Grandma Forgets - by Paul Russell (Paperback)

About the Book

A heart-warming story of a family bound by love as they cope with their grandmother's dementia. No matter what else she forgets, Grandma will always know she is loved.

Book Synopsis

When your grandmother can't remember your name it should be sad, but maybe it is just an opportunity to tell her more often how much you love her.

Now in paperback, Grandma Forgets is the heart-warming story of a family bound by love as they cope with their grandma's dementia. The little girl has built up a treasure trove of memories of time spent with Grandma: sausages for Sunday lunch, driving in her sky-blue car to the beach, climbing her apple trees while she baked a delicious apple pie, and her comforting hugs during storms. But now, Grandma can't remember those memories. That's alright though, because she has her family to help her.

Depicted with gentle, whimsical illustrations, the little girl and her Grandma continue to share a loving relationship despite Grandma's dementia. They play the games they used to play, although Grandma sometimes forgets the rules, or makes up new games like hiding Dad's keys! Sometimes Dad is sad because he has to hold onto the memories for both him and Grandma now, but his daughter is only too happy to help him make new memories to share.

This is a warm, hopeful story about a family who sometimes needs to remind their grandmother a little more often than they used to about how much they care. She might not remember any of their names but she will always know how much she is loved, because they make sure to tell her every time they see her.

Review Quotes

"Dementia is difficult enough for adults to accept, let alone to explain to little ones. But this gorgeous picture book navigates this tricky territory with aplomb"
-West Weekend

"Grandma Forgets is a lovely uplifting story about a family whose Grandmother is suffering from Dementia. Written in the child's narrative, it offers an insight into the relationship the child had with the grandmother and how they are keeping the relationship positive and coping with the illness."
-Mums Delivery

"Grandma Forgets is a timeless treasure made especially for children (and their parents) who are trying to come to terms with dementia."
-Kid's Book Review

"I give this book five stars! The illustrations were so cute ... This is such a nice book."
-Pirate Tree Blog

About the Author

Paul Russell is a primary teacher, artist, playwright and children's author of Grandma Forgets and My Storee, among others, with Grandma Forgets making the CBCA list of notable picture books in 2018. He is passionate about children's literacy and building young appetites for the written word. He has a daughter who has worries of her own and he wrote her this story so they could talk about worries together.Nicky Johnston is an award-winning children's book author and illustrator. She has several bestselling titles published in Australia and overseas, including At the End of Holyrood Lane, The Fix-It Man, Grandma Forgets, The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp, Saying Goodbye to Barkley, This is My Dad and Upside-Down Friday, all published by EK Books. Nicky's illustration style is often described as whimsical, playful, narrative, emotive and colourful. She loves to work in watercolour, ink, pencils and pastel. As a primary teacher and acclaimed presenter, Nicky's love of books sees her thoroughly enjoy taking illustrator workshops and visiting schools regularly. She is passionate about inspiring young children with a love for reading, writing and drawing, encouraging them to use their imagination and develop their own ideas. Nicky lives by the beach with her husband and four sons.