GRANDMA, DON'T FORGET HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU

In this thoughtful picture book, a Jamaican child begins to understand that her grandmother is showing signs of Alzheimer’s.

Amancia loves her grandmother, who lives next door. One day, she picks a star apple just for Grandma, and she leaves it on the table while Grandma naps, her Bible on her chest. Later, when Amancia asks if she liked the star apple, Grandma says she never received it. At church, Amancia notices that Grandma knows all the words to every hymn, but she looks tired in the heat. When Grandma forgets her Bible, something she never does, Amancia grabs it for her. The girl grows worried, and things grow even more confusing when Grandma loses her Bible at home, becoming distressed and confused. Eventually Amancia’s mother takes Grandma to the doctor, who diagnoses the elderly woman with Alzheimer’s disease. Her mother explains to Amancia that this means Grandma might forget things, but she needs their love more than ever, and while some things will change—they’ll take the bus to church instead of walking—they’ll try to keep the most important things the same to help Grandma. Gerdner and Witter, both health professionals involved with Alzheimer’s advocacy, provide a quiet glimpse into family life, depicting a Jamaican family as they skillfully navigate a challenging time with love. The relationship between Amancia and Grandma blooms with affection, and their shared joy in seeing nature around them or savoring a family meal shines through. Some of the vocabulary may feel clinical or challenge young readers; for example, Mother tells Amancia, “We are going to continue to evaluate her ability to live alone.” But despite the sometimes lengthy text, the messages of support and caring—and that Grandma’s loss of memory doesn’t mean she loves Amancia any less—are clear. Jones’ beautiful watercolor illustrations bring the Jamaican setting to life, and some images, such as Grandma holding her Bible in her wrinkled hands, seem as though you could reach in and touch them.

A tender story of understanding and accepting a grandparent’s aging process.