In her most recent book Australian
author Karen Tyrell tells about the special love between a little boy and
his grandpa who was Alzheimer’s. Harry will do anything to help his grandpa
remember. Karen says, ‘this is a heart-warming story, full of humour and hope.’
Harry Helps Grandpa Remember written
by Karen Tyrrell, illustrated by Aaron Pocock (Digital Future Press)
PB RRP $15.95
ISBN 978-0-98727-408-3
Reviewed by Peta Biggin
Harry and Grandpa love to play hide-and-seek
together. However, Harry starts to notice changes in Grandpa. He’s
become grumpy, confused and forgetful – even forgetting Harry’s name.
Harry is hurt and sad but decides that he will do whatever he can to help
Grandpa remember the things he’s forgotten.
Harry Helps Grandpa Remember is an uplifting
story about the important, supportive role family can play in the lives of
those suffering from Dementia. Harry is hurt and distressed at the decline of his
grandpa, feeling the loss of a friend and playmate. However, rather than
withdraw from the relationship, Harry comes up with lots of wonderful ways he
can both reconnect with his grandpa and help him to reclaim his lost memories.
Harry Helps Grandpa Remember tackles
a confronting topic in a positive and encouraging way. The focus is
always on what can be gained and enjoyed from such a difficult situation;
activities that can easily be undertaken by most children to ensure a continued
participation in their relative’s life.
It is the little things that we sometimes take for
granted – a walk through familiar surroundings, a song – that are presented
here as the important tasks anyone can enjoy with a relative suffering from
Dementia. In doing these, we see Harry not only bring something back to
his grandpa but also take the first steps in adjusting to what will be a
constantly changing relationship. This is a very hopeful book, however there is
no unrealistic happily-ever-after on offer. Grandpa does not recover;
however, his recollection of Harry’s name is celebrated as the blessing it is.
Aaron Pocock’s illustrations are fun and
energetic. With lots of colour and detail, they are a beautiful
accompaniment – reflecting the optimism and positivism of the story. Karen Tyrrell is an Australian author of both adult
and children’s books. Her books for adults include Me and Her: A
Memoir of Madness and Me and Him: A Guide to Recovery about
her own battles with mental illness. Her
children’s books include Bailey Beats the Blah (a coping
skills picture book) and STOP the Bully (a bully prevention
mid-grade novel). She can be found online athttp://www.karentyrrell.com/.
Aaron Pocock is an English artist/illustrator who is
based in Brisbane. He illustrates children’s books, book cover, CD
sleeves and almost anything else. He also works in a find art capacity
producing watercolour, acrylic and oil paintings. In 2011 he was chosen
to illustrate the Australia Post stamp set ‘Mythical Creatures’ (for Children’s
Book Week). He can be found online athttp://aaronpocock.weebly.com/
To celebrate, Harry will be visiting
these author sites:
Please leave a comment on any of the
sites above for a chance to win an eCopy of Harry Helps
Grandpa Remember. There are five
copies to be won with the winner announced 3 July. Good luck
http://www.amazon.com/Harry-Helps-Grandpa-Remember-Tyrrell/dp/0987274082/
Even though I’ve written dozens of books (more than 120 and
counting), it’s always an exciting time when a new book hits the shelves. My
latest, due out in July, is a novel for young readers aged 8 to 11 years. Here
Comes Trouble! is based on a boy I knew, one of five siblings, whose
parents were addicts. The boy's family lived close to where my husband and
I lived. He and his brothers and sisters ‘adopted’ us as ‘Nanny’ and ‘Poppy
Bill.’ Sometimes the children came to us for food, other times we took them
out, gave them gifts for Christmas and birthdays, or we shopped for
groceries for the family. Sometimes we lent money to their parents.
Recently, I’ve heard of several academics who are researching
Australian written books for young readers that feature foster children. Both
academics have been surprised to see how few there are -- even though thousands
of children in our country are taken into care every year.
Recently, I’ve heard of several academics who are researching
Australian written books for young readers that feature foster children. Both
academics have been surprised to see how few there are -- even though thousands
of children in our country are taken into care every year. 
