A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 260

Terrific Trio: Book 3

Picture Book: Forget Me Not

Author: Nancy Van Laan

Illustrator: Stephanie Graegin

Summary: This story is from the point of view of Julia, a granddaughter whose grandmother is changing. She is becoming more and more forgetful and this troubles Julia. When Grandma’s odd behavior becomes too risky, Julia is told that she has “a sickness” and Grandma is transitioned to a care facility. Although Julia doesn’t like the loss of Grandma’s home, a home which means so much to her, she begins to understand that the move is necessary. Julia plans to fill Grandma’s room come spring with forget-me-nots, a favorite flower.

Hanna’s Comments: This last book in this PBT Terrific Trio about declining mental capacity in elderly matriarchs is more detailed as to the gradual deterioration of the aging character’s mental capacity and the child’s reaction. Choose wisely among these books while considering the experiences and maturity of the children in your audience. I believe all of three books are written with appropriate sensitivity. My hope is that using one or more of these books will encourage conversations about a subject that affects many families but is not discussed and is too often a point of shame.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Schwartz & Wade Books, 2014

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, acceptance, aging, bonds/connections, change, death/loss/grief, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, endings, flowers/leaves/trees, family, grandparents, home, illness, memories/remembering/ritual/tradition, mental illness, new home/relocation, patience

Scripture Connections: Honor your father and mother (Exodus 20:12); grandchildren are the crown of the aged (Proverbs 17:6); I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois (2 Timothy 1:5)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children or youth in your faith community who are beginning a mission project for the elderly, particularly if it involves time at a care facility with an Alzheimer’s unit.