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The Forgettery: A magical imaginative adventure celebrating the unique bond between grandparent and grandchild, and touching sensitively on the experience of memory loss
Amelia’s granny forgets lots of things. Little things, like where she put her glasses, and big things like people and places. But everything anyone has ever forgotten is stored in The Forgettery , and there Amelia and her granny learn the power of making memories. Chosen by The Guardian for Book of the Month! Filled with warmth and gentle humour, The Forgettery is a beautifully written, sensitive look at dementia and memory loss. Over 850,000 people live with dementia in the UK, which will soar to 2 million by 2051. Globally, around 50 million people live with dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases each year. Opening up discussions surrounding this challenging topic with little ones has never been more important. Without ever explicitly mentioning dementia, The Forgettery can be enjoyed as an adventure story where children explore a fantastical world where memories can be re-discovered and revisited as well as newly made. Rachel Ip’s tender words capture the wonderful bond between grandmother and granddaughter and Laura Hughes conjures up an exciting, wonderous space where our most precious memories are stored, and the challenge of dementia can be gently explored and understood.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 6, 2022
1 person is currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Ip
10 books2 followersRachel Ip has always loved language and literature.
After studying modern languages and linguistics at Cambridge University, she worked in marketing communications for over 10 years, before turning her hand to children’s book writing.
The Forgettery will be Rachel’s second picture book, following The Last Garden. She lives in Hong Kong.
After studying modern languages and linguistics at Cambridge University, she worked in marketing communications for over 10 years, before turning her hand to children’s book writing.
The Forgettery will be Rachel’s second picture book, following The Last Garden. She lives in Hong Kong.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 8, 2022
Read for my toddler's bedtime. My toddler said I hold the book upside down but now I realize it was because the characters were doing a handstand. An excellent story on the relationship between grandma and granddaughter. Grandma is forgetful due to her old age and Amelia is forgetful due to her daydreaming. One day they forgot the way home exploring in the deep forest. They stumbled upon a place called The Forgettery. This place keeps all memories of everyone who forgets. Grandma was in for a surprise when she opened the door to her room. The trip to her room was on the hot air balloon. She got to see many memories she forgot. We also got to visit the granddaughter's room. Her room was up on a treehouse. Climbing up a lot of stairs but good thing there's a slide to go back down. A beautiful read with fantastic illustrations.
Thank you #harper360 for the opportunity to read and review.
Thank you #harper360 for the opportunity to read and review.
March 23, 2021
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
The Forgettery is an incredibly beautiful and poignant book about dementia that covers the subject without actually using the word and is perfect for young children to learn and understand about the disease without it coming across all scarily and complicated.
Little Amelia and her Granny were out walking when they come across ‘The Forgettery’ a place where everyone’s forgotten memories are stored. The keeper showed them to where Granny’s forgotten memories were stored and there were a lot of them. Amelia has a forgotten memory store of her own too.
Amelia knew that her Granny was forgetting more and more these days so The Forgettery gave her an idea on how to help her Granny remember.
The book is both beautiful and heartwarming too. It is so adorable, especially the way author Rachel Ip has written about such a hard subject, and yet she has managed to put it into simple terms for children to understand and appreciate what may be happening to someone they know.
The illustrations are outstanding and complement the story completely. They not only bring Rachel Ip’s words to life, but they invite you into Amelia and Granny’s life and take you on a journey with them.
This is one of the most special children’s books that I have read. It is an exceptionally powerful story, featuring something most people don’t like to talk about, and yet in a world where 850,000 people live with dementia, it is something that should be spoken about and not brushed under the carpet or hidden away. This book gives young children the chance to learn, understand, and appreciate what may be happening to someone they know.
The Forgettery is an incredibly beautiful and poignant book about dementia that covers the subject without actually using the word and is perfect for young children to learn and understand about the disease without it coming across all scarily and complicated.
Little Amelia and her Granny were out walking when they come across ‘The Forgettery’ a place where everyone’s forgotten memories are stored. The keeper showed them to where Granny’s forgotten memories were stored and there were a lot of them. Amelia has a forgotten memory store of her own too.
