My Top 5 Children Storybooks About Alzheimer's

Have you ever wanted to find a book on Alzheimer's for children? Has locating books on the subject been a challenge? Do you need help finding resources? I am confident I can assist you.

You will find children's books galore when you enter a bookstore or library. Given the audience, there are plenty of books on many subjects. But, sometimes, a storybook about Alzheimer's is only a few.

Teachers love to share

As a former early childhood and elementary classroom teacher and as a caregiver to my father, who passed from Alzheimer's disease, I have stories about Alzheimer's in my collection. It has always been a passion of mine to share with my school librarian, teaching colleagues, students, and families to lend insight on topics close to my heart and those of others who bring awareness to their situation.

Through my work as an educator, a volunteer with school districts in my community, and a program supervisor to teacher interns, I am proud to share all I can about books related to Alzheimer's.

My 5 top-rated storybooks about Alzheimer's for children

My storybook suggestions are snippets of everyday people's life journeys and experiences living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer's.

My reviews are detailed and offer insight into the content of each storybook. From my selections, I encourage you to read my reviews and decide if my book suggestion is appropriate for your needs. My book choices are available for purchase on the internet, and some are read aloud by the author using a Google search.

My list includes options that can continue to grow with your suggestions, which can be shared with your friends and family, community, and beyond.

1. Grandma and Me: A Kid's Guide for Alzheimer's and Dementia

Written by Beatrice Tauber Prior, Psy.D., and Mary Ann Drummond, RN, and illustrated by Julia Walther.

Grandma and Me is a story about a grandmother and granddaughter who share a deep love and connection through sharing stories. They enjoy walks and discovering things in nature.

During their time together, the granddaughter notices her grandmother becoming forgetful, confused, and unwell. Grandma now prefers to sit by the window and not talk. The granddaughter discusses grandma's changes with her parents. They explained that her grandmother had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

One day, the granddaughter attends a medical appointment with her grandmother. The nurse explained more about Alzheimer's and introduced music therapy to help her grandmother feel happy. Grandma is receptive to her granddaughters' singing; they both radiate joy as they sing together.

The watercolor illustrations in this picture book are beautiful and depict a grandmother's special relationship with her grandchild, which is lovingly filled with care and affection on each page.

2. Harry Helps Grandpa Remember

Written by Karen Tyrell and illustrated by Aaron Pocock.

This story is about a special bond between a grandfather and a grandson. Harry, the grandson, lives on a farm, and his grandfather lives nearby. Grandpa visits Harry daily.

Over time, Harry notices that grandpa prefers to sit in his rocking chair and is not interested in playing or visiting the farm. He observes how grandpa needs reminders.

Harry wants to help his Grandfather remember, so he creates a diary that lists things he can do to help on the farm. Harry learns from his grandmother that his grandfather likes to listen to music.

Harry helps his grandfather remember by playing grandpa's favorite songs. Grandpa taps his foot to the beat.

The author's choice of words introduces children to how to approach a loved one with Alzheimer's and how they can support a loved one. The colorful and playful illustrations showcase how a family works together to provide care and support to those they cherish.

3. Please Explain "Alzheimer's Disease" to Me: A Children's Story and Parent Handbook About Dementia

Written by Laurie Zilinger, PH.D., and illustrated by Bijan Samaddar.

What I appreciate about this story is that it shares the loving relationship between a grandson and a grandmother who has Alzheimer's. The book also has a content page with topics like, a Parent/Caregiver Handbook, Tips for Families With Loved Ones with Alzheimer's, and Questions and Answers.

At a family gathering, grandson Seth and his cousin Shepard notice that Grandma loves to cook but gets things mixed up. One day, Harry and Shepard hear a ring, ring, coming from grandma's refrigerator. Did Grandma place the phone in there?

As Seth notices more changes in his grandmother's behavior, he talks with his mother about his concerns. She explains that grandma's brain is changing because of a disease called Alzheimer's. As Seth learns more about the disease, he plays word games with grandma and reads her books.

This book shares thoughtful illustrations and ways to discuss Alzheimer's with children in grades 3 to 6. The strategies and tips at the end will benefit all who read this rich and resourceful storybook.

4. Aunt Rita: An Alzheimer's Story for Young Children

Written by KJ Cronan and illustrated by Casey Cronan.

Harry adores his Aunt Rita, and enjoys adventures with her. However, Harry notices that Aunt Rita is becoming forgetful and misplacing things. Eventually, Harry learns that Aunt Rita has Alzheimer's disease and will not get better.

Harry and his family stay in close touch with Aunt Rita. With the help of his family, Harry continues to be present in his aunt's life and provides her with love, care, and support. Harry's goal is to recall and remember their joyous memories together.

This story introduces children to Alzheimer's through carefully illustrated pictures depicting concern and care. It reminds readers that an individual with Alzheimer's is not different; they have a disease that causes their brain to change. The story shares how essential it is to stay connected with a loved one, family member, or friend with Alzheimer's.

5. The Story of Mrs. Inez

Written by Madeline Wolf and illustrated by George Franco.

Mrs. Inez is a new resident of Oak Grove, a retirement home. She shares a room with a resident whose granddaughter visits often. As the granddaughter visits her grandmother, she notices that Mrs. Inez is quiet and chooses to be left alone.

Curious, the granddaughter checks out the photographs on Mrs. Inez's side of the shared room and begins to understand what her life was like before her Alzheimer's diagnosis. The granddaughter learns more about Mrs. Inez from the caring staff, who share insight into her life before she relocated and lost her memory. She understands that Mrs. Inez had a vibrant and exciting life.

This story takes you through a day in the life of an older person with Alzheimer's. The author's respectful word choice suggests that while they may have Alzheimer's, they are still important and special people who deserve dignity and care.

Good reads are worth sharing

Books can move us, help us form connections, gain insight, and foster empathy. The words and illustrations in children's storybooks provide families, teachers, and loved ones opportunities to share, learn, think, question, re-read, or make a different choice. Reading is informative and powerful. What children's storybooks about Alzheimer's would you add to my list?

Thank you for sharing and caring.