Storybooks About Alzheimer's

An Alzheimer's Story for Young Children Aunt Rita

Author:  KJ Cronan
Illustrator:  Casey Cronan

Description: Harry is an active 4th grader who loves school, sports, drawing and his friends. But the thing he cherishes most of all is the relationship he shares with his Aunt Rita. A lot of Harry's most impactful memories are spent with his Aunt Rita and their adventures together. He soon discovers that his Aunt Rita has Alzheimer's. This illness effects an adult's brain by impeding their memory and changing their thinking and behaviors. As Aunt Rita's memory continues to decline, Harry remains a positive light in her life and continues to nurture their sweet connection while helping his family do the same. 

Bad Words and Dementia

Author:  Amanda Bulgarelli and Abby Snow
Inspired by:  Teepa Snow

Description:  Every Saturday a young boy visits his grandma who lives in a special home. The boy brings his grandma things she can fix, like a broken doll chair. He knows she likes to fix things. When his grandma was fixing the doll chair, she let a bad word slip– “Sh*t!.” When The boy’s mom came to see how the boy and his grandma were doing, the boy asked his mom if she could help them fix the “sh*t chair.” His Mom looks extremely uncomfortable. She says that they should call the chair “naughty” instead. They work together and fix the chair. On the car ride home, the boy's mom tells him that “sh*t” is a bad word that can get kids in trouble. She explains to him that people with dementia sometimes cannot remember the appropriate words to use. She says that it is important for him to say other words so that Grandma does not say inappropriate words.

Did I Upset Grandma?

Author: Kristy High
Illustrator: Zuri Book Pros

Alex lives with his mom, sister, and brother. His mom explains to the siblings that Grandma is coming to live with them. Alex is excited! On the first night of Grandma's arrival, Alex laughs and is having fun. Alex and his brother ask if Grandma wants to see a magic trick. She says, “You can show me next weekend, it's time for me to go home.” Grandma angrily tries to open the front door. This confused Alex. He wonders if he upset Grandma. Grandma sometimes gets upset, like when Alex leaves the light on. She forgets what some of her favorite activities are like playing the game bingo. Alex's mom explains to him that Grandma has dementia. Now, when Grandma gets upset, Alex knows why she is upset–and that she still loves him.

Ferguson the Forgetful Frog: A Story About Dementia

Author:  Marta Schmidt Mendez 
Illustrator:  Andreea Mironiuc

Description:  This is a story about a frog named Ferguson who has dementia.  The author uses this animated character to help young children understand and talk about dementia.  Thisstory explains the difficulties someone with dementia could experience, the feelings they could have, and the behaviors they may have because of dementia.  The bookprovides the young reader the knowledge and awareness they need to interact withtheir loved one in a caring and empathetic way.

A Garden of Flowers A Story About Alzheimer's

Author:  Marta Schmidt Mendez 
Illustrator:  Andreea Mironiuc

Description:  Lily’s grandfather has lived with her and her family ever since Lily was a baby. Lily has always done so many fun things with her grandfather and they are very close. As Lily gets older she starts to notice that her grandfather calls her the names of different flowers, but not her name. At first this seems a funny game but soon Lily starts to become frustrated as her grandfather does not seem to notice that she does not find the game funny. Lily’s parents step in and explain that her grandfather has developed Alzheimer’s. Lily has to decide and figure out how she will interact with her grandfather now that the ability to build memories is mainly one sided. A loved one's diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can impact a family greatly. 

Gardening with Grandma

Author:  Linda Bozzo
Illustrator:  Mudassir M. Abid

Luke loves to garden with his grandma. One spring, Luke’s grandma started forgetting things while she and Luke were gardening together. She tried to plant a packet of marigold seeds that she thought were tomato seeds. She forgot where she placed her watering can. Luke told his parents that he was worried about Grandma. His parents told him that his grandma has Alzheimer's. They said that spending time with Grandma and doing chores together will help her feel better. When Luke's Grandma's memory starts to decline, the doctors suggest she move to a home with adult caregivers to help her. This makes Luke feel sad. His grandma assures him that they can still garden together at her new home, and that is exactly what they did.