Amelia knew that her Granny was forgetting more and more these days so The Forgettery gave her an idea on how to help her Granny remember.
The book is both beautiful and heartwarming too. It is so adorable, especially the way author Rachel Ip has written about such a hard subject, and yet she has managed to put it into simple terms for children to understand and appreciate what may be happening to someone they know.
The illustrations are outstanding and complement the story completely. They not only bring Rachel Ip’s words to life, but they invite you into Amelia and Granny’s life and take you on a journey with them.
This is one of the most special children’s books that I have read. It is an exceptionally powerful story, featuring something most people don’t like to talk about, and yet in a world where 850,000 people live with dementia, it is something that should be spoken about and not brushed under the carpet or hidden away. This book gives young children the chance to learn, understand, and appreciate what may be happening to someone they know.
December 28, 2021
In der Wohnung von Amelies Oma sieht es anders aus als bei jüngeren Leuten. Sie hat ein Wählscheibentelefon, ein Kofferradio und allerlei Merkzettel an der Wand. „Milch kaufen“, „Blumen gießen“ oder „Amelie Samstag 9 Uhr“. Die Oma vergisst Dinge, die andere Menschen auch vergessen, aber auch schöne Erinnerungen, die damit für sie verloren sind. Für Amelie ist Vergessen nicht ungewöhnlich; denn Kinder vergessen beim Spielen die Zeit oder Dinge, die für sie weniger wichtig sind als für Erwachsene.
Bei ihrem Spaziergang im Wald gelangen Oma und Enkelin zu einem riesigen Baum, der wie unter einer gewaltigen Theaterkuppel Erinnerungen und verlorene Dinge aufhebt. Hier kann nichts verloren gehen, auch wenn nicht alle Menschen an ein solches Baum-Zuhause der Erinnerungen glauben. Oma und Amelie durchreisen diese Welt im Ballon und erleben ihre Erinnerungen wie ein gut sortiertes Fachgeschäft mit vielen Schubladen. Rührenderweise war Oma ein kleines Mädchen mit Brille, das Amelie sehr ähnlich sah. Ihre Enkelin findet die Erinnerung an aufgeschlagene Knie wieder, die noch nicht lange her sind. Amelie lernt auf dieser Reise, was Glücksmomente und -gefühle sind – für Kinder zunächst abstrakte Begriffe. Schließlich beginnt Amelie nach ihrer Rückkehr aus dem Wald, für ihre Oma in ein Erinnerungsbuch zu malen und zu schreiben.
Im Nachwort erklären Initiatorinnen eines Projekts zum Thema Alzheimer kindgerecht, was Demenz ist und wie Kinder in - für sie beunruhigenden Situationen - auf Gedächtnisverlust ihrer Großeltern reagieren können. Kinder können beim Annehmen einer Alzheimer-Erkrankung in der Familie eine wichtige und tröstliche Rolle einnehmen. Die Geschichte von Amelie und ihrer Oma zeigt Kindern und Erwachsenen, wie Gedächtnisverlust als Besonderheit und nicht als Defizit beschrieben werden kann. Auch eine vergessliche Oma kann mit ihrer Enkelin wunderbare Dinge erleben.
Bei ihrem Spaziergang im Wald gelangen Oma und Enkelin zu einem riesigen Baum, der wie unter einer gewaltigen Theaterkuppel Erinnerungen und verlorene Dinge aufhebt. Hier kann nichts verloren gehen, auch wenn nicht alle Menschen an ein solches Baum-Zuhause der Erinnerungen glauben. Oma und Amelie durchreisen diese Welt im Ballon und erleben ihre Erinnerungen wie ein gut sortiertes Fachgeschäft mit vielen Schubladen. Rührenderweise war Oma ein kleines Mädchen mit Brille, das Amelie sehr ähnlich sah. Ihre Enkelin findet die Erinnerung an aufgeschlagene Knie wieder, die noch nicht lange her sind. Amelie lernt auf dieser Reise, was Glücksmomente und -gefühle sind – für Kinder zunächst abstrakte Begriffe. Schließlich beginnt Amelie nach ihrer Rückkehr aus dem Wald, für ihre Oma in ein Erinnerungsbuch zu malen und zu schreiben.
