Forget Me Not

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 29, 2014

Review

This book deals with Alzheimer's disease. A little girl is trying to understand her beloved Grandmother's failing memory. Her grandmother even gets to the point where she does not know Julia's name anymore. The topic is handled extremely well for the audience of 4 - 8 year olds for whom this is intended. Her grandmother's failings are described by her mother thus, "You know how some old people have trouble seeing or hearing? Well, some have trouble remembering -- like Grandma. It's a sickness that nobody knows how to cure yet." What a simple, truthful, and succinct explanation for young children to hear. Grandmother is eventually moved to assisted living, 'where she can get the care she needs.' Julia decides to bring her grandmother her favorite flowers, forget-me-nots, in hopes that her Grandmother will recognize them and be herself again, at least for a little while. This rare book could be invaluable for children going through this scary situation with someone they love. The illustrations are absolute perfection and follow the text well. I highly recommend this title.

Overall Book Score: excellent