MR Mornington's Favorite Things - by Karen George (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A little girl lives next door to Mr Mornington, who has played saxophone all over the world. These days, he's a bit tired of all that travelling, so now he plays it just for her. Together, they have a favourite song: one that conjures up memories of all their favorite things. But when Mr Mornington moves into a nursing home, his young friend wonders if he'll be able to remember her - or any of his favorite things at all... perhaps there's something she can do to help? This heartfelt and gently humorous picture book explores the subject of dementia in an original way. Drawing on themes of music therapy and the value of community and intergenerational friendship, it has a warm yet realistic ending that will help readers to process their own feelings of loss. Includes Mr Mornington's famous cherry cake recipe at the back of the book, so you can try one of his favorite things."--

Book Synopsis

My friend Mr Mornington has always lived next door to us.

His favourite things are gardening and eating cherry cake and playing his saxophone.

He's not the best rememberer, though.

A little girl lives next door to Mr Mornington, who has played saxophone all over the world. These days, he's a bit tired of all that travelling, so now he plays it just for her. Together, they have a favourite song: one that conjures up memories of all their favourite things. But when Mr Mornington moves into a care home, his young friend wonders if he'll be able to remember her - or any of his favourite things at all... perhaps there's something she can do to help?

This heartfelt and gently humorous picture book explores the subject of dementia in an original way. Drawing on themes of music therapy and the value of community and intergenerational friendship, it has a warm yet realistic ending that will help readers to process their own feelings of loss.

Includes Mr Mornington's famous cherry cake recipe at the back of the book, so you can try one of his favourite things.

Review Quotes

A child acknowledges an older friend's memory loss.

A craggy-faced, red-capped, pale-skinned elder, Mr. Mornington (reminiscent of John Burningham's characters) is "the best saxophonist in the world," according to the book's narrator and Mr. Mornington's neighbor, a small brown-skinned child. The little one visits through a special hedge-gate to bring Mr. Mornington sweet treats: "We have a deal. Mr. Mornington fills our garden with music and we fill his tummy with cherry cakes!" Mr. M.'s memory is not what it was, though: He forgets to get dressed properly before going shopping, for instance. But he offers to teach the child to become the world's "second-best" saxophonist. By the time a child-size sax arrives, however, he's gone; he even forgot to say goodbye. Mom (also brown-skinned) explains that Mr. Mornington has moved to a new home where he'll get the care he needs. Before visiting him, the child practices their favorite song. Without his cap, sax, or cherry cake, Mr. Mornington is diminished, but the child visits often and plays for him, sometimes without much effect but sometimes eliciting the ghost of a smile, as he perhaps remembers. Both characters' favorite things are delightfully evoked in a stream of images flowing from the saxophone horn: Mr. Mornington's house, dog, and more; the child's cat (featured in many separate frames), mom, and friends. George has crafted a simple yet moving and child-friendly tale enhanced by understated watercolor-esque vignettes. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Certain to linger with readers. (cherry cake recipe) (Picture book. 4-7) - Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Karen George has spent A LOT of time drawing and painting. When she was small that's what she liked doing best. When she was a little older, Karen gained a first class honours degree in Fine Art followed by an MA from The Royal College of Art. Karen painted film sets for a while until, in 2009, she won Waterstones' 'Picture This' competition to illustrate Freddie and the Fairy for Julia Donaldson. This means Karen still joyfully spends lots of time drawing and painting... and now she writes too! Other titles include Hugh Shampoo (OUP, 2013) and What Happened to You? (Faber, 2021). Karen lives in Bristol, UK, with her family and Dr. Calamari, the cat.