picture books for those with dementia

I started this list on behalf of Lynn's request, from the Fiction_L mailing list:

"I'm looking for suggestions of picture books to read to someone who is in the latter stages of dementia.

Qualities that seem to appeal are:

-a simple, straightforward storyline (not abstract metaphor or literary devices)
-simple and straightforward sentences
-a little humor
-not a lot of text
-a familiar story (folktale or fairytales)
-a story that depicts aspects of daily life (cooking, sewing, farming, animals, gardening, taking care of a child or someone who is ill)
-beautiful illustrations are a plus (pictures that you can dwell on and talk about)

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Lynn Palmer
Reference Librarian
Davenport Public Library - "Imagine the Possibilities"

I have also decided to allow media that are not picture-books, so long as I decide they fit. Please, go ahead and add picture books that you're confident belong on the list, and please PM me if you want to add anything else (or suggest it in the comments).

There are more ideas in the comments, so I recommend you read them.
I also have been informed of this list: http://libguides.davenportlibrary.com...

See also this Group discussion: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

flag

All Votes Add Books To This List

1	Dog Shaming by Pascale Lemire (Goodreads Author) really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 1,555 ratings score: 200, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
1	Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox 4.42 avg rating — 8,758 ratings score: 200, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
3	Colors: An Activity Book for Seniors with Dementia, Alzheimer's Patients and Other Memory Loss Conditions \| Picture Book by Shadowbox Press 3.50 avg rating — 2 ratings score: 189, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
4	Flowers: A Collection of Floral Photography and Proverbial Wisdom by Matthew Schneider (Goodreads Author) 3.67 avg rating — 3 ratings score: 187, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
5	Through the Seasons: An Activity Book for Memory-Challenged Adults and Caregivers (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book) by Cynthia R. Green 3.25 avg rating — 12 ratings score: 185, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
6	City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems 4.18 avg rating — 7,973 ratings score: 183, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
7	Instructions by Neil Gaiman (Goodreads Author) 4.28 avg rating — 7,255 ratings score: 182, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
8	Sunshine by Jan Ormerod (Illustrator) 4.12 avg rating — 172 ratings score: 179, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
8	Lizzie Nonsense by Jan Ormerod 3.76 avg rating — 123 ratings score: 179, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
10	The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant 4.22 avg rating — 16,165 ratings score: 172, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
11	All in a Day by Cynthia Rylant 3.93 avg rating — 932 ratings score: 170, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
12	Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco 4.54 avg rating — 17,343 ratings score: 160, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
13	Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco 4.43 avg rating — 5,636 ratings score: 157, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
14	I Spy: An Alphabet in Art (Mulberry Paperback Book) by Lucy Micklethwait 4.15 avg rating — 265 ratings score: 146, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
15	Simple Pleasures for Special Seniors: Fruits by Dan Koffman liked it 3.00 avg rating — 1 rating score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
15	A Dusting of Snow : Books for Dementia Patients by Emma Rose Sparrow 3.89 avg rating — 9 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
15	Around the Corner by Bernadette Smallwood 4.75 avg rating — 4 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
15	Grandma by Jessica Shepherd (Goodreads Author) 4.07 avg rating — 91 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
15	I Remember the Seasons by Brenda C. Poulos (Goodreads Author) it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 1 rating score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
15	Inessential Things: Poems and Pictures by Helen Bate really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 1 rating score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
15	Birds by Kevin Henkes 3.96 avg rating — 2,337 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
15	Emma by Barbara Cooney 4.34 avg rating — 155 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
23	Simple Pleasures for Special Seniors: Hand Tools by Dan Koffman liked it 3.00 avg rating — 1 rating score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
23	The Sandy Shoreline: Books for Dementia Patients by Emma Rose Sparrow 3.75 avg rating — 12 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
