An essential children's picture book and educational resource for families navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's Disease, dementia, and memory loss.
How to Play With a Grandma is a heartwarming intergenerational story that follows a granddaughter who shares practical communication tips and strategies for interacting with her grandmother during a visit.
As a social-emotional learning (SEL) tool, the book helps young children (ages 4-8) understand cognitive decline and brain health while fostering empathy, patience, and compassion. It serves as a vital resource for parents, caregivers, and educators looking for age-appropriate ways to discuss aging, memory care, and family caregiving.
Perfect for preschool and elementary-aged readers, this book provides a gentle, supportive framework for maintaining meaningful connections between grandparents and grandkids, even when memories fade. Ideal for use in homes, libraries, and school counseling settings.
Evan Bass Zeisel is an author, educator, and advocate dedicated to transforming dementia care through the power of the arts.
Through How to Play With a Grandma, Evan provides a much-needed toolkit for families to navigate memory care challenges with love, creativity, and understanding.
"How to Play With a Grandma is such a sweet book that makes me smile. The unique humor and joy it brings reminds me of my grandma."
— Marilyn R.
Executive Director of Maude's Awards for innovation in Alzheimer's Care
"…with its cheerful and lively illustrations, offers advice which is kind, constructive, and easy to understand. Any parent who values a child's relationship with Grandma and Grandpa will want to share this book with the whole family."
— Jayce V.
Author
"A refreshing perspective on dementia, providing a gentle and much-needed nod to the caregiving community. By focusing on finding joy amidst significant challenges, the book is both practical and magical..."
— Verania K.
Screenwriter
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Listen to interviews and read discussions regarding the making of How to Play With a Grandma and the importance of discussing dementia with children.
Evan & Jeff talk about nonpharmacological approaches to dementia care and how to start the memory loss discussion with kids.
Listen NowEvan joins Lori La Bey on her "radio show" as they discuss the need for the Hope Model and their shared motivation to spread resources to help caregivers and improve the quality of life for those living with dementia.
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