Illustrator George Haddon and the voiceover talents of ABC broadcaster Libbi Gorr have brought a children’s book to life, My Book about Brains, Change and Dementia, that speaks directly to young children about the realities of dementia in a language they can understand.
Maree McCabe CEO Dementia Australia said seeing a loved one with dementia change gradually over time can be difficult for everyone in the family to understand, including young children.
“Like adults and teens, young children need to be able to make sense of what they see is going on around them,” Ms McCabe said.
“My Book about Brains, Change and Dementia is designed to help families talk about dementia in an age-appropriate, warm and sensitive way. It acknowledges the impact of dementia, tackles misconceptions about the condition and provides information and support for children, their parents, family members and loved ones.
“George Haddon’s delightful illustrations combined with Libbi Gorr’s engaging voiceover (in the online audiobook only), are inspiring. They capture the sensitivity of the issues of dementia while still managing to achieve a lovely balance of being educational and engaging.”
Mr Haddon said when I was initially approached by Dementia Australia for my support in illustrating this book, a close friend and former colleague was living with dementia.
“By the time the project was nearing completion another close friend had also been diagnosed,” Mr Haddon said.
“It has been particularly rewarding to be involved with this project and part of something that we all hope will make a difference to the lives of children impacted by dementia in their family for many years to come.”
Libbi Gorr, Sunday Mornings Health and Wellness host on ABC Radio Melbourne is also thrilled to be involved.
“The strength of a community is in its relationships,” Ms Gorr said.
“A book like this can be an important conversation starter between adults and children and, increase the understanding of dementia of everyone involved.
“Kids need to know what’s going on in a way they can process.”
The book is the latest in a range of resources that have been designed to help children of all ages understand dementia on the Dementia in My Family website, a free online portal that provides information, facts, videos and educational resources on dementia for children ranging from pre-schoolers up to their late teens.
The website includes resources for adults and teachers to help them provide the support children need to navigate some of the complex issues associated with dementia.
My Book about Brains, Change and Dementia was written by Dementia Australia family clinician Lynda Moore with the creative input from other Dementia Australia staff members that specialise in providing counselling and support for all members of the family, especially children.
My Book about Brains, Change and Dementia is published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers and hardback copies can be purchased online at http://bit.ly/MyBookAboutDementia
To enjoy the free online edition* go to https://dementiainmyfamily.org.au/preschool/
To access the free educational resources on how to support young children impacted by dementia https://dementiainmyfamily.org.au/adults/
To
/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).