GG Forgot My Name

Author:  Cynthia Hughes
Illustrator:  Chris B. Dudley

Description:   GG is Everly and Declan's great grandma. She is incredibly happy. She loves to play the piano and read books. One day, when GG tried to play the piano, she could not remember how to play any songs. When she tried to read a book to her great grandson Declan, she forgot some of the words. This makes GG sad. Everly asks her grandma why GG is forgetful. Grandma explains to Everly that GG has Alzheimer's disease. This means she forgets many things and is not always happy. Everly feels confused that GG remembers things from a long time ago but forgets Everly’s name and calls her “sissy.” Grandma explains that it is easier for people with Alzheimer's to remember things from a long time ago. One day Everly found out that GG died. Grandma gives Everly a babydoll to help her feel better when she misses GG. Everly names her babydoll “Sissy” to honor how much she loves GG.

Gramp's Treasured Memories

Author:  Debi Gueron
Illustrator:  Sheridan Turton

Description:Kyle and Shelly love to hear stories told by Gramps. He likes to tell them repeatedly– but Kyle and Shelly never get tired of them. Gramps has Alzheimer's disease. This means sometimes he forgets things, like Kyle’s name.  Kyleand Shelly are worried that Gramps will forget them. Their dad explains that while Gramps forgetting them is a possibility, Gramps heart will always remember them. Kyle and Shelly make a list of all the fun things they can do with Gramps to cherish every moment with him, and that is exactly what they do, create experiences their hearts will never forget.

Grandma's Living with Dementia

Author:  Amanda Bulgarelli and Abby Snow
Inspired By:  Teepa Snow

Timmy loves to visit his grandma. She lives at Shady Grove, a place where people with dementia live. Even though Grandma is tired or grouchy sometimes, there are still times when she is happy. Grandma likes to play games with Timmy, like the name guessing game. She has many friends at Shady Grove.Timmy always brings something for them to do to keep things fun and interesting. He always has a fun time with Grandma. Her dementia does not make him upset because he understands it is a disease.

Grandma, It's Me

Author:  Y.Y. Chan
Illustrated By:  Pearly L

Riley and her grandma have many fun memories together, like Riley’s first time riding a bike. But sometimes Grandma has a hard time remembering her. Riley has pictures of them together to help Grandma remember her.After they find out that Grandma has dementia, Grandma and Grandpa move in with Riley and her family. Riley’s mom explains to her that dementia causes Grandma to have difficulty remembering recent memories and that her brain does not work as well as it used to. Riley helps take care of Grandma and enjoys hearing all of Grandma's stories about how she met Grandpa. Although Grandma’s memory comes and goes, sometimes it is difficult for Riley to take care of Grandma. Riley loves her grandma so much!

Grandpa and Lucy

Author:  Edie Weinstein
Illustrator:  Claire Aamodt, Adeleine Cooper, Will Hoppe, Ela Paske, Caroline Weier, Edie Weinstein, and Shane Zenk

Description:  Lucy, her mother, and her grandpa go to the movies. When they get there, the theater is empty. Grandpa forgot the movie tickets! He also forgot what time the movie was supposed to start. When Lucy and Grandpa return home, Lucy finds the tickets. The movie tickets were for the day before. Grandpa gets embarrassed, yells at Lucy, and calls her Miranda. This made Lucy cry. Lucy's Mom explains to her that Grandpa has Alzheimer's disease. The disease makes him have a difficult time remembering things–and not act like himself. The next time Lucy goes to Grandpa's house, they look at pictures and listen to music together. This reminds Grandpa of good memories. They have a lovely time together before it is time for Lucy to go back home.

Granny Can't Remember Me: A Children's Book About Alzheimer's

Author:  Susan McCormick
Illustrator:  Timur Deberdeev

Description:  Joey has two Grandmas. Granny Josie lives in Florida and knows who he is.  His other Granny lives close, but does not know who he is.  Joey knows both of his grandmas love him.  With his mom, Joey regularly visits Granny who lives in a safe place with special locks on the insides of the doors.  Granny’s favorite story is about her three best days. The pictures that go with them are on display beside her bed.The third best day is the “Very Best Day of All” becauseit is the day Joey was born.  Joey understands that Granny doesn’t know that little boy is him.But he still gives Granny a big hug!