Im Nachwort erklären Initiatorinnen eines Projekts zum Thema Alzheimer kindgerecht, was Demenz ist und wie Kinder in - für sie beunruhigenden Situationen - auf Gedächtnisverlust ihrer Großeltern reagieren können. Kinder können beim Annehmen einer Alzheimer-Erkrankung in der Familie eine wichtige und tröstliche Rolle einnehmen. Die Geschichte von Amelie und ihrer Oma zeigt Kindern und Erwachsenen, wie Gedächtnisverlust als Besonderheit und nicht als Defizit beschrieben werden kann. Auch eine vergessliche Oma kann mit ihrer Enkelin wunderbare Dinge erleben.
August 11, 2025
Read this for the children at the library and i was so touched by this little story. Beautifully written.
March 28, 2021
I loved this picture book! The illustrations are really something very special, the expressions on the characters' faces, the gorgeous colours, wonderful. And the story is very moving, and a clever way to explore with children about our memories and how they may be lost, but without this being done in a frightening or upsetting way. Amelia and Granny are lovely characters, and The Forgettery is a magical concept, a place where you can find anything you have ever forgotten. I love the enjoyment that Granny and Amelia share exploring and discovering this together. I wish the lovely little dog that accompanies them had been given a name.
November 4, 2022
4.5 stars.
August 10, 2023
A most wonderful piece for children and adults alike. I purchased this book for a friend who was experiencing the challenges of caring for a parent with dementia, then purchased a second copy for myself to display in my home for my guests to enjoy. The message is beautiful, and the illustrations perfection.
August 16, 2022
A wonderfully sensitive book about memory loss and the relationship between Amelia and her granny. This is beautifully written and offers a great opportunity for discussion.
November 8, 2022
2.5. This bothered me somehow. I didn’t find it comforting at all, which I think was the intention.
October 3, 2021
https://dominicamat.blogspot.com/2021...
ΒΙΒΛΙΟΠΡΟΤΑΣΗ
Μεγαλώνοντας ζούμε τόσο ευτυχισμένες,όσο κι άσχημες στιγμές. Ο χρόνος δεν λειτουργεί πάντα ως φίλος μας,αφού έχουμε την τάση,καθώς κυλούν τα χρόνια,να ξεχνάμε τι έχουμε ζήσει καί τα συναισθήματα που νιώσαμε. Ειδικά οι μεγαλύτεροι άνθρωποι σε ηλικία πέφτουν συχνά-πυκνά ''θύματά'' του χρόνου. Αυτό είναι δυσνόητο για τα μικρά παιδιά καί πολλές φορές μοιάζουν να απορούν,ίσως καί να δυσανασχετούν,που ο παππούς,ή,η γιαγιά τους ξεχνούν πολλά. Ο καλύτερος τρόπος για να εξηγήσουμε στα μικρά παιδιά το τι συμβαίνει,είναι η ανάγνωση κατάλληλων για την ηλικία τους βιβλίων. Η σημερινή μου,λοιπόν,βιβλιοπρόταση για εσάς είναι το νέο παιδικό παραμύθι της συγγραφέως Ρέιτσελ Αϊπ,με τίτλο ''Λησμονία: Η χώρα των χαμένων αναμνήσεων" σε εικονογράφηση της Λόρα Χάουζ καί μετάφραση της Μάρως Ταυρή που κυκλοφόρησε πρόσφατα από τις εκδόσεις Μεταίχμιο.
''Βαθιά μέσα στο δάσος, η Αμέλια και η γιαγιά της ανακαλύπτουν τη Λησμονία: Τη χώρα όπου μπορεί κανείς να βρει ό,τι έχει ξεχάσει. Και δεν είναι μόνο οι αγαπημένες αναμνήσεις της γιαγιάς που μαζεύουν εκεί οι Φύλακες των Αναμνήσεων. Ο καθένας έχει τη δική του Λησμονία, ακόμα και η Αμέλια…" διαβάζουμε στην περίληψη του οπισθοφύλλου καί αντιλαμβανόμαστε πως μέσα στις σελίδες του οι μικροί/ες αναγνώστες/στριες θα βρούν μία όμορφη,μαγική ιστορία για την απώλεια της μνήμης.