25	Simple Pleasures for Special Seniors: Fun Foods by Dan Koffman 0.00 avg rating — 0 ratings score: 98, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
25	What the Wind Showed to Me: Books for Dementia Patients by Emma Rose Sparrow 3.67 avg rating — 12 ratings score: 98, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
27	Blue Sky, White Clouds by Eliezer Sobel (Goodreads Author) 3.73 avg rating — 11 ratings score: 97, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
28	The Sunshine on My Face: A Read-Aloud Book for Memory-Challenged Adults by Lydia Burdick (Goodreads Author) 3.69 avg rating — 16 ratings score: 96, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
29	Wishing on a Star (Two-Lap Books) by Lydia Burdick (Goodreads Author) did not like it 1.00 avg rating — 1 rating score: 95, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
30	Happy New Year to You!: A Read-Aloud Book for Memory-Challenged Adults by Lydia Burdick (Goodreads Author) really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 1 rating score: 94, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
31	Dogs and Puppies: Heartwarming Stories of Man's Best Friend by Shadowbox Press it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 2 ratings score: 93, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
32	Fun and Games: Childhood Reflections on Sports and Leisure by Matthew Schneider (Goodreads Author) really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 1 rating score: 91, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
33	Wild Animals: A Collection of Photographs and Facts from the Animal Kingdom by Matthew Schneider (Goodreads Author) it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 1 rating score: 90, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
34	America: Scenic Wonders and Remarkable Sites that Celebrate the Spirit of a Nation by Matthew Schneider (Goodreads Author) really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 2 ratings score: 87, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
35	Tarra & Bella: The Elephant and Dog Who Became Best Friends by Carol Buckley 4.33 avg rating — 649 ratings score: 85, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
36	Saltypie: A Choctaw Journey from Darkness into Light by Tim Tingle 4.06 avg rating — 283 ratings score: 83, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
37	Moonlight by Jan Ormerod (Illustrator) 3.96 avg rating — 107 ratings score: 79, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
38	101 Things to Do with a Baby by Jan Ormerod 3.91 avg rating — 110 ratings score: 78, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
39	Passing the Music Down by Sarah Sullivan (Goodreads Author) 4.15 avg rating — 152 ratings score: 77, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
40	The Storm by Marc Harshman 4.09 avg rating — 54 ratings score: 76, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
41	Rocks in My Pockets by Marc Harshman 4.47 avg rating — 38 ratings score: 75, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
42	Scarecrow by Cynthia Rylant 3.74 avg rating — 508 ratings score: 72, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
43	Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy by Carl R. Sams II 4.24 avg rating — 1,337 ratings score: 71, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
44	Find My Friends by Carl R. Sams II 3.47 avg rating — 30 ratings score: 70, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
45	Winter Friends by Carl R. Sams 3.80 avg rating — 100 ratings score: 69, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
46	Lost In The Woods: A Photographic Fantasy by Carl R. Sams 4.35 avg rating — 416 ratings score: 68, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
47	Tea With Lady Sapphire: Sharing the Love of Birds by Carl R. Sams II 4.44 avg rating — 55 ratings score: 67, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
48	When Snowflakes Fall by II Sams, Carl R. 3.88 avg rating — 33 ratings score: 66, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
49	Images of the Wild: Photography and Stories by Carl R. Sams II 4.67 avg rating — 9 ratings score: 65, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
50	Happy Bird Day! by Carl R. Sams II 4.67 avg rating — 6 ratings score: 64, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
51	The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco 4.40 avg rating — 9,021 ratings score: 62, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
52	My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother by Patricia Polacco 4.28 avg rating — 3,695 ratings score: 60, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
53	The Junkyard Wonders by Patricia Polacco 4.57 avg rating — 2,496 ratings score: 59, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
54	Babushka's Doll by Patricia Polacco 4.19 avg rating — 1,741 ratings score: 58, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
55	Mr. Lincoln's Way by Patricia Polacco 4.41 avg rating — 1,449 ratings score: 57, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
56	Ginger and Petunia by Patricia Polacco 3.89 avg rating — 396 ratings score: 56, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
