With her podcast co-host Judith Holder

Jenny Eclair is writing a book about becoming a grandmother with her Grumpy Old Women co-creator Judith Holder.

The pair – who also host the  Older and Wider podcast together – both became grandparents in the same year, inspiring them to write The Book Of Nanas.

Publishers Sphere say the title is an account of the ‘messy, joyful and often surprising reality of being hands-on grandparents today’.

Their blurb adds: ‘From birth to potty training and everything in-between, [Eclair and Holder] share brutally honest stories, sharp observations and laugh-out-loud moments from life with their grandchildren, alongside reflections on how the role of grandmothers continues to evolve.’

Eclair’s daughter, the playwright Phoebe Eclair-Powell, became a mum to Arlo Jude in 2022. 

The comedian has previously written a newspaper article describing how Tuesdays were ‘nana days’, spent looking after her grandson. 

She wrote: ‘It’s the first time I have ever given my full-on attention to a toddler. When my daughter was his age, she was with a full-time childminder and I was fighting for a career: either locked in a study writing filth, or on my way to a stand-up gig. Occasionally, I was pretending the gig was further away, just to spend more time out of the house. These days I don’t work on Tuesdays, unless I’m on tour and it really can’t be helped.

‘This is my second bite at childcare and I’m savouring every minute. I’m horribly aware in my sixties that these days pass too soon. I’m already noticing my grandson’s shoes looking big.’

Announcing the release of the book on trade website The Bookseller, Eclair said: ‘Since becoming Nanas, Judith and I have realised that we have the power to absolutely ruin children. Nana love is a special thing.’

Holder added: ‘Jenny and I have snorted with laughter while writing this book together. I hope it’s contagious.’

The book will be published in hardback, e-book and audio  on February 11, ahead of Mother’s Day on March 7.

Cath Burke, deputy managing director of Sphere’s parent company Little, Brown  said: ‘Reading The Book of Nanas is a truly joyous and celebratory experience, which will bring up many memories of your own family relationships, all whilst you revel in the wit of these two brilliantly accomplished women and the love they have for their daughters and grandsons.’ 

Eclair has previously written five novels, from Camberwell Beauty in 2000 to Inheritance in 2020 as well as Older and Wider: A Survivor's Guide to the Menopause in 2020 and her memoir Jokes, Jokes, Jokes in 2024.

The Book of Nanas is available for advance order from Amazon priced £22 in hardback – or from uk.bookshop.org which supports independent bookstores, as an ebook.

Published: 26 Jun 2026