Η συγγραφέας με προσοχή καί ευαισθησία προσεγγίζει αυτό το θέμα με σκοπό να ψυχαγωγήσει καί να διδάξει τα μικρά παιδιά με καμία πρόθεση να τα τρομάξει. Αντιθέτως,θεωρώ πως μικροί καί μεγάλοι θα απολαύσουν το βιβλίο καί θα καταλάβουν το πόσο ευγνώμονες θα πρέπει να είναι για όλες τις καλές στιγμές που ζούνε καί τους αγαπημένους ανθρώπους που έχουν δίπλα τους. Ο λόγος της είναι οικείος κι άκρως κατανοητός. Άφθονο λεξιλόγιο καί σύντομες προτάσεις τον ενισχύουν καθιστώντας το βιβλίο καλογραμμένο κι ευκολοδιάβαστο. Εμένα μου άρεσε πολύ καί σας το προτείνω με σιγουριά.
Καλές σας αναγνώσεις!
ΒΙΒΛΙΟΠΡΟΤΑΣΗ
Μεγαλώνοντας ζούμε τόσο ευτυχισμένες,όσο κι άσχημες στιγμές. Ο χρόνος δεν λειτουργεί πάντα ως φίλος μας,αφού έχουμε την τάση,καθώς κυλούν τα χρόνια,να ξεχνάμε τι έχουμε ζήσει καί τα συναισθήματα που νιώσαμε. Ειδικά οι μεγαλύτεροι άνθρωποι σε ηλικία πέφτουν συχνά-πυκνά ''θύματά'' του χρόνου. Αυτό είναι δυσνόητο για τα μικρά παιδιά καί πολλές φορές μοιάζουν να απορούν,ίσως καί να δυσανασχετούν,που ο παππούς,ή,η γιαγιά τους ξεχνούν πολλά. Ο καλύτερος τρόπος για να εξηγήσουμε στα μικρά παιδιά το τι συμβαίνει,είναι η ανάγνωση κατάλληλων για την ηλικία τους βιβλίων. Η σημερινή μου,λοιπόν,βιβλιοπρόταση για εσάς είναι το νέο παιδικό παραμύθι της συγγραφέως Ρέιτσελ Αϊπ,με τίτλο ''Λησμονία: Η χώρα των χαμένων αναμνήσεων" σε εικονογράφηση της Λόρα Χάουζ καί μετάφραση της Μάρως Ταυρή που κυκλοφόρησε πρόσφατα από τις εκδόσεις Μεταίχμιο.
''Βαθιά μέσα στο δάσος, η Αμέλια και η γιαγιά της ανακαλύπτουν τη Λησμονία: Τη χώρα όπου μπορεί κανείς να βρει ό,τι έχει ξεχάσει. Και δεν είναι μόνο οι αγαπημένες αναμνήσεις της γιαγιάς που μαζεύουν εκεί οι Φύλακες των Αναμνήσεων. Ο καθένας έχει τη δική του Λησμονία, ακόμα και η Αμέλια…" διαβάζουμε στην περίληψη του οπισθοφύλλου καί αντιλαμβανόμαστε πως μέσα στις σελίδες του οι μικροί/ες αναγνώστες/στριες θα βρούν μία όμορφη,μαγική ιστορία για την απώλεια της μνήμης.
