Fast Facts

The behavioral or memory changes that occur in a grandparent or parent with Alzheimer's can be confusing and upsetting for children who don't understand the diagnosis.
Children's books are a good way to introduce the topic of Alzheimer's or dementia to a child between 3 and 10 years old.
The Alzheimer's Association has resources on how to discuss Alzheimer's with a child or teen.

Leticia had begun to notice some behavioral changes in her mother lately. It’s not long after that that she receives an official diagnosis – Alzheimer’s.

Because her mother already lived with her, Leticia assumed the role of caregiver, and although she’s learning a lot about what to expect and how to navigate her new caregiving role, she is still struggling to explain to her two young children why their Nana’s personality is changing.

Leticia’s children are 4 and 7 years old, and both big fans of the colorful picture books that fill the shelves in their living room. This gives her an idea.

16 Books for Children about Dementia

The following books are the ones that Leticia decided to buy or rent from her local library. She hopes that the stories will help her children ask questions and understand their Nana better.

Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

Reading level: 3 - 8 years

A small boy lives next to a nursing home where his favorite friend Miss Nancy resides. When Miss Nancy loses her memory, he sets out to find it for her.

What a Beautiful Morning by Arthur A. Levine

Reading level: 3 - 6 years

Noah and his Grandpa have beautiful mornings doing some of their favorite things together. One summer, Grandpa seems to forget what it is that they like to do.

The Tide by Clare Welsh

Reading level: 3 - 7 years

A little girl struggles to come to terms with her grandad's increasing forgetfulness.

Remembering for Both of Us by Charlotte Wood

Reading level: 3 - 7 years

Tasha and her PaPa love each other, but lately he is confused, upset, and forgetful. Can Tasha’s grandmother help her see that while PaPa is changing, his love for Tasha has not?

The Amazing Zoe and Grandma's Memory Box

Reading level: 3 - 9 years

Zoe loves to visit her grandma, but lately grandma is starting to forget things. It's up to Zoe and her mom to devise a creative way to help her grandma recall all of her most treasured memories.

Weeds in Nana’s Garden by Kathryn Harrison

Reading level: 3 - 9 years

A girl’s bond with her Nana blooms as they tend to Nana's magical garden. One day, the girl begins to find weeds in the garden.

What’s Happening to Grandpa? by Maria Shriver

Reading level: 3 - 9 years

Kate has always adored her grandpa's storytelling, but lately he's been repeating the same stories again and again. Determined to help, Kate creates a photo album of their times together.

My Book about Brains, Change and Dementia, by Lynda Moore

Reading level: 4 - 7 years

A unique and honest children's book helping children under 5 understand what dementia is and how it affects their relatives.

Grandma by Jessica Shepherd

Reading level: 4 - 7 years

Oscar loves Grandma, and their time together is always lots of fun. As she becomes less able to look after herself, she has to go into a care home.

Really and Truly by Emilie Rivard and Anne-Claire Delisle

Reading level: ‎4 - 7 years

Charlie is very close to his grandfather, who loves to tell stories that make Charlie laugh. But lately, Charlie's grandpa doesn't have any new stories to tell — a disease has stolen grandpa's memories, his appetite, and even his smile. Now Charlie has a plan, and this time he’ll be the one telling the stories.

Grandma, It’s Me! by YY Chan

Reading level: ‎5 - 7 years

Riley loves spending time with her grandparents, but after visiting them one day, she notices Grandma doesn't recognize her. Riley tries her best to help Grandma remember by writing about their time together in a diary.

The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros

Reading level: ‎5 - 8 years

James's Grandpa has the best balloons because he has the best memories. But when Grandpa's balloons begin to float away, James can't catch them. Grandpa may no longer have balloons of his own, but James has many more than before, and it's up to him to share.

A Doll for Grandma by Paulette Sharkey

Reading level: 5 - 8 Years

Kiera loves spending time with her grandma, but then grandma starts to change. Soon she has to move out of her home into a memory-care center for people with Alzheimer's. Kiera has an idea for a new way to enjoy time with her grandma.

Grandma and Me by Beatrice Tauber Prior & Mary Ann Drummond

Reading level: ‎5 - 9 years

A gentle, age-appropriate description of Alzheimer's disease, with tools to help children continue to have a relationship with their loved one despite the disease.

A Million More Kisses by René Schultz

Reading level: 6 - 10 years

Geronimo the chihuahua loses his elderly Nonnie. This story teaches children about dementia, home care, visiting nurses and funerals. Also included are talking points by Geronimo and activity ideas on keeping memories alive.

The Memory Box by Mary Bahr

Reading level: 7 - 11 years

When Gramps realizes he has Alzheimer's disease, he starts a memory box with his grandson to keep memories of all the times they have shared.

For more caregiving assistance, you can find live expert help by reaching out to a Care Guide via message or by scheduling a phone call.