8 Books That Offer Comfort When A Grandparent Has Dementia
When someone you love starts to forget things, it can feel confusing and sad - especially for kids. It can be hard to cope with the changes that their loved one is experiencing and to know the best way to relate to them.
These 8 picture books about grandparents with dementia and memory loss bring tenderness and understanding to a topic that can feel overwhelming and show kids that while memories may fade, love endures.
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a doll for grandma by paulette bochnig sharkey
Recommended Grades: K to 2
Kiera has always had so much fun with her grandma, but now her grandma forgets a lot of things and is in a memory-care home. Kiera’s grandma has changed a lot and Kiera misses what her grandma used to be like. Then, Kiera gets an idea to give her grandma a doll just like the one she has. This brings so much joy to her grandma and allows Kiera and her grandma to enjoy more fun times together.
what a beautiful morning by arthur levine
Recommended Grades: K to 3
Noah and his grandpa shared special memories together each summer. This summer, however, things were different. Grandpa didn’t remember their routines, and was confused about simple things. Grandma explained to Noah that his grandpa had trouble remembering things, but she encouraged Noah to focus on the good. Although he has a hard time with this at first, he’s able to still have fun with grandpa and accept the new normal.
finding grandma’s memories by jiyeon pak
Recommended Grades: K to 3
The little girl in this story has always loved having tea with her grandma. During tea time, the girl tells her grandma about her day, and the grandma shares memories from her past. Over time, the grandma begins to lose her memory and becomes more and more confused. One day, when looking at old photos with her grandma, the girl gets an idea of how to help her grandma. This is a great story of how kids can show patience and kindness to those who might be struggling.
the remember balloons by jessie oliveros
Recommended Grades: K to 3
The boy in this story loves sharing his memory balloons with his grandpa. Over time, though, his grandpa isn’t able to remember the stories in his balloons. This is a touching story about a boy, as his grandpa begins to lose his memory.
grandma by jessica shepherd
Recommended Grades: 1 to 3
In this book, readers get to hear about Oscar’s experience with a grandma who is experiencing memory loss and moves into a care facility. He shares what it’s like to visit her, the ups and downs she experiences, and of course - how their love for each other never ends.
coffee, rabbit, snowdrop, lost by Betina Birkjær
Recommended Grades: 1 to 3
Stump loves doing crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and more with her grandpa. One day, Stump notices that her grandpa isn’t able to remember the words he used to know. He loses interest in his hobbies and becomes difficult for Stump’s grandma to take care of. Stump helps as much as she can and spends time trying to collect the Latin words that her grandpa has forgotten. The story ends with a wonderful celebration for her grandpa, that serves as a way to acknowledge his past as well as who he is now.
grandma, it’s me by y.y. chan
Recommended Grades: 1 to 4
Riley’s grandma has dementia and when her grandma and grandpa move in with Riley’s family, she helps take care of them. During this time, Riley experiences some of the frustrations that come with caring for someone with dementia, but she also finds joy in spending time with her grandma and doing things that help her grandma feel happy and at peace. This is a great book to help kids understand some of the experiences they might have with a family member who has dementia.
the tide by clare helen welsh
Recommended Grades: 1 to 4
The girl in this book has a grandpa who sometimes forgets things. Her mom explains that her grandpa’s memories are like the tide - sometimes very close and sometimes further away. The girl learns to embrace the times when his memories are close, and to show kindness and patience when they are far.
Coping with the changes that dementia and memory loss brings can be difficult. My hope is that these books can help kids talk about difficult topics with empathy, understanding, and hope.