Η συγγραφέας με προσοχή καί ευαισθησία προσεγγίζει αυτό το θέμα με σκοπό να ψυχαγωγήσει καί να διδάξει τα μικρά παιδιά με καμία πρόθεση να τα τρομάξει. Αντιθέτως,θεωρώ πως μικροί καί μεγάλοι θα απολαύσουν το βιβλίο καί θα καταλάβουν το πόσο ευγνώμονες θα πρέπει να είναι για όλες τις καλές στιγμές που ζούνε καί τους αγαπημένους ανθρώπους που έχουν δίπλα τους. Ο λόγος της είναι οικείος κι άκρως κατανοητός. Άφθονο λεξιλόγιο καί σύντομες προτάσεις τον ενισχύουν καθιστώντας το βιβλίο καλογραμμένο κι ευκολοδιάβαστο. Εμένα μου άρεσε πολύ καί σας το προτείνω με σιγουριά.
Καλές σας αναγνώσεις!
September 11, 2022
Every now and then, we forget something. Everyone does it. Some people are more forgetful than others. But, have you ever wondered what happens when something? Well, let's take a look at the Forgettery!
Amelia and her grandmother wander into the woods and lose track of time. Worse still, they forget the way home! As they walk deeper into the forest, they find The Forgettery, a place where everything goes that you forget. Each person has a room, and how it is, depends on the number of things that you have forgotten.
Amelia and her Granny wander through their rooms, looking at all the memories of the past. Granny enjoys her time inspecting her old memories. While Amelia's room is much smaller, there were still fun things to find.
My Review of The Forgettery
Oh my goodness! What an adorable book! I enjoyed reading through this one, and the fun little story. The illustrations are well done, and the story flows easily, sure to keep kids engaged from start to finish.
This beautiful book gives children a way to learn about dementia and memory loss. While it is sometimes easy to forget things, some are upset when everyday memories and items are forgotten.
I highly recommend this amazing little book! You are going to love the images, the story, and the overall message contained within. One of the sweetest books I have read this year.
Amelia and her grandmother wander into the woods and lose track of time. Worse still, they forget the way home! As they walk deeper into the forest, they find The Forgettery, a place where everything goes that you forget. Each person has a room, and how it is, depends on the number of things that you have forgotten.
Amelia and her Granny wander through their rooms, looking at all the memories of the past. Granny enjoys her time inspecting her old memories. While Amelia's room is much smaller, there were still fun things to find.
My Review of The Forgettery
Oh my goodness! What an adorable book! I enjoyed reading through this one, and the fun little story. The illustrations are well done, and the story flows easily, sure to keep kids engaged from start to finish.
This beautiful book gives children a way to learn about dementia and memory loss. While it is sometimes easy to forget things, some are upset when everyday memories and items are forgotten.
I highly recommend this amazing little book! You are going to love the images, the story, and the overall message contained within. One of the sweetest books I have read this year.
April 2, 2022
Dementia is pretty terrifying for everyone involved. I can see how it's especially unnerving for kids since they don't understand what's happening, and the grown-ups around them might not do the best job explaining (especially if the grown-ups are having strong feelings, too). "The Forgettery" would be a wonderful way to break the ice with kids, allowing them to discuss memory loss in a way that is charming and straightforward rather than scary.
"The Forgettery" is also a great read on its own. Even people without dementia forget things on a regular basis. (Where are my keys?? Where'd I put my phone?) The kid in the story has a room of forgotten things, after all.
I also love that it's an actionable story. The characters make a memory book, and there's a little "recipe" for making memories. Readers who feel helpless in the face of dementia might be inspired to do something instead of just worrying.
"The Forgettery" is also a great read on its own. Even people without dementia forget things on a regular basis. (Where are my keys?? Where'd I put my phone?) The kid in the story has a room of forgotten things, after all.
I also love that it's an actionable story. The characters make a memory book, and there's a little "recipe" for making memories. Readers who feel helpless in the face of dementia might be inspired to do something instead of just worrying.
August 13, 2023
Sweet and poignant. An imaginative magical adventure and gentle reminder that we all forget things. Amelia sometime forgets to say please and thank you. Her granny forgets to water the plants and to close the front door. Granny is very forgetful, but Amelia leaves sticky-note reminders for Granny all over the house. Then one day while they are out walking in the woods, they discover The Forgettery and have a wonderful time reliving precious memories.
I loved the spread with the Memory Making Advice.
I loved the spread with the Memory Making Advice.
