Remind Me - by Linda Shute (Hardcover)

About the Book

Eldon, a young elephant, accompanies and supports his grandmother, Big Ella, as she copes with memory loss..

Book Synopsis

This poignant story about a young elephant and his grandma is an eloquent account of the all too familiar tragedy of memory loss, and the love of family that never leaves.

Eldon the elephant's beloved Big Ella has always had a knack for memory, so when she starts to forget little things, Eldon happily returns the favor. But when she starts to forget where she lives, Eldon's name, and even her own name, he starts to worry. Yet Eldon always remembers the love he shares with Big Ella, and he makes sure to remind her whenever she needs him to.

It can be especially hard for children to process the grief of watching their grandparents forget themselves when suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia. Linda Shute's Remind Me approaches the issue with humanity and compassion, celebrating the lasting love that brings families together. Her art has a soft, gentle tone and depicts an idyllic jungle setting inhabited by a charming elephant duo.

Review Quotes

"Cozy, fanciful art."-- The New York Times

"Ms. Shute's soft pencil-and-watercolor illustrations of the two exude merriment, creating a sense of warmth even as sadness creeps in."--The Wall Street Journal

★ "The spare, efficient text allows the artwork to do the heavy emotional lifting. The choice to make the protagonists anthropomorphized elephants is an inspired one, given the animals' reputed memories, and makes Big Ella's loss even more poignant. . . . The sad subject matter is balanced by the loving details and the humor in Eldon's remembered moments. Simple without being oversimplified and reassuring, countering fears with love."--Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

"A sweet, moving tale of memory loss, family, and lasting love."--School Library Journal

"An affecting picture book. . . . Eliding logistical concerns around a caretaker's progressive memory loss, it's a portrait of loving reciprocity. . . ."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Linda Shute is an author and illustrator of 14 picture books, including Rabbit Wishes and Clever Tom and the Leprechaun: An Old Irish Story. Since 2010 she has acted as Illustrator Coordinator for SCBWI Florida, and she has taught children's book illustration (adjunct) at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, FL. She lives south of Sarasota, Florida.