57	January's Sparrow by Patricia Polacco 4.46 avg rating — 721 ratings score: 55, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
58	The Art of Miss Chew by Patricia Polacco 4.43 avg rating — 783 ratings score: 54, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
59	P is for Puffin: A Newfoundland and Labrador Alphabet by Janet Skirving 4.09 avg rating — 22 ratings score: 53, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
60	H is for Home Run: A Baseball Alphabet by Brad Herzog (Goodreads Author) 3.91 avg rating — 89 ratings score: 52, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
61	I Spy: A Book of Picture Riddles by Walter Wick (Photographer) 4.34 avg rating — 2,669 ratings score: 51, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
62	I Spy Funny Teeth by Jean Marzollo 4.07 avg rating — 85 ratings score: 49, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
63	Stink Soup by Jill Esbaum 3.55 avg rating — 22 ratings score: 48, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
64	Song For Lena, A by Leslie Baker (Illustrator) 4.08 avg rating — 25 ratings score: 47, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
65	My Mountain Song by Shutta Crum (Goodreads Author) 3.86 avg rating — 35 ratings score: 46, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
66	Hannah's Bookmobile Christmas by Sally Derby (Goodreads Author) 3.70 avg rating — 73 ratings score: 45, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
67	Sarah Gives Thanks: How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday by Mike Allegra (Goodreads Author) 4.13 avg rating — 334 ratings score: 44, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
68	My Dear Noel: The Story of a Letter From Beatrix Potter by Jane Johnson 4.11 avg rating — 61 ratings score: 43, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
69	Boxes for Katje by Candace Fleming (Goodreads Author) 4.51 avg rating — 1,391 ratings score: 42, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
70	Signed, Abiah Rose by Diane Browning 3.83 avg rating — 41 ratings score: 41, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
71	Old Home Day by Donald Hall 3.70 avg rating — 23 ratings score: 40, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
72	The Greatest Skating Race: A World War II Story from the Netherlands by Louise Borden 4.13 avg rating — 319 ratings score: 39, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
73	The Matchbox Diary by Paul Fleischman 4.25 avg rating — 2,497 ratings score: 38, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
74	Applesauce Season by Eden Ross Lipson 3.86 avg rating — 300 ratings score: 37, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
75	Amish Horses by Richard Ammon 3.22 avg rating — 36 ratings score: 36, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
76	Rebekkah's Journey: A World War II Refugee Story by Ann E. Burg (Goodreads Author) 3.92 avg rating — 62 ratings score: 35, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
77	The A+ Custodian by Louise Borden 4.02 avg rating — 42 ratings score: 34, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
78	When Jessie Came Across the Sea by Amy Hest 4.34 avg rating — 1,227 ratings score: 33, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
79	Mary's Penny by Tanya Landman (Illustrator) 3.98 avg rating — 111 ratings score: 32, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
80	Tarra and Bella by Carol Buckley 4.33 avg rating — 649 ratings score: 31, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
81	Spring Thaw by Steven Schnur 3.76 avg rating — 80 ratings score: 30, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
82	Blizzard by John Rocco 4.27 avg rating — 2,357 ratings score: 29, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
83	The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski 4.45 avg rating — 11,467 ratings score: 28, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
84	A Christmas Story by Brian Wildsmith 3.80 avg rating — 122 ratings score: 27, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
85	Klara's New World by Jeanette Winter 3.83 avg rating — 18 ratings score: 26, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
86	Hannah's Way by Linda Glaser 4.17 avg rating — 122 ratings score: 25, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
87	Molly's Pilgrim by Barbara Cohen 4.08 avg rating — 1,170 ratings score: 24, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
88	Come a Tide by George Ella Lyon 3.88 avg rating — 113 ratings score: 23, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
89	Nora's Ark by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock 4.02 avg rating — 111 ratings score: 22, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
90	The Miracle Jar: A Hanukkah Story by Audrey Penn (Goodreads Author) 4.06 avg rating — 87 ratings score: 21, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
91	Apple Pie 4th Of July by Janet S. Wong 3.76 avg rating — 586 ratings score: 20, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
92	Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton 4.31 avg rating — 1,090 ratings score: 19, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

