9 Picture Books About Alzheimer’s

The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte
If you’re looking for a book about grandparents that will just rip your heart right out. . . this is the one. The grandfather is losing his memory, with each memory represented by a balloon. As they drift away one by one, the little boy decides that he’ll help hold on to those memories for his grandfather since his grandfather no longer can.

Grandpa Green by Lane Smith
Grandpa Green wasn’t always a grandpa and he wasn’t always a gardener. He lived a long rich life, but as he ages, his memory is starting to desert him so he uses his garden to create incredible topiaries that recall moments of his extraordinary life.

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox
Even though I knew the premise of this book – it still brought me to tears! Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge lives next door to a nursing home and has befriended many of its residence. Of course his favorite friend is 96-year-old Miss Nancy. But when Wilfrid overhears that Miss Nancy “lost” her memory – he sets out to “find” it for her.

Fireflies, Peach Pies and Lullabies by Virginia Kroll
Sometimes the sweet perspective of a child is all we need to see the good. After Francie’s Great-Granny Annabel passes away from Alzheimer’s, she makes it her mission to help others remember the true Annabel, not just the person the disease left behind. I have to admit this one is as sweet as peach pie!

Coffee Rabbit Snowdrop Lost by Betina Birkjaer
This book has received countless awards -and I see why! The story itself gently teaches kids about the realities of dementia, and the illustrations are magical. As young Stump tries to save his grandfather’s disappearing words in a special box, we see the love and patience between grandparent and grandchild and the creative ways we can stay connected with loved ones facing memory loss. Plus, the thoughtful afterword gives helpful tips for families who might be navigating this journey too.

Never Forget Eleanor by Jason June
Oh, get ready to feel all the emotions! This book is a must-read for helping kids understand Alzheimer’s in the gentlest way possible. It shares messages about love, memory, and how stories keep up connected. And told through a family of elephants – it will really appeal to your youngest readers.

A Doll for Grandma by Paulette Bochnig Sharkey
Kiera and her grandmother enjoy spending time together doing many different things, like dressing up, painting their nails, knitting, and baking. But when Kiera notices that Grandma seems different, Grandma moves to a memory care home. When visiting her there, Kiera realizes that she doesn’t know how to interact with Grandma anymore. So, she comes up with the idea to get her grandmother a baby doll to care for. While they can no longer do some of their favorite things together, they can still enjoy special time together as each takes care of their baby doll.

Holding On by Sophia N. Lee, illustrated by Isabel Roxas
If you are a fan of Pixar’s Coco, this book is for you! In Lola’s house, music fills the air. But when Lola begins to fade into silence, her granddaughter carries the joy and wisdom of those songs to help her hold onto her memories, piece by piece.

Forget Me Not by Nancy Van Laan, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin
This heartfelt story introduces young readers to the challenges of having a loved one with Alzheimer’s, focusing on the bond between a girl and her grandmother. As the family faces difficult decisions about Grandma’s care (including transitioning her to an assisted living community), the book beautifully navigates the emotional journey of love, loss, and change.

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