Why Did Grandma Put Her Underwear in the Refrigerator?: An Explanation of Alzheimer's Disease for Children Paperback – Large Print, June 29, 2013

Max and Carolyn masterfully confront some very tough topics in simple, easy to understand terms. Along the way, they provide gentle reassurance regarding feelings that may range from guilt and fear to sadness and embarrassment. They also help children understand that although many changes are taking place, the effected loved one is still the same person they've always known. The story explains additional changes that might occur and how best to deal with them, as well as ways to actively participate in the caregiving process.Each page includes bright, colorful illustrations that correlate perfectly with the story, and quite frankly, I think all of us - adults and children alike - can take something positive from it. I was amazed by the amount of information presented in a book that can be read cover-to-cover in 15 minutes. Bottom line, I can't imagine there being anything out there that so thoroughly and beautifully tackles such a frightening subject. I highly recommend this book to every family touched by Alzheimer's - what a wonderful way to encourage open dialog about a very real part of life.

Whether or not you have a close relationship with someone suffering from Alzheimer's, you know that this condition is becoming more and more a national concern. Wallack and Given's book will help you to be more aware of the tragic effects of Alzheimer's at the simplest level--as perceived by a child--and thus better prepared to spread the word whenever you have the chance.Written in simple, straightforward prose, with illustrations in a pseudo-childish art style that works very well in this case, it tells an intimate story about the good days now past, the troubled present, and the possibility--even if slim--of something better to come. I was struck by the effectiveness of the authors' approach and the underlying compassion. While the story is revealed through a child's eyes and in a child's mode of expression, I would recommend "Grandma" strongly as an all-ages look at loss, love, and hope. The authors are to be highly commended for their vision and their achievement.

This book is very good to explain what happens to people when they get Alz. It will help children understand why their family is different than they used to be. Thx for a good book.

Alzheimer's has become a catch phrase for when people are forgetful. But what happens if it isn't just a temporary situation because you were distracted or thinking two steps ahead of the present tense. What if it was something more permanent and lasting forever. This book is an opportunity for parents and children to understand and cope with the long term effect of a grandparent afflicted with memory lapses which are directly related to a disease called Alzheimer's. This book helps a parent, in a simple format, to feel more at ease with introducing the explanation of grandma's memory lapses to their children. Great Book--Good information--A must read for anyone going through a similar life changing experience--rich from newport

Confused and disoriented Julie’s Gran put her underwear in the refrigerator. Why? Because she had a disease known as Alzheimer’s.At first, Julie didn’t understand why Grandma did things differently. But then she started to help Gran, making it easier for her to live her life. Plus it was Julie’s way of giving to someone she loved.I read this book, looking at pictures, knowing it was supposed to be a children’s book. A way to help the young understand why parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, anyone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, did or said odd things.But I found a bonding with this book, because I was an Alzheimer’s caregiver. I had seen and heard the same from the dear friend I took care of.I’m honored to have followed Max on this Alzheimer’s journey since he was 13 years old.I know this book will help others understand Alzheimer’s/dementia more clearly.Thanks you Max Wallack and Carolyn Given for taking the time to show us. I especially liked the Flutterby drawings.

You should buy this book for any child who has a relative facing Alzheimer's Disease.My son was six when his grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. I wish I had this book to share with him so he could have had a better understanding of his grandmother's decline and his own emotions during this difficult period.In Why Did Grandma Put Her Underwear in the Refrigerator?, the author does a wonderful job capturing the complexities of family life that includes Alzheimer's disease. He discusses the changing roles of family members, losses children may experience, and pays special attention to the value to a child remaining involved with someone who has Alzheimer's.This book is an incredible inspiration. Thank you Max Wallack for sharing from your heart.Cheryl GreeneCo-founder, DrGreene.com

The story line was not clear enough to warrant the interest of children. It gave them a "funny" story, but not enough to explain the "why" or "how" children are expected to respond.

I am looking forward to sharing this book with our grandchildren. Their Grandfather, my husband, has a form of dementia. Although it is probably not Alzheimer's,there are enough similarities to make the book useful to them. The behavior changes with any type of dementia are hard to understand and this book will make it easier for adults to help children understand and deal with this difficult topic.

An interesting way to portray some of the issues around dementia. My daughter is 9 so I wasn't sure if she would be too old for this book, and in some ways she is but it helped her to see that lots of people experience/witness the same things. There is a part that mentions Grandma 'wetting herself' which has not happened to my Mum yet so she was shocked at the concept but it opened up a good discussion. I really like this book.

Obwohl ein *ernstes Thema*, so bietet diese sensible, heitere Geschichte ihren jungen Lesern dennoch ein hilfreiche Unterstützung, um Ängste und Frustrationen zu überwinden. Das 40-seitige, reich bebilderte Kinderbuch wird aus der Perspektive einer Zweitklässlerin in ihrem eigenen Stil und Wortschatz erzählt. Liebevoll vermittelt es reale Verhaltensweisen, wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse und Lektionen von Würde und Wertvorstellungen, wovon erwachsene Bezugspersonen/Betreuer ebenfalls profitieren können.Aus diesem Grund habe ich dieses Buch mit Freude ins Deutsche übersetzt, und mittlerweile ist es in noch mehr Sprachen erhältlich ... und einige mehr werden folgenDanke Max & Carolyn

Great book for kids to understand this horrible disease, wish it had been around when my kids were watching their grandma go through this.

This was really helpful in explaining to my 8 year old about Alzheimer's, clear and easy for her to understand

Brilliant book designed for children to understand Alzheimer's , fun and compassionate. A must have for every family and school.