Come Grandpa Meow, Let’s Fly is a sensitive and true-to-life children’s book to help families meet the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia with understanding and respect. A heartfelt story with age-appropriate language and beautiful watercolor illustrations explains the brain disorder, and it is uniquely complemented by a collection of intergenerational activities designed to strengthen connections between children and loved ones experiencing memory loss and other symptoms.

A portion of each sale benefits the VoA Foundation, a non-profit led by individuals living with Alzheimer’s and the educational arm of Voices of Alzheimer’s.

Come Grandpa Meow, Let’s Fly by Carol Steinberg is a charming children’s story that will educate young readers about Alzheimer’s disease. It tells the tale of a little girl, Lynnie, whose grandpa has the disease, the changes that occurred within him, and the way she and her family adapted to his needs, alongside the emotional toll that the disease caused for all.

The book is quite beautiful and is told in an empathetic and easy-to-understand manner. Each page is filled with glorious illustrations that capture the scenes perfectly and will help children understand and notice the differences in Lynnie’s grandpa.

At the back of the book, there are helpful pages on different subjects that can help people with dementia/Alzheimer’s and their intergenerational families, from music to cookery and how to meet in the moment. These pages are filled with a wealth of knowledge and come from someone who works helping people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

Overall, Come Grandpa Meow, Let’s Fly is a story that will aid many children who know someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s. It will help them better understand the condition, give them the courage to face the issues head-on, and give them practical advice on things to try. It could also be used in the classroom to educate youngsters on the disease. This is a truly remarkable book and certainly worth purchasing.

I am a semi-retired writer and editor, and a former nonprofit executive. Prior to my nonprofit career, I was a freelance journalist, contributing to The New York Times, Success magazine, and other publications. After my dad passed away from Alzheimer’s disease in 1997, I left journalism to take a communications position at a local nonprofit organization helping people with Alzheimer’s and caregivers. I later served for more than a dozen years as an executive at a national foundation with a similar mission, and I am still involved in the Alzheimer’s community today.

I am a Brooklyn, New York native currently living in Great Neck, New York. Now a grandmother, to four “delicious” little ones, (thanks to my wonderful two daughters and sons-in-law), I greatly value the special grandparent-grandchild relationship. I continue to sing to my grandchildren when they are on the swings–the same song my dad sang to me and my siblings and his five granddaughters.