The best children’s picture books about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

Why am I passionate about this?

As an educator, author of children’s books, and caregiver of a loved one with dementia, I felt that I had to write a story about the disease from a child’s point of view. When I became a caregiver, I was struck by the lack of information for children and the misconceptions of the public about the disease. I wanted to create a story that reassures children and gives them guidance on how they can help be a caregiver. I added the Author’s Note to provide accurate information to adults so that more people are aware of the signs of dementia and to build understanding and compassion. 



I wrote...

I'll Remember, Poppy

By Anne O'Brien Carelli,

Book cover of I'll Remember, Poppy

What is my book about?

This beautifully illustrated picture book is an inspirational story about a child's compassionate relationship with Poppy, a grandfather who has dementia. Told through the eyes of the child, this sweet, gentle story is both heartwarming and informative.

The disease of dementia, including Alzheimer's Disease, is not just about memory loss, and impacts entire families. I'll Remember, Poppy is a beautiful way to help children understand dementia, and shows how they can play a role in caregiving. "I've given this book to friends and relatives, and they have shared it with children of all ages. I'll Remember, Poppy has helped us to discuss how we can best care for our loved one." (Caregiver of a parent who has Alzheimer’s Disease.) An Author’s Note provides information about the disease. Also available in Spanish.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Granny Needs My Help: A Child's Look at Dementia and Alzheimer's

Anne O'Brien Carelli Why did I love this book?

This sensitive, charming book shows how a child learns about what is going on in her granny’s brain.

It addresses the emotions that a young child may feel when they witness confusing changes in a loved one’s behavior. This story provides a wonderful opportunity to discuss dementia and what to do if a child has concerns or questions. 

By Deborah L Mills,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Granny Needs My Help as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Are you looking for a picture book to talk about dementia or Alzheimer's with a child? This Alzheimer’s book for children explains Alzheimer’s dementia in kid-friendly terms. The book presents memory loss in an easy-to-understand narrative.  

Boys and girls alike will benefit from this “must have” children’s read. Alzheimer's has an impact on families around the world. This book allows a family to face this challenge together and make the most of every available moment.  

In Granny Needs My Help: A Child's Look at Dementia and Alzheimer's the main character Zéh is excited, happy, and challenged as she helps and…


Book cover of What's Happening to Grandpa?

Anne O'Brien Carelli Why did I love this book?

Maria Shriver, journalist and former First Lady of California, wrote this groundbreaking book for children that openly discusses dementia.

It is still used as a source to prompt conversations about what children can do to help to care for a loved one with the disease. (Excellent source for early readers.)

By Maria Shriver, Sandra Speidel (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked What's Happening to Grandpa? as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Kate has always adored her grandpa's storytelling - but lately he's been repeating the same stories again and again. One day, he even forgets Kate's name. Her mother's patient explanations open Kate's eyes to what so many of the elderly must confront: Alzheimer's disease and other forms of memory loss. Determined to support her grandfather, Kate explores ways to help him - and herself - cope by creating a photo album of their times together, memories that will remain in their hearts forever.


Book cover of Really and Truly

Anne O'Brien Carelli Why did I love this book?

This author does a beautiful job of explaining how individuals with dementia may not be able to recognize their friends and family, but still need love and attention.

The boy in the story figures out how to connect with his grandpa, even though he may not get a smile in return. It is really and truly delightful and reassuring.

By Emilie Rivard, Anne-Claire Delisle (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Really and Truly as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

With tenderness, sensitivity, and humor, Really and Truly explores the effect that dementia has on a young boy named Charlie and his family.

Charlie is very close to his grandfather, who loves to tell fanciful stories about pirates, witches, and gnomes that amuse Charlie to no end. But lately, Charlie's grandpa doesn't have any new stories to tell — in fact, some days grandpa doesn't even recognize Charlie. A disease has stolen grandpa's memories, his appetite, and even his smile.

Charlie wants so much to make his grandpa smile again that he comes up with a plan to tell him…


Book cover of Never Forget Eleanor

Anne O'Brien Carelli Why did I love this book?

This story shows how an individual who loves crossword puzzles and storytelling can be affected by the disease of dementia.

Elijah notices that his grandmother Eleanor is struggling with language and figures out a way to carry on her legacy. It’s so nice to see this aspect of the disease (memory and language) addressed in a positive, helpful way.

By Jason June, Loren Long (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Never Forget Eleanor as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

This poignant story from New York Times bestselling author Jason June and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long reminds us of the life-changing power of words and the ways we remember the ones we love who've been affected by Alzheimer's or dementia. Perfect for fans of Drawn Together and The Rough Patch.

Elijah loves spending time with his grandma Eleanor. She knows all the best words to answer tricky crossword puzzles and to tell the most beautiful stories to her family and friends.

Everyone calls her "Never Forget Eleanor" because she remembers every word she reads and person…


Book cover of The Story of Mrs. Inez

Anne O'Brien Carelli Why did I love this book?

What a wonderful way to help children understand that residents in nursing homes and assisted living centers led rich, interesting lives.

So many children have loved ones who are in long-term care facilities and this beautiful book shows children how they can build friendships with residents. I highly recommend this if a loved one can’t communicate but appreciates a visit from a young child. 

By Madeline Wolfe,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Story of Mrs. Inez as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Oak Grove Retirement Home recently got a new resident named Mrs. Inez. She doesn't talk much, and doesn't seem to like her surroundings, but she has a lot of photos on her wall that show she had a life full of memories to be shared. She wants to be left alone, it seems, but that doesn't stop one special little girl from wanting to be her friend.


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Book cover of This Animal Body

Meredith Walters

New book alert!

What is my book about?

Neuroscience PhD student Frankie Conner has finally gotten her life together—she’s determined to discover the cause of her depression and find a cure for herself and everyone like her. But the first day of her program, she meets a group of talking animals who have an urgent message they refuse to share. And while the animals may not have Frankie’s exalted human brain, they know things she doesn’t, like what happened before she was adopted.

To prove she’s sane, Frankie investigates her forgotten past and conducts clandestine experiments. But just when she uncovers the truth, she has to make an impossible choice: betray the animals she’s fallen in love with—or give up her last chance at success and everything she thought she knew.

By Meredith Walters,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked This Animal Body as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Frankie Conner, first-year graduate student at UC Berkeley, is finally getting her life together. After multiple failures and several false starts, she's found her calling: become a neuroscientist, discover the cause of her depression and anxiety, and hopefully find a cure for herself and everyone like her.

But her first day of the program, Frankie meets a mysterious group of talking animals who claim to have an urgent message for her. The problem is, they're not willing to share it. Not yet. Not until she's ready.

While Frankie's new friends may not have her highly evolved, state-of-the-art, exalted human brain,…


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