The Memory Book: A reassuring story about understanding dementia

by Louise Gooding

"A helpful book for families affected by dementia." - CARERS UK

I love visiting my grandma. We read together, play her piano, feed the birds in the garden and we love looking through her big box of photos . . .

But when Grandma starts to forget who the people in the photographs are, Mum explains that Grandma is living with something called dementia. She says, "Grandma is still the person we know and love, she's just a little different now . . . "

A reassuring story about the love between a little girl and her grandma, with practical information to help young children understand dementia and the changes it can bring.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published February 2, 2023

Reviews

[Louise Gooding · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, as the author, I will of course be somewhat bias about my review of this book 🤣 BUT maybe you’ll enjoy reading a little more of the ‘behind the scenes’ of its creation.
The first time I ever sat down to write was after my Grandma passed away from dementia. I hadn’t found many children’s books that looked at this theme and with children of my own, I found it a real shame.
“Why does Grandma keep forgetting our names?”
“Why is she repeating herself and asking questions we’ve just answered?”
I answered their questions as best I could through research and kept my kids informed about the changes dementia brings to a person life, and to those around them. I didn’t know at that time I had a story in me, only a few years later did I think about how if there weren’t any books i could find on the market, i should try and write my own.
The illustrator, Erica Meza has done a fantastic job, highlighting all the important details, messages, feelings and more, she’s really brought the story to life ❤️
A fun fact to know about the book, is that most the photos in ‘Grandma’s photo box’ are inspired by real photos of my own Grandma, and of Erica’s Grandparents, a lot of heart has gone in to this book and I hope, if you do give it a read, you enjoy it and find the back matter information on talking about dementia with a child, helpful.
Happy reading!

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poignant yet uplifting and age-appropriate story about dementia. Beautifully written and illustrated.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely wonderful and beautifully illustrated book! An accessible, sensitive, and tender story, The Memory Book portrays a girl whose grandmother suffers dementia—all very confusing to her. There's more to The Memory Book than a well-told story—there's material explaining what dementia is, a page dedicated to "looking after you" for those impacted by having a family member or friend living with with dementia, and "doable" ways to help. Lovely.

The best part about this book—every visitor to my house, including adults, picks it up to flip through the pages and ends up engrossed, reading it cover-to-cover! It's a children's book at gives to the whole family. Louise Gooding is doing a service to story and community. Brilliant.

This book is by the same author of Just Like Me—another winner for the entire family! Check it out!

[Lisa Schwander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and illustrated, a must-read for both children and adults.

[Vania · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/★★★★★