Sometimes Grandma and Grandpa Forget

by Kacy C. Chambers

Why can't Grandma and Grandpa remember things anymore?


What is wrong with Grandma and Grandpa?


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, Sometimes Grandma and Grandpa Forget , provides 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.


Book details:
Ideal For All Ages, Especially 4-6
Teaches Children About Dementia and Alzheimer's
Helps Spark Important Conversations A Difficult Topic
Features Colorful Pictures and An Engaging Narrative
And Much More


So if you're in need of a tool that offers an informative, age-appropriate discussion about dementia, then this book is for you.

29 pages, Paperback

Published October 12, 2020

About the author

Kacy C. Chambers is an author, illustrator, and proud mother of two. Having fallen in love with writing and poetry from a young age, Kacy has a passion for using stories to teach children about important ideas and concepts. After having her own kids, she realized how difficult it was to find books on the topics she wanted to teach them about, so she began creating her own. Kacy believes that stories are a great teaching tool and that they offer a unique opportunity to teach memorable lessons in a fun and engaging way. Her books are unique because she uses real photographs to illustrate real topics.

Reviews

[Bibliobari]

I really, really liked this book. I lost my grandpa to dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease years ago, and although I was an adult, it was shocking to me what happened as he deteriorated. Luckily, we didn’t have any young children in our family at that time, but if we had, this book would’ve been a must to buy! It’s surprising with a disease that affects so many millions of people, children’s books discussing this topic are few. This book uses real family photos rather than illustrations, which drives home the reality of how this disease alters your family-the parent becomes the child and the child becomes the parent. And that’s okay, because we should always show our children that we take care of our own and although it may be scary to see, families will get through it together. The only thing that would make me give this book 5 stars is if it included more details such as when a loved one wanders off or gets angry for example. Thank you for writing this much needed book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sam Andersen]

This book resonated deeply as I've watched my mother and other family members slowly disappear and become trapped within their bodies unable to communicate as they once did.

The key symptoms of Alzheimer's are well explained: memory loss, lack of appetite, wandering, need for daily care. I really appreciate the point of view that emphasizes that they still love us and now need us to care for them as they've always cared for us.

The illustrations of this family, being more like photographs make it feel more personal.

I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens and the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rose]

This book talks about Dementia. It is designed to help children understand better through pictures about the illness.

This book somehow reminds me of my own set of grandparents and what they went through the stage of forgetfulness. It was very sad, a little bit frightening and kind of disappointing at that time.

I wish there are many more books like this to create awareness about Dementia and how to help them. Thank you to the author for writing this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lexi V]

I like the concept of this book. I know multiple families who have grandparents with dementia or alzheimers who live with them. However, this book definitely seems like it was whipped up in Google Drive, and the illustrations seems like family photos run through an editor. With some more effort, this could be a great book! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karen Magnan]

Dementia is a hard disease for anyone to have to experience with a loved one, especially a child. They are just too young to understand why their beloved grandparent cannot remember anything, including the child's name any longer. This book helps a young child understand that this is a sickness that grandma or grandpa cannot control. not enough books out there on this topic.

[Jazmin]

I love this content. With the increasing prevalence of memory illness in our communities and society, this book is right on time. It's a sweet way to help kids gain clarity and understanding regarding their love one's experience. This is a great way to help children become more empathetic to their family members, friends and society!

[Book Zone Reviews]

Description:
Having a grandparent or relative suffering from dementia can be a difficult and confusing thing for children to come to terms with, but Sometimes Grandma and Grandpa Forget offers kids a reassuring and beautiful message that even if their grandparents are more forgetful now, they still love their grandkids just the same.

I love the fact that this book is about dementia associated with Alzheimer’s. I also love the fact that it is especially for kids. Life is confusing enough for kids in general. This helps Peter understand why grandma keeps calling him John and his name is Peter or why grandpa keeps looking for the glasses on his nose. The discussion gives reassurance that they are loved making the rest of the story easier to share.

I have had firsthand experience with dementia. My mom faded away right before my eyes to become, once again her childhood self until she passed away in 2018.

How do you explain to a child that his grandma or grandpa loves him but can't remember him? It was hard enough for me as an adult to experience, much less a child so thank you, Kacy!

What I liked:

- The concept and the timeliness of the book
- That the author incorporated real pictures of the family for relativity which made it special
- The author keeps the text simple

What gave me pause?

- The presentation of the entire book did not match the stellar theme
- The text and the images didn't seem to go together. The text was fine by itself and the pictures were fine, however, together they did not work for me.

Please note: I received a free copy for review, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[HiddenHope]

Great book for teaching young children about dementia and Alzheimer's. My parents have both and I'm sure a lot of other people have it too. Don't leave your kids in the dark about what's going on. Read them this book and then discuss it with them.

[Sharon Kirksey]

Our Grandparents are important and Love.

[Avidreader]

Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning — to such an extent that it interferes with a person's daily life and activities. Dementia is more common as people grow older but it is not a normal part of aging.

I have a very close friend of mine whose mother suffered a lot due to dementia. She faced many challenges. Its heartening to see your loved ones suffer like this. At this stage of their life the only comfort we can provide is unconditional love and care.

Kacy has conceptualized and presented this topic beautifully. I really liked the idea of more pictures and less text. This way it becomes easy for the kids to understand 'dementia' and they learn to be empathetic towards the patient(could be their grand parents, uncle/aunt) . This book effectively makes kids understand that people suffering from dementia have no control over it. It guides them to be more empathetic towards their loved ones.
More books should be there on this topic for kids.