The Forgettery
Amelia’s granny forgets lots of things. Little things, like where she put her glasses, and big things like people and places. But everything anyone has ever forgotten is stored in The Forgettery, and there Amelia and her granny learn the power of making memories.
WINNER! English Association English 4-11 Picture Book Awards, Fiction 4-7 Category!
Chosen by The Guardian for Book of the Month!
Filled with warmth and gentle humour, The Forgettery is a beautifully written, sensitive look at dementia and memory loss. Over 850,000 people live with dementia in the UK, which will soar to 2 million by 2051. Globally, around 50 million people live with dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases each year. Opening up discussions surrounding this challenging topic with little ones has never been more important.
Without ever explicitly mentioning dementia, The Forgettery can be enjoyed as an adventure story where children explore a fantastical world where memories can be re-discovered and revisited as well as newly made. Rachel Ip’s tender words capture the wonderful bond between grandmother and granddaughter and Laura Hughes conjures up an exciting, wonderous space where our most precious memories are stored, and the challenge of dementia can be gently explored and understood.
”'A tender, humorous look at the idea of dementia for very young children, it boasts some of the poignant sweetness of Julia Donaldson’s The Paper Dolls.” - Imogen Russell Williams, The Guardian
”'Rachel has explored memory loss with such a gentle touch, that while The Forgettery could be read to a child who has a family member living with dementia, it is not 'a picture book about dementia'. Laura’s illustrations are out of this world - they make The Forgettery feel like a real place you can visit in the forest. I wish I could step inside this book and visit The Forgettery! This breath-taking picture book made me laugh, cry and tingle all over. It is one of the best picture books I’ve ever read.” - Rachel, Picture Book Perfect
”'A tender reminder that memories may fade but love lasts forever.” - Kirkus
