Never Forget Eleanor: A Poignant Picture Book About Alzheimer's for Kids (Ages 4-8) - Hardcover

Jason June

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0063039621 ISBN 13: 9780063039629

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2023

Synopsis

This poignant story from New York Times bestselling author Jason June and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long reminds us of the life-changing power of words and the ways we remember the ones we love who've been affected by Alzheimer's or dementia. Perfect for fans of Drawn Together and The Rough Patch.

Elijah loves spending time with his grandma Eleanor. She knows all the best words to answer tricky crossword puzzles and to tell the most beautiful stories to her family and friends.

Everyone calls her “Never Forget Eleanor” because she remembers every word she reads and person she meets. Lately though, Elijah has started to notice Grandma Eleanor forgetting little things.

So when Grandma Eleanor doesn’t show up for her Saturday story session, Elijah will need to find a way to use her favorite words and become the storyteller himself to bring her home.

How can a young boy help his beloved grandmother when her memories start to fade?

• A Heartfelt Grandparent-Grandchild Bond: Elijah and Grandma Eleanor share a special connection through tricky crossword puzzles and beautiful family stories.
• A Gentle Introduction to Memory Loss: When "Never Forget Eleanor" starts forgetting little things, her family must navigate the changes with love and patience.
• Social Emotional Learning: A touching model for kids on how to process complex feelings and find creative, loving ways to support a family member with Alzheimer's or dementia.
• A Resource for Families: Includes a heartfelt author's note, making it a perfect tool to open up conversations about illness, memory, and the enduring power of love.

About this title

About the Authors

Jason June (it's a two-name first name, like Mary-Kate without the hyphen or the Olsen twin) is a bestselling author of young adult contemporary rom-coms that celebrate queer love and lust and chaotically gay shenanigans. His works include Jay’s Gay Agenda, Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball, and the instant New York Times bestseller Out of the Blue. When not writing, JJ zips about Dallas, Texas, with his husband and their Pomeranian, Pom Brokaw. JJ is a tried and true Laura Dern stan, and he is actively looking for an Andalite friend. Find out more about JJ and his books at heyjasonjune.com.

 

Loren Long is the illustrator of the New York Times bestselling picture book Love by Matt de la Pena, as well as the author-illustrator of Otis, Otis and the Tornado, Otis and the Puppy, An Otis Christmas, and Otis and the Scarecrow. He is the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of President Barack Obama’s picture book Of Thee I Sing and the reillustrated edition of The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper. He lives in Ohio. To learn more, please visit www.lorenlong.com.

Reviews

K-Gr 2—Young elephant Elijah loves to spend time with Grandma Eleanor, especially when the two of them share a crossword puzzle. She always seems to know all the answers, and she patiently teaches him the pronunciations and meanings of unfamiliar words. She also serves as a beloved storyteller for friends and neighbors on Saturdays in her yard. The entire community is deeply saddened when Grandma Eleanor's famed memory begins to fade (a partially glimpsed newspaper story contains a subtle reference to Alzheimer's disease). At first she has difficulty recalling a word here and there, but then she begins forgetting the cherished weekly story sessions. One day, she leaves her house and cannot find her way back. Fortunately, Elijah devises a clever system of signs painted with familiar words and images to serve as trail markers to guide her home. From then on, these signs remain in place as a helpful reminder on her walks through the town. When Grandma Eleanor finally dies, Elijah keeps her memory alive by telling the stories and sharing her treasured words with all who will listen. The author's empathetic writing style is well-suited to the tender story of family and loss. Long eschews backgrounds, opting instead for vignettes on expanses of white, which gives the art a curiously unfinished feel. However, the characters themselves, rendered in richly textured gouache and colored pencil, display a touching emotional depth. VERDICT This sweet and sensitive story will hold particular resonance for children and families with elderly relatives in their lives.—Jonah Dragan

Edition details

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2023
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0063039621
• ISBN 13: 9780063039629
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Long Loren
• Number of pages: 40