for fostering intergenerational communication, highlighting the need for more works and programs that support generational integration.