September 6, 2023
"The Forgettery" is a heartfelt picture book about an elderly woman and her granddaughter who stumble upon a magical place during a walk in the forest. This place, named "The Forgettery," houses memories of all types and kinds, and each character enjoys sifting through moments from the past.
This story would most likely resonate with intermediate youth audiences and pairs nicely with "In a Jar" by Deborah Marcero.
Publication Date: 2022
Format: Picture book
Elements: Detailed illustrations with blocks of text
Connection/Topics: Family, memories
This story would most likely resonate with intermediate youth audiences and pairs nicely with "In a Jar" by Deborah Marcero.
Publication Date: 2022
Format: Picture book
Elements: Detailed illustrations with blocks of text
Connection/Topics: Family, memories
August 7, 2025
This is the story of a little girl in her forgetful grandmother who possibly suffers from some form of dementia. Amelia and her granny travel to a place that reminds them of their forgotten memories. When they return home, Amelia begins to save the memories in a book to help granny remember. But she finds that the most important memory is that her granny loves her. This is a sweet book for children who have a grandparent that may be struggling with dementia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2021
Φύλακες των Αναμνήσεων φυλάνε ό,τι έχει χαθεί , η μικρή Αμέλια με τη γιαγιά της ανακαλύπτουν την χώρα τούτη των χαμένων αναμνήσεων.
Ένα βιβλίο γεμάτο, ζεστασιά και χιούμορ, ευαισθησία, που πραγματεύεται το πώς θυμόμαστε και πώς διατηρούμε τις πιο έντονες και πολύτιμες αναμνήσεις μας, που στρέφει με κατανόηση το βλέμμα στο θέμα της άνοιας και της απώλειας της μνήμης ... Καλογραμμένο και με υπέροχη εικονογράφηση για πρώτες ύλες , κυκλοφορεί στην Ελλάδα από τις εκδόσεις Μεταίχμιο.
Ένα βιβλίο γεμάτο, ζεστασιά και χιούμορ, ευαισθησία, που πραγματεύεται το πώς θυμόμαστε και πώς διατηρούμε τις πιο έντονες και πολύτιμες αναμνήσεις μας, που στρέφει με κατανόηση το βλέμμα στο θέμα της άνοιας και της απώλειας της μνήμης ... Καλογραμμένο και με υπέροχη εικονογράφηση για πρώτες ύλες , κυκλοφορεί στην Ελλάδα από τις εκδόσεις Μεταίχμιο.
September 9, 2022
A charming and delightful story about experiencing memory loss. This one was just so sweet and honestly really heartfelt. It explores memory loss and how we forget things. the artwork was cute and I would definitely recommend it for younger readers.
October 24, 2022
This was a wonderful kids book that was a joy to read with my kids. They loved the artwork and the story and we ended up reading it three times tonight. It was a wonderful story to read time and time again. It was a beautiful and heartfelt way to explain a horrible illness.
February 28, 2023
When your grandmother has a knack for forgetting things, it only makes sense to go to the place where all of her precious memories are safely harbored. This book is very moving and emotional and anyone whose grandparent is going through dementia or Alzheimer's will surely relate.
April 29, 2021
nereāli mīļi
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September 16, 2022Such a sweet story.
September 30, 2022
I loved this strength-based approach to exploring dementia, and I loved how Amelia could relate to Granny forgetting things. Because she forgets things too!
November 7, 2022
Oh my word, this one tugs at the heartstrings. This would be a great way to introduce the effects Dementia may have on a grandparent to a child as it is told in such a sweet, gentle way.
February 15, 2023
this was so cute!! the art style is lovely and so evocative of the ideas the story is putting forth.
4/5 stars
4/5 stars
April 24, 2024
What a lovely concept! Heartbreaking for those of us who have had family members with Alzheimer's, brain injuries, or other forms of memory loss.
January 21, 2025
This is completely gorgeous.
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September 2, 2024• Wholesome and adventurous storyline
• Gorgeously bright illustrations
• Overall great read
• Gorgeously bright illustrations
• Overall great read
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews