Everyone carries around memories. In this book, memories are carried around as balloons. Grandpa has more than Mom, Dad, and both young boys combined! Recently Grandpa has been losing his balloons and telling the same stories over and over. Slowly, Grandpa starts to lose all of his balloons. The young boy must learn how to cope with the difference in his grandfather as he starts to lose his memory. This book beautifully uses balloons to explain Alzheimer’s. It makes it relatable for anyone who has had to watch someone close to them suffer through this awful disease. The illustrations and their use of balloons being the only thing with color is executed wonderfully. Great for the reader, specifically younger readers,who have a loved one (especially grandparent) suffering from this disease and are learning how to maintain a relationship with a loved one who slowly becomes less and less responsive.
If you like this book you may like:
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
Grandpa‘s Stories by Joseph Coelho
Always and Forever by Alan Durant
Children's Literature Resource 