What's Happening To Grandpa?

      I really liked this book. I thought it did a wonderful job of showing the relationship between a young girl and her grandfather, who has Alzheimer's. The illustrations were captivating and helped express what was going on in the story and provided character personality. I felt emotional reading through this and knew it had successfully sent its message in doing so.
     In terms of children reading this story, I feel it would be more than appropriate. The concept of growing old can be confusing for kids and I think the author did a great job at demonstrating the changes that occur. It is so important for children to spend time with their grandparents, because they can learn so much. Whether its history, social values, deeper appreciation for how life is today, or many of the other potential stories grandparents may want to share with their grandkids, having that time together is crucial. I think this would be a great resource for parents to use as well, because it shows how the two characters worked together to keep whatever memories he had left, intact.

What's Happening To Grandpa
by: Maria Shriver
illustrated by: Sandra Speidel
Published in 2004