All grannies are different. Sophie's nana bakes sponge cakes. Michael's grandma wears lipstick as bright as a clown's nose. Claire's oma wears wooden shoes and used to live in Holland. Raffe's nonna delivers flowers. Charlie's grandmother, however, is more different than most.

by Sue Lawson, Caroline Magerl (Illustrator)

All day long she stares out the window and rocks in time with the breeze, because she can't remember who she is. But that's all right, because Charlie remembers who she is. With the incidence of Alzheimer's disease on the rise, this title helps young readers and their parents cope with an often-frightening disease, and shows the love and complete acceptance that only a child can give.

32pp, 8 1/4 x 11
Color illustrations throughout
JUVENILE FICTION / Family/Multigenerational

Reach And Teach says:

Beyond the wonderful rich diversity the author and illustrator show by introducing us to a whole bunch of different kinds of grandmothers, this book provides a critical tool to parents who want to help children understand people who are living with Alzheimer's disease.

The love between grandchild and grandparent which extends beyond that which can be expressed in words is vividly shown in this book. As a grandchild of a wonderful man who spent nearly 20 years trapped in the clutches of Alzheimer's disease, this book brought back fond memories. My grandfather didn't speak much in his last decade, but when Lawrence Welk came on TV, or someone played some music on the stereo, his eyes would still light up and sometimes his hands would even move as though he were directing the music.

Being around someone with Alzheimer's disease can be difficult, but with the help of books like this, children can reap the rewards of spending time with loved ones, and having even momentary glimpses of heartfelt love.