DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

Never Forget Eleanor

