My New Granny

(Hardback)

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Description

Finis granny has changed. Before, she would comment on Finis strange hair styles, help her feed the ducks in the park, had traveled all over the world, and was an amazing cook. Now, Finis granny admires wacky hairdos, eats the bread crumbs meant for the ducks in the park, and does not travel or cook anymore. Eventually, Granny has to come live with Fini and her family because she needs to be watched, almost like a little child. She needs help dressing and washing, falls asleep underneath the kitchen table, and has a woman named Agatha that comes to care for her, like a babysitter. Fini is unsure of what to think of this new grannyshe looks the same but she certainly acts like a completely different person.
My New Granny is a heartwarming and important story about a grandparent who is suffering from dementia and how a grandchild can learn to accept this change in personality in a loved one. With an estimated 5.4 million people affected by Alzheimers in the United States, this is an essential resource for many children who may have a grandparent suffering from this disease. Elisabeth Steinkellners text captures the thought process of children while Michael Rohers simple yet evocative illustrations paint a realistic picture of how to cope with dementia in a family.

Author Bio

Elisabeth Steinkellner was born in 1981 and grew up in southern Lower Austria. For a long time she wanted nothing more than to be a circus performer. When she was twelve, however, she changed her mind and decided she wanted to become a writer, a marine biologist, or a window decorator. After graduating from high school she trained as a social worker and now writes children's books. Michael Roher was born in 1980 in Lower Austria, and spent his childhood and youth in Krems. After high school and community service, he moved to Vienna, where he trained as a social worker. His love of the circus led him to do circus play and educational work with children and adolescents. Since he can remember, though, drawing has been one of his favorite pastimes.