About the Author

Paul Russell is a primary teacher, playwright and children’s author. He is passionate about children’s literacy and building young appetites for the written word. Nicky Johnston is an educator and author/illustrator, with a strong focus on children’s emotional resilience and mental health awareness.

Reviews

"It’s evident that Russell’s heroine knows that diminished memories don’t diminish love in the slightest; families in similar situations should find this a useful resource for framing challenging moments in positive ways."

"Grandma Forgets is a lovely uplifting story about a family whose Grandmother is suffering from Dementia. Written in the child’s narrative, it offers an insight into the relationship the child had with the grandmother and how they are keeping the relationship positive and coping with the illness."

Kid’s Book Review
"Grandma Forgets is a timeless treasure made especially for children (and their parents) who are trying to come to terms with dementia."

"Dementia is difficult enough for adults to accept, let alone to explain to little ones. But this gorgeous picture book navigates this tricky territory with aplomb"

"the love between them all just oozes from the page setting up the perfect opportunity to let the children tell and draw their own stories of their own special moments with their grandparents, perhaps cementing them even more firmly.. A family story that provides lots of comfort."

"I found the book to be sweet, enlightening and it offered a positive spin on a situation that can be hard to explain to young children. I especially like how the book reflects on so many positive memories, and how it doesn’t matter that the Grandma has forgotten, as this means that they get to make new memories for her."

"I give this book five stars! The illustrations were so cute … This is such a nice book."

"Dealing with dementia is tough. It's sad and for children, it's confusing. I found this book to be really uplifting and teach a few coping mechanisms. It shows that even though Grandma may not remember any of their names she will always know how much she is loved "

"This book would be a great way to look at ageing as a class. When days such as “100th Day of School” come around there is a focus on what students may look like at age 100 but not what they may be like. In a sensitive way this book really opens the way for discussions about ageing and diseases/conditions that can strike and how they change a person. I would definitely be using this one as part of 100th Day learning, as a parent with my own kids when the time comes, and recommending to other parents. A really beautiful book.”
*Miss Jenny's Classroom*

“This heart-warming book about a family coping with dementia shows kids that although Gran might not recall names, she knows she is loved”.

“This book gentle picture book is an important resource for both young and old who are, or maybe effected by the proximity of Alzheimer’s Disease.”
*Scan Magazine*

“A warm, hopeful story.”

“Grandma Forgets is a wonderful book for helping children make sense of dementia and memory loss. It uses anecdotes that children can relate to and simple language that makes it very accessible. Themes of love, family and memory are woven throughout the story, and the ending is very touching.”
*Reading Time*

“This picture book will help facilitate understanding, and equally important, nurture acceptance and finding a new way to continue to be a family.”

“the book has picked up attention globally, including in the UK, since a worldwide ageing population means its focus on dementia is universal.”

“the love between them all just oozes from the page setting up the perfect opportunity to let the children tell and draw their own stories of their own special moments with their grandparents, perhaps cementing them even more firmly.. A family story that provides lots of comfort.”
*The Bottom Shelf*