Today is World Alzheimer’s Day, and September is Dementia Awareness Month in Australia. The theme this year is `You are not alone’ – a great reminder to sit down with the kids in our lives and read about how dementia impacts the people we know and love.

Here are some of our recommendations for children’s books that explore the impact of dementia and Alzheimer’s on families.

Celia and Nonna by Victoria Lane and Kayleen West

Celia loves spending quality time at Nonna’s house, so it’s a big adjustment when Nonna moves to a strange new home where she can get extra help with everyday things. Celia is not a big fan of Nonna’s new abode – there’s no room for her to sleep over, it smells different and the walls are bare. Both Celia and Nonna cheer up when Celia finds a way to use her drawing skills to bring warmth and memories back into their lives.

Harry Helps Grandpa Remember by Karen Tyrrell and Aaron Pocock

Grandpa isn’t feeling too good on Grandparent’s Day – he even forgets Harry’s name! Harry Helps Grandpa Remember presents the challenges of dementia with a simple story, gentle humour and colourful positivity. Hands-on kids who are keen to help will love Harry’s memory boosting activities.

Granddad’s Island by Benji Davies

In this magical and imaginative tale, Syd is surprised when an ordinary visit to Granddad’s house is transformed into an adventure. Granddad leads Syd through the attic, onto a boat, and onward to a beautiful tropical island where they swim and play in the jungle. When Granddad decides to stay on the island, Syd has to say his goodbyes and travel back home alone. This is a subtle read that will comfort sensitive kids when it comes to change and goodbyes.

One Photo by Ross Watkins and Liz Anelli

One Photo is the story of a family who are irrevocably changed by the onset of Alzheimer’s. A young boy is confused when his father’s behaviour starts to change – he brings home a camera and starts taking photos of strange things; he forgets where objects go. Throughout, the boy’s mother is a comforting presence and by the book’s end, the boy’s father reveals his love for them both with a single, beautiful photo. This is a heartfelt story told through simple text and elegant coloured monoprints.

One for teenagers

Older readers can turn to Dianne Touchell’s Forgetting Foster, a rare story about Alzheimer’s disease affecting a younger person. Foster is only seven when his loving and charismatic dad starts losing his memory. What starts out as amusing quickly strains the family seams. Foster, an innocent but intuitive narrator, is rendered invisible and frequently brushed aside as his family members struggle to cope. This is an honest and heartbreaking read.

Alzheimer’s Australia is running a Selfie Challenge today – if you’d like to get involved you’ll find instructions here.