The world is far from perfect and, unfortunately, it often happens that someone in our family gets sick. For young children, it can be confusing to see people they love changing into someone different. So, instead of sheltering them from reality, we need to explain what happens and teach them how to help. I was so glad to see this book published, and I applaud the author for managing to transform such a difficult topic into a heartwarming story.
My thoughts:
Grandparents are an inherent part of our childhood and we share so many wonderful memories with them. As I read this story to my daughter, I remembered my own grandparents and how much we used to love spending time together. The story was inspired by the author’s grandmother, which made it even more emotional to read. Young kids will definitely relate to Riley, the main character, as she tries to help her grandmother navigate the difficult journey of dementia.
There are many words that I could use to describe this story, but my favorite would be “uplifting”. It teaches children to cope with a touch moment in their lives and become resilient as a result. In addition, it offers the valuable lesson of caring for the elderly, and showering them with love. Through this story, young readers can discover the power of love, but also the unbreakable bond between grandparents and their nephews/nieces. Many families have seniors who suffer from dementia, so I am confident this book will help kids in more than just one way.
The story is written in the form of diary entries, teaching children all about the beneficial effects of journaling. It offers practical ways to help seniors struggling with the manifestations of dementia, such as memory loss and confusion. At the end of the book, readers will find useful resources, including interesting facts on Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. I discovered an activity pack created for the book on her website, which was a nice surprise.
Verdict:
As kids, we are innocent, believing people truly live forever. When our loved ones become sick, our whole world is turned upside down. I am a firm believer that kids need to be included in difficult moments, and it is up to parents to offer coping strategies. This book is amazing and it can make a genuine difference whereas understanding dementia is concerned. A story that overflows with love!
Grab your copy of the book from here!
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