by Michelle Wang, Illustrated by Sam Nunez
Arsenal Pulp Press
10/2/2024, hardcover
SKU: 9781551529479
A gentle and loving book that helps children navigate an Alzheimer's diagnosis in their family
The five Lim children--Jessica, Jocelyn, Jeffrey, Jacob, and Kenzie--are thrilled when their parents tell them that Oma and Opa, their beloved grandparents, are coming to town for a visit. But this time, things seem different--grandmother Oma's cooking doesn't taste the same, and she's started asking the same questions over and over, even while talking about specific moments from her past. Then things around the house begin to go missing: keys, eyeglasses, the TV remote. When the items turn up in the oversized shopping bag that Oma carries around with her, the family comes to the sad realization that she's in the early stages of Alzheimer's. But the journey from the past to new shared experiences reminds them that Oma is still Oma. And as Jeffrey watches his cherished grandmother dance about the house, he reassures his grandfather, "She's still here."
Accompanied by joyful illustrations, Oma's Bag is a tender and touching book to help children navigate an Alzheimer's diagnosis in their family and learn how to fully embrace their loved ones in new and unexpected ways.
Target age: 3 to 8
Reviews:
"A beautiful story for young families with aging loved ones. As a health care professional of over twenty years, I have seen the profound sadness in the journey of those affected by the changes that dementia brings. But through making light of daily occurrences as the disease unfolds, Oma's Bag shares the story of the many meaningful and loving interactions that still happen along the family journey. There are still treasures of Oma's past and present selves to be found, if only we take the time to listen. Like many lessons in life, the wisdom of young children reminds us to connect with these precious moments while we still can." -- Lisa Alguire, occupational therapist at Vancouver General Hospital and clinical instructor at University of British Columbia
"Books like Oma's Bag serve to reduce the stigma that surrounds memory loss. It discusses dementia in a way that children can understand while honouring the personhood and experiences of their loved one. An absolute pleasure to read." -- Dr. Jo-Anne Clarke, medical director of North East Specialized Geriatric Centre at Health Sciences North
About the Contributors:
Michelle Wang is an elementary school teacher who was inspired to write Oma's Bag by her own mother-in-law, in the name of all families who have loved ones living with dementia.
Sam Nunez is an artist with a love for illustration and cartoons. Oma's Bag is his first book.