It can be difficult for young children to understand what is happening when a loved one has Alzheimer's disease. Dancing with Granddad: An Alzheimer's Story for Children and Their Families, written by Linda Bozzo and illustrated by Mudassir Abid, is a picture book for children ages 5 through 8 that helps to talk about Alzheimer's in an age-appropriate way.
Dancing with Granddad takes young readers on a learning journey with Nia, a 7-year-old girl, whose grandfather has Alzheimer’s and will need to move to a new home where he will be safer. Readers also learn that while he is changing, the love that Nia and her grandfather have never will.
The book gently introduces Granddad’s behavior changes (such as retelling stories, wandering, and confusion) while sharing the constant of the wonderful relationship between Nia and Granddad and her loving parents who are caring for him.
The book also includes a message from Alzheimer's Foundation of America about how to introduce a conversation with children about Alzheimer’s disease.
Marin County Free Library is grateful to the book's publisher, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, opens a new window, for donating copies in English and Spanish to the Library.
“Of the 10 copies, three have already been checked out, and one is on hold,” said Raemona Little Taylor, Deputy Director of County Library Services. “It looks like this topic is really of interest to the community, knowing that Marin does have a large senior population.” Little Taylor said the book ties in nicely with the Library's efforts last year to give out memory kits of CDs, cards and games to residents of assisted care and memory care centers in Marin who were experiencing memory loss. “We’re supporting families and also now children who might not understand that Alzheimer’s is not something to be scared of — it’s part of life and part of our community.”
“Picture books can help kids navigate specific events of change or loss in their lives,” said Clara McFadden, children’s book selector for Marin County Free Library. “Those kind of books are hard to find.”
Read more in the Marin IJ article: Marin libraries offer Alzheimer's explainer for kids, opens a new window, by Keri Brenner, September 17, 2021.
Reserve a copy of the book
Library Programs about Alzheimer's
The Library, in conjunction with the Alzheimer's Association, opens a new window, periodically holds free programs for adults about understanding Alzheimer's and dementia.
The next program will be held online in Spanish, on September 29 at 1pm:
Conozca Las 10 Señales De Advertencia Del Alzheimer.
Check our online calendar to see all upcoming events: Events Calendar.
You can also watch videos of the following previously recorded online events in English on our YouTube channel:
- Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia: An Online Presentation by the Alzheimer’s Association, opens a new window
- 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's: A Presentation by the Alzheimer's Association, opens a new window
- Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research: An Online Presentation by the Alzheimer's Association, opens a new window
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