Mama's Chickens

(Paperback)

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Description

A sensitive, beautifully illustrated book that uses backyard chickens to give a closely observed childs-eye view of early-onset dementia.

Mama didnt want chickens, but she grows to love them as her dementia symptoms increase. Her young children see that she doesnt always act like her old self anymore; this upsets both them and the chickens, but Mama always finds ways to show them just how much they are wanted and loved.

Children will relate to the endearing personalities of the chickens, while the award winning author draws on her own experience to create an entirely age-appropriate story about the impact of early-onset dementia. The result is a supportive, much-needed book about a reality that many families face.

Dementia doesnt only affect the elderly. Like the parent in the story, people with early-onset dementia may have memory loss, difficulty thinking, trouble recognising people or confusion, or begin acting unlike themselves. Michelle Worthington has had personal experience of all of these symptoms since her diagnosis with Progressive Nonfluent Aphasia (a form of dementia), and hopes her book will help children understand what dementia can look like when their care-giver suffers from it.

Her wish is that the book will initiate open and honest communication and help parents all around the world recognise the symptoms while providing love and support for their children.

Reviews

Michelle Worthington has written over a dozen books for children. With Mamas Chickens, her writing expertise, as well as her personal experience with dementia, is evident in the spare text and storytelling format. The result is a beautiful and sensitive portrayal of a potentially heavy subject, which will allow readers from two through six articulate and understand their own feelings. * Books + Publishing *
Ms Worthington is releasing a new book, Mamas Chickens, which she hopes will raise awareness and help children understand what dementia can look like when their carer suffers from it * Brisbane Sunday Mail *
The warm tones in the overall design and artwork for Mamas Chickens keep the mood of the book joyful and that is the overall message that children can take awayMamas love is constant no matter what challenges the family experiences. * Picture Book Parents *
Speaking is only one form communicating, there are so many other ways you can express love. That is the message I wanted to get across in Mamas Chickens . * Radio National Breakfast *
This tale might have wept with candied sentimentality but thanks to Worthingtons considered, unadorned narrative and Johnstons unobtrusive, gentle water-coloured renditions of this familys home and backyard, the story chimes with honesty and hope. * Kids Book Review *
The book has initiated open and honest communication with my daughter (who is 7 years old), where we have spoken about dementia not only affecting the elderly and what symptoms such as memory loss, confusion and acting unlike themselves looks like. * North Shore Mums *
Its a story full of love, compassion, and understanding. * What Book Next *
"This beautiful picture book by award-winning Australian author, Michelle Worthington, uses the writers own experience of early onset dementia to explore the topic in a child friendly way." * The Pregnancy Centre *
the one thing that permeates both the book and the reality, is that undying, unconditional love between parent and child that can never be underestimated - and if that is the only message a young reader takes from this, then job done and done well, Michelle Worthington. * Bottom Shelf *
Mamas Chickens is a special story.. * Blue Wolf Reviews *
A story of acceptance of disability in the sure knowledge that even when a loved one cant always respond in the way we expect or are used to, we know they still love us and we love them. * Just So Stories *
Speaking is only one form communicating, there are so many other ways you can express love. That is the message I wanted to get across in Mamas Chickens . * Radio National Breakfast *
This tale might have wept with candied sentimentality but thanks to Worthingtons considered, unadorned narrative and Johnstons unobtrusive, gentle water-coloured renditions of this familys home and backyard, the story chimes with honesty and hope.Click here to read * Kids Book Review *
The book has initiated open and honest communication with my daughter (who is 7 years old), where we have spoken about dementia not only affecting the elderly and what symptoms such as memory loss, confusion and acting unlike themselves looks like. * North Shore Mums *
Its a story full of love, compassion, and understanding. * What Book Next *
"This beautiful picture book by award-winning Australian author, Michelle Worthington, uses the writers own experience of early onset dementia to explore the topic in a child friendly way." * The Pregnancy Centre *
the one thing that permeates both the book and the reality, is that undying, unconditional love between parent and child that can never be underestimated - and if that is the only message a young reader takes from this, then job done and done well, Michelle Worthington. * Bottom Shelf *

Author Bio

Two-time winner of the International Book Award for Children's Hardcover Fiction and finalist in the USA Best Book Awards, Michelle also received a Gellett Burgess Award for Children's Literature and a Silver Moonbeam Award for her contribution to celebrating diversity in Picture Books. Nicky Johnston is an educator, speaker and author/illustrator. She is passionate about promoting emotional resilience in children and raising awareness of mental health issues.