92 books · 16 voters · list created August 6th, 2013 by Cheryl (votes) .

Tags: aging, alzheimer-s, bed-ridden, bibliotherapy, brain-damage, brain-injury, dementia, disability, grandfather, grandmother, grandparent, medical, medicine, memories, memory, memory-challenged, mental-illness, nostalgia, nursing-home, old, psychology, senility, senior, seniors, stroke, therapy

Lists are re-scored approximately every 5 minutes.

People Who Voted On This List (16)

Cheryl 16629 books
345 friends

Alisa 3 books
1 friend

Julieenuiuc.Edu 1 book
0 friends

Catherine 1942 books
8 friends

Dette 0 books
11 friends

Michelle 2411 books
869 friends

Tracy 56 books
18 friends

Laura 0 books
0 friends

More voters…

Post a comment »
Comments Showing 1-25 of 25 (25 new)

date

newest »

message 1: by Kat (new)

Aug 12, 2013 11:56AM

My Mom suffered from Alzheimer's. I got a picture book from an alphabet series about her native Newfoundland. It was called P is for Puffin: a Newfoundland and Labrador Alphabet. She enjoyed hearing about her native country and even remembered some of the things mentioned in the book. There are many different titles in this series such as: M is for Melody: a Music Alphabet or H is for Home Run: a Baseball Alphabet.

reply | flag

message 2: by Cheryl (new)

Aug 12, 2013 01:02PM

I'll add a couple of them, thanks!

reply | flag

message 3: by Jen (new)

Apr 16, 2014 09:40AM

Thank you for this list!

reply | flag

message 4: by Kat (new)

Apr 16, 2014 10:47AM

Why not use some of the book/CD songbook sets that are out there? Some suggestions: Ringo's new Octopus's Garden; Sunshine On My Shoulders, John Denver; Puff the Magic Dragon, Peter Yarrow. There are many. Also, find picture books and get the recordings: Summertime from Porgy and Bess, George Gershwin; What a Wonderful World, George David Weiss and Bob Thiele; Over the Rainbow (there's a book/CD of this one sung by Joni Mitchell I believe. Maybe the original by Judy Garland would be more apropos for seniors. The illustrations in this one are very modern!)

reply | flag

message 5: by Kat (new)

Apr 16, 2014 10:49AM

One more comment: this truly is a great list. Thank you so much for compiling!

reply | flag

message 6: by Cheryl (new)

Jul 22, 2014 07:19AM

You're welcome. I hope ppl who need more ideas see your commented suggestions - they look apt, too.

reply | flag

message 7: by Cheryl (new)

Jul 28, 2015 07:32PM

I've heard that music does really ease the confusion and distress of people w/ Alzheimer's. Familiar favorites seem to be most effective at opening a window of lucidity.

reply | flag

message 8: by Cheryl (new)

Dec 12, 2015 02:25PM

I've been informed that some challenged readers like the I Spy books, so I added some titles that seemed especially likely to jog the nostalgic memories, or funny-bones, of seniors.

reply | flag

message 9: by Kat (new)

Dec 12, 2015 04:24PM

This is a great idea! Thanks for passing it on.

reply | flag

message 10: by Cheryl (new)

Dec 12, 2015 06:19PM

Everyone, please spread the word; I'm sure there are people who need these suggestions, and more books that should be listed!

