What's Happening to Grandpa?

by Maria Shriver

Maria Shriver presents a timely, touching story that inspires, guides, and educates--and encourages readers to open their eyes to the memories and the love that our elderly loved ones have to offer. Kate has always adored her grandpa's storytelling, but lately he's been repeating the same stories again and again. One day, he even forgets Kate's name. Her mother's patient explanations open Kate's eyes to what so many of the elderly must confront: Alzheimer's...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316001015
• ISBN13: 9780316001014
• Release Date: April 2004
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.8" x 7.7"
• Age Range: 5 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

informative for the very young

I liked the book very much. It was helpful to introduce my grandchildren to their Grandpa's illness.

A SENSITIVE AND WELL WRITTEN BOOK

This is a very sensitive book addressing the horrible problems when a loved one is diagnoses with Alzheimer's Disease. The book is seen through the eyes of a child, a questioning child and the answers provided are quite good. This is a well done work and covers issues which, at times, can be diffiult to address with the young child. I not that this paricular work is probably being down graded somewhat due to the fact that the author is a celebrity, of sorts. I will be the first to state that many of the "celebrity written books" are indeed pure garbage and that just because they look good in front of a camera, does not make them an expert on just about any thing. (Actually, generally speaking, as a group, they are just about the most clueless folks we have in our society). In this case though, Shriver has indeed done her research and does indeed pull it off and the work shoud not be judged on just what the author does for a living. All in all, recommend this one highly.

Thoughtful and very touching

Families can struggle with teaching children about aging and illness, especially when it hits so close to home with grandparents. Ms. Shriver has succeeded in putting all the sensitive feelings and thoughts that naturally occur when a loved ones develops Alzheimer's. Soft watercolor pictures accompany meaningful text to describe families from all backgrounds as they begin the long and sometimes painful journey with seniors as their memories fade, they repeat themselves, can't remember things, and ask the same questions over and over. Meant for older children, this book is a wonderful starting point to begin discussions of this topic with classes and/or your children at home. So thorough is the coverage in this book that it even includes a wealth of additional resources in the back pages with websites and 800 #'s for further information on Alzheimer's education and aging.

Excellent For Children -1st Lady Shriver WINS!!!

Well written with warmth, Maria Shriver does an excellent job of helping grandchildren understand-what even some adults may not fully know- about the battlefield of the aged minds.The Knowledge we as Authors share, produces a well informed future generation.

Lovely Resource

It is hard enough for an adult to understand what it all means when a loved one is stricken with Alzheimer's, let alone a child. Maria has done a marvelous job of explaining it all in terms that will help your children, as well as yourself, understand, accept and cope with one of the hardest times a family can face.Jacqueline Marcell, Edlercare Advocate, and author of Elder Rage.