My New Granny

Out of Print, Used Copies May Be Available

Author:  Elisabeth Steinkellner
Illustrator:  Michael Roher

Description:  Granny would comment on Fini's strange hairstyles and help her feed the ducks in the park.  Granny used to travel all over
the world and was an amazing cook. Now, Fini's Granny admires wacky hairdos, eats the bread crumbs meant for the ducks, and does not travel or cook anymore.  Eventually, Granny comes to live with Fini and her family because she needs to be watched. She needs help dressing, washing, and sometimes falls asleep underneath the table.  In the end, Fini realizes that she still can interact with her "New Granny" but in different ways.

Ice Cream with Grandpa

Author:  Laura Smetana
Illustrator:  Elisabete B.P. De Moraes

Description: Grandpa and his grandson are very close. They share many experiences together including going to the park, gardening, harvesting, and making salsas and jams.But most of all, Grandpa and his grandson love eating ice cream.Over time, Grandpa’s health declines and he receives a diagnosis of dementia. He is placed in a facility so caregivers can help him everyday.Through it all, the grandson learns Grandpa is still Grandpa. Their bond deepens through their shared love of ice cream!Each time spent together is special.One night, Grandpa passes. That spring, the grandson and his mom plant a tree in his memory.The grandson still eats ice cream.Each scoop he eats brings back memories of Grandpa.

The Remember Balloons

Author:  Jessie Olivero 
Illustrator:  Dana Wulfekotte

Description: This is a story about a young boy named James and his grandpa. In the story, balloons represent memories.  James notices that he has more balloons than his youngerbrother but not as many as his mother or father.  His grandpa has the most balloons. One day Grandpa’s balloons start drifting away.  James soon realizes some of Grandpa’s lost balloons are now his to hold.  This book has a unique way of explaining memoryloss and can be useful when explaining the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

A Rose for Grandma

Author:  Christiana Egi

Description: Annie shares her story about growing up with grandparents as they age.  They spend time together in the kitchen cooking and gardening.  As time passes, Annie notices changes in her grandma.  Grandma can no longer bake, take care of her roses in her garden, or tell stories like she used to.   Annie’s Mom takes her grandma to a doctor who diagnoses her with a brain disease called Alzheimer’s. Annie decides to create a scrapbook for her grandma so she can look back at memories.  The scrapbook takes some time to make because Annie continues to use stories that Grandma shares when she has good days.On the cover of the scrapbook, Annie places a picture of a red rose. Annie titles the book “A Rose for Grandma!”

Striped Shirts and Flowered Pants:  A Story About Alzheimer's Disease for Young Children

Out of Print, Used Copies May Be Available

Author:  Barbara Schnurbush 
Illustrator:Cary Pillo

Description:  A young girl is worried when she notices that her grandmother is having trouble reading and remembering simple things. Her parents explain that her grandmother is suffering from a disorder known as Alzheimer's.

Understanding Dementia Easily

Author: Sophie Wordwell
Illustrator: Alex Demiourge

Description: A young child loves how their grandma makes them feel safe, comforted, and loved. Because Grandma has been forgetting things, she goes to the doctor. The doctor says that dementia can make things harder for Grandma to remember and understand. When Grandma has changing emotions, it makes the child sad. To feel better, the child thinks about how happy they are to have good moments with Grandma. Creating routines and showing Grandma photos helps her memory. Grandma and the child do many things together, like bake, laugh, walk, and draw. Sometimes the best thing for Grandma is to sit in silence. The child wants to make sure that Grandma feels safe, comforted, and loved.

Weeds in Nana's Garden

Author and Illustrator:  Kathryn Harrison

Description:  A young girl and her Nana hold a special bond that blooms in the surroundings of Nana’s magical garden.  Then one day, the girl finds many weeds in the garden.  She soon discovers that her beloved Nana has Alzheimer’s Disease; an illness that affects an adult brain with tangles that get in the way of thoughts, like how weeds get in the way of flowers.  As time passes, the weeds grow thicker and her Nana declines, but the girl accepts the difficult changes with love, learning to take-over as the garden’s caregiver.  Extending from the experience of caring for her mother, artist Kathryn Harrison has created this poignant children's story with rich illustrations to candidly explore dementia diseases, while demonstrating the power of love.  

What a Beautiful Morning

Authors:  Arthur Levine andKatie Kath

Description: Noah is a young boy who loves to spend summers at his grandparent's house.  Noah and his Grandpa have rituals they follow.  Singing is a big part of everyday for Grandpa, Grandma, and Noah.  They had a docket filled with activities.  One day, Grandpa forgets the rituals and the songs.  He does not even know who Noah is.  Noah soon discovers that while things are changing, he can use singing to help bring back memories for his Grandpa.

