Staff Pick
I cried when I first discovered this book because it felt so personal. When I was about 10 years old, my grandmother started developing dementia, and watching someone who was once so vibrant start to wither away and forget our history together really broke my heart. I think that this book is relevant no matter how old you are. The artwork is beautiful. The premise is heartwarming. It helps to remind you as the reader that there can be still beauty in unfair situations. Recommended By Katherine M., Powells.com
Memory loss is such a difficult subject to explain to children, and I’ve never seen it captured in as beautiful a way as Jessie Oliveros presents it in this lovely picture book. James’s grandfather has one balloon for every precious memory he’s lived in his long life; some of these balloons, James also shares. When his grandfather starts losing some balloons, James knows he must find a way to share his grandfather’s balloons with others so his grandfather’s memories live on. Recommended By Kim T., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
What’s Happening to Grandpa meets Up in this tender, sensitive picture book that gently explains the memory loss associated with aging and diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
James’s Grandpa has the best balloons because he has the best memories. He has balloons showing Dad when he was young and Grandma when they were married. Grandpa has balloons about camping and Aunt Nelle’s poor cow. Grandpa also has a silver balloon filled with the memory of a fishing trip he and James took together.
But when Grandpa’s balloons begin to float away, James is heartbroken. No matter how hard he runs, James can’t catch them. One day, Grandpa lets go of the silver balloon — and he doesn’t even notice!
Grandpa no longer has balloons of his own. But James has many more than before. It’s up to him to share those balloons, one by one.
Review
"James and Grandpa's shared heritage and stories of their loving family shine. What is clear is that their memories matter — to them and ultimately to readers. A moving and meaningful way to talk about a situation many families will face." Kirkus (Starred Review)
Review
"Oliveros never sugarcoats the difficulties of dementia, but young listeners are most likely to note this mixed-race family’s gracious understanding of Grandpa’s troubles, as well as the joy they take in retelling his tales." Booklist
Review
"[The] distinctive look, combined with the simple, plaintive prose, offers genuine poignancy." Publisher's Weekly
About the Author
Jessie Oliveros grew up watching Kansas sunsets, and she’ll always have wild sunflowers and gold-tipped corn fields in her heart. She spent her college-life climbing mountains in Utah and striving for higher vistas. After a fulfilling career as a registered nurse, Jessie hung up her stethoscope to grow children and stories. These days you can find her in the Texas hill country with her husband and their four kids. You can visit her at JessieOliveros.com.