Never Forget Eleanor

This poignant story from New York Times bestselling author Jason June and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long reminds us of the life-changing power of words and the ways we remember the ones we love who've been affected by Alzheimer's or dementia. Perfect for fans of Drawn Together and The Rough Patch.

Elijah loves spending time with his grandma Eleanor. She knows all the best words to answer tricky crossword puzzles and to tell the most beautiful stories to her family and friends.

Everyone calls her “Never Forget Eleanor” because she remembers every word she reads and person she meets. Lately though, Elijah has started to notice Grandma Eleanor forgetting little things.

So when Grandma Eleanor doesn’t show up for her Saturday story session, Elijah will need to find a way to use her favorite words and become the storyteller himself to bring her home.

How can a young boy help his beloved grandmother when her memories start to fade?

• A Heartfelt Grandparent-Grandchild Bond: Elijah and Grandma Eleanor share a special connection through tricky crossword puzzles and beautiful family stories.
• A Gentle Introduction to Memory Loss: When "Never Forget Eleanor" starts forgetting little things, her family must navigate the changes with love and patience.
• Social Emotional Learning: A touching model for kids on how to process complex feelings and find creative, loving ways to support a family member with Alzheimer's or dementia.
• A Resource for Families: Includes a heartfelt author's note, making it a perfect tool to open up conversations about illness, memory, and the enduring power of love.

"Calm, measured text from June (the Mermicorn Island series) offers compassion and holds space for the protagonist's grief, while velvety textured gouache and colored pencil vignettes by Long (Someone Builds the Dream) depict a small, animal-populated town where doe-eyed Eleanor is valued and supported by everyone from her family to the local rhino chef and tiger barber. There's a quiet sincerity at work throughout, and readers should find that it encircles them as well." - Publishers Weekly

"This day-to-day celebration of a loving relationship brings both characters vividly to life. Long's tender gouache-and-colored pencil illustrations carry the story. . . the expressive features are endearing. From Elijah shyly peeking out from behind a newspaper to Grandma's heart-rending puzzled reactions, the images evoke honest emotions. . . A tender tribute to the heart." - Kirkus Reviews

This sweet and sensitive story will hold particular resonance for children and families with elderly relatives in their lives.

The author notes that memory loss can affect people in different ways but that reminders such as these are helpful to some. The gouache-and-colored-pencil illustrations are gently serious, not too lighthearted but appropriate to the audience by not being too sad or scary, either. Eventually Grandma Eleanor passes away, though Elijah carries on her tradition by telling her special stories himself. - Booklist