When My Grammy Forgets, I Remember: A Child’s Perspective on Dementia

Author:  Toby Haberkorn  
Illustrator: Heather Varkarotas

Description:  This story explores the difficult reality of dementia and the bittersweet changing relationship between a granddaughter and her grandmother. By including children in the family discussion, parents help them become resilient and empower them to provide comfort for the grandparents or loved ones with Alzheimer’s.

Why Did Grandma Put Her Underwear in the Refrigerator?

Author:  Max Wallack and Carolyn Given

Description: Julie has always loved spending time with her Grandma. They enjoy many activities together like shopping, drawing and building puzzles.  Now Grandma lives with Julie and her parents.  This means they get to spend even more time together.  Sometimes Grandma has trouble remembering names and where she put things.  At times, Grandma doesn't remember who Julie is!  When Grandma forgets, Julie helps Grandma remember.  She always tells Grandma she loves her.  Julie's parents explain to her "Grandma has Alzheimer's and the cells in her brain can't always throw and catch messages the way they should."  Julie's parents also tell her she is a good caregiver when she helps Grandma.

Dancing With Grandad:  An Alzheimer's Story for Children and Their Families

Author:  Linda Bozzo 
Illustrator: Mudassir M. Abid

Description: Dancing with Granddad is a teaching tool adults can use to have a conversation with a child about Alzheimer’s disease.  The book takes young readers on the journey of learning in an age-appropriate way that seven-year-old Nia’s Granddad has Alzheimer’s and will need to move to a new home.  They also learn that while Nia’s Granddad is changing, the love they have between them never will.  Suggested for children ages 5 through 8.  Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has published the book.  https://shop.alzfdn.org  

Grandma and Me:  A Kid's Guide for Alzheimer's and Dementia

Authors:  Beatrice Tauber Prior and Mary Ann Drummond
Illustrated by:  Julia Walther
Description: Beatrice and Mary Ann combine their years of clinical experience to create a truly engaging, yet informative book for young children on the topics of Alzheimer's and dementia. The beautiful artwork will capture children's attention and bring them into the story. Grandma and Me provides a gentle, yet age appropriate description of Alzheimer's disease, while providing tools to help children continue to have a relationship with their loved one despite the disease. It  addresses a difficult topic with love and understanding and provides the tools for children to successfully navigate the journey ahead.

Granny Needs My Help:  A Child's Look at Dementia and Alzheimer's

Author: Deborah L. Mills
Illustrated by:  Julia Walther
Description: This Alzheimer’s book for children explains Alzheimer’s in kid-friendly terms. The book presents memory loss in an easy-to-understand narrative.  Zeh discovers what is going on with her granny’s brain. The book peers into the feelings and confusion children can face when a loved one is diagnosed with memory loss like Alzheimer’s.  The book presents memory loss in an easy-to-understand narrative. The storybook follows a family facing their challenge together and making the most of every available moment.

Remembering for Both of Us:  A Child Learns about Alzheimer's

Author: Charlotte Wood
Illustrated by:  Dennis Auth
Description: Tasha loves her grandfather, and she knows that PaPa loves her. But lately, PaPa has begun to forget things. He is often confused and upset. Sometimes, he does not even recognize his own family. How can Tasha's grandmother help her see that while PaPa is changing, his love for Tasha has not? Remembering for Both of Us is a touching story of a child's first glimpse of Alzheimer's and a reminder that ties of the heart transcend age and illness.

Sometimes Grandma and Grandpa Forget

Author: Kacy C. Chambers
Editor:  Dr. Carolyn M. Johnson  
Description:  Children understand far more than adults often give them credit for.  They are observers. They recognize changes. When the people they love begin behaving differently, often, children are the first to notice. That’s when adults should step in and answer their questions, listen to their concerns, provide guidelines, and help them brainstorm ways to help those suffering from dementia or its most common cause—Alzheimer’s.Written in a children’s story format, this bookprovides the perfect platform for parents to begin a much-needed conversation and help ease children’s worries. Starting from a place of knowledge will empower them to continue to love, assist where possible, and understand that dementia is a disease that affects people; it shouldn’t define them.