Grandma Forgets
Reviewed By Janet Mawdesley September 9, 2017
Author Paul Russell & Nicky Johnston
Distributor: EK Books/Exile Publishing
ISBN: 9781925335477
Publisher: Exile Publishing/EK Books
Release Date: September 2017
Website: https://ekbooks.org
FaceBook:
YouTube:
Instagram:
X formally Twitter:
In Australia during the month of September there is an additional focus on Dementia, a condition which strikes families indiscriminately with changes that are far reaching and can, for all members of the families involved, be terribly difficult to accept.
Paul Russell has, along with the wonderful illustrations by Nicky Johnson, woven a story about a little girl and her Grandmother who, one day, can’t remember her name, offering a fresh look at this debilitating condition and reminding us all, that while beloved family members may not remember your name, they should always know they are cared about and loved.
As the little girl has grown up she has spent a lot of fun times with her Grandma; fun times that have been created into great memories and funny stories to tell and remember: things like travelling to the beach in Grandmas bright blue car, always being told you look lovely, even when you looked a mess, a car of old ladies, including Grandma, going to bingo and having fun; There are so many memories in the little girls mind, so many wonderful memories stored away.
Somehow, it does not seem to matter that Grandma can’t always remember her name, can’t always remember the fun times and now has to live in a small room with a comfortable chair. Even though Grandma forgets the rules of the game, she always smiles and claps along. She is still Grandma.
Sometimes Dad is sad but holds onto all the many memories for them both. The little girl and her family now begin to make some new memories for them all and each time they see Grandma, the little girl always tells her that she loves her and it does not matter that she, Grandma, does forget.
As this is a story that is both poignant and educational, it is perhaps best read together, with the various issues that will definitely arise being discussed as they relate to the family unit.
Beautifully and sensitively written with a great depth of understanding, this book should become an essential part of any reading material required for families when confronted with this issue and would also be a helpful tool, when used in the wider children’s community, to raise awareness of mental health issues.
For others working in the industry of Health Care this is a book that could be included or offered to families who are beginning to care for a family member who is slowly slipping into dementia.