A reader from the United Kingdom writes to tell us of a helpful book for families who want to have something with which to interact with, such as a grandma or other person with dementia.
“I recently got a book “Grandma’s Box of Memories: Helping Grandma to Remember,” written by a friend Jean Demetris and illustrated by her son Alex. It is well written for children 4-7.
“Both books have added to my understanding of this condition,” writes Iris Simpson.
Jean Demetris was a primary school teacher for 22 years.
Here is what the book is about:
When Grandma starts to become forgetful, Alice and her family create a box of memories to remind her of all the good times they have shared together.
Alice puts some pretty packets of seeds in the box, to remind Grandma of their happy times planting seeds and watching them grow into beautiful flowers. Her brother Harry puts some toy animals in the box, to remind Grandma of their fun trips to the zoo when the chimpanzees made them laugh. Grandpa puts a photo from their wedding day in the box, when Grandma looked so beautiful and happy. What a lot of wonderful memories in Grandma’s box!
Alex Demetris has previously written and illustrated a comic book about his Father who had Lewy Body Dementia. This is suitable for 10 years old and up.
For more literature about dementia for children, read Making Sense of Alzheimer’s: Books for Kids
Grandma's Box of Memories
When Grandma starts to become forgetful, Alice and her family create a box of memories. Alice puts some pretty packets of seeds in the box, to remind Grandma of their happy times watching them grow into beautiful flowers. Her brother Harry puts some toy animals in the box, to remind Grandma of their fun trips to the zoo. Written by Jean Demetris and illustrated by her son, Alex Demetris. Suitable for ages 4 to 7.
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