If you look on Amazon, you will find no-text picture books designed for adults living with dementia. They’re perfect for anyone who can no longer read at all, but who loves books and enjoys sharing a picture book with a care partner. And there are hundreds of them!
So I decided NOT to create more of these abundant no-text books, but to create some books with minimal but catchy text!
My big interest is in preserved reading skills – the idea that while reading may become challenging, people with moderate dementia can often still read a line or two with support, or may like to have a book with text in it.
I chose to include some rhyme (I’ve called it light verse, but that may be a bit of a stretch!) because rhyme sticks in our heads and resonates. We all remember rhymes from childhood, or the words to long-ago songs. Plus there’s a huge satisfaction in being able to join in with a few words, even if it’s just “Yes, I love dogs!”
The two books I’ve created so far are like picture books, but from the perspective of an adult pet owner and animal lover, rather than a child. The titles are;