Remember, it's not just seniors - young men who fell off their motorcycle may have entirely different interests, but still enjoy, perhaps even benefit, from books similar to these.

reply | flag

message 11: by Cheryl (new)

Dec 20, 2015 07:58AM

Just about anything by Patricia Polacco or Cynthia Rylant would work, I'm sure. Don't forget the two series about adults by the latter, including: Mr. Putter & Tabby Pick the Pears and Poppleton.

I also imagine that any book about celebrating a holiday would help the audience remember their own family traditions and loved ones, and give them joy remembering and talking about same. Consider not just Christmas and Thanksgiving, but also Rosh Hashanah, Easter, Day of the Dead, etc.

reply | flag

message 12: by Dette (new)

Apr 14, 2016 03:27PM

Around the Corner

This is a beautiful book about love and relationships. Written as a series of vignettes with illustrations, the key themes are love, relationships, ageing, dementia and aged care.

reply | flag

message 13: by N.A. (new)

May 16, 2016 08:27AM

Darren Scanlon has written a number of children's stories in delightful poetry which I think with the rhythm and illustrations would be a fun read. I enjoy them!

reply | flag

message 14: by K. (new)

May 16, 2016 02:49PM

Lexa Harpell has at least one book published specifically for Alzheimers and dementia sufferers. "To Mum: Gifts of the Soul" was written for her own mother, who suffered with Alzheimers, and I know she was working on another one with the same theme for her father.

reply | flag

message 15: by Katie (new)

May 12, 2018 10:47AM

Thank you so much for this list! It was so helpful in collecting some books for a library patron and her husband with dementia. They were so happy to have some good books on a rainy day!

reply | flag

message 16: by Cheryl (new)

May 27, 2018 10:15AM

Oh, thank you for letting me know that it helped someone!

reply | flag

message 17: by Lisa (new)

Jan 21, 2019 07:23PM

Hello Lynn, I've added Inessential Things from Pictures to Share in the UK, and have commented in my review about my experience of using it with my father. If you are still on the lookout for books specifically designed with the criteria you have outlined, visit https://picturestoshare.co.uk/pages/info for more information. I can't recommend them highly enough.

reply | flag

message 18: by Cheryl (new)

Sep 25, 2019 09:22AM

Not a picture book, but possibly of value to some users of this list: Creating Moments of Joy for the Person with Alzheimer's or Dementia: A Journal for Caregivers.

reply | flag

message 19: by Anita (new)

Jun 18, 2020 06:14PM

I read the book Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton (Author), Judith Sutton (Illustrator), to residents in the Memory Care Unit where I work. It really sparked a conversation about a quilt one gentleman's mother made.

reply | flag

message 20: by Cheryl (new)

Jun 20, 2020 06:33AM

Fantastic, thank very much for sharing. Adding now!

reply | flag

message 21: by Cheryl (new)

Jan 09, 2021 11:37AM

Not for the memory-challenged persons themselves, but for their families: The Remember Balloons.

reply | flag

message 22: by Kel (new)

Sep 01, 2022 08:35AM

Not a picture book, but nice to listen to nonetheless: Nothing Much Happens: Cozy and Calming Stories to Soothe Your Mind and Help You Sleep

reply | flag

message 23: by Cheryl (new)

Sep 01, 2022 02:06PM

Kel wrote: "Not a picture book, but nice to listen to nonetheless: Nothing Much Happens: Cozy and Calming Stories to Soothe Your Mind and Help You Sleep"

That sounds very interesting... I've added it to *my* lists!

reply | flag

message 24: by Cheryl (last edited Mar 11, 2023 07:09PM) (new)

Mar 11, 2023 07:08PM

Removed some for not being picture-books, and others for being for the caregiver, not the patient. If you feel you must mention these, please do so in the comments here.

reply | flag

message 25: by Cheryl (new)

Apr 21, 2023 06:37PM

A discussion about titles for Alzheimer's patients is being held in the Children's Books group. You can read w/no obligation, or join the group to share in the discussion (and we'd love to have you!).
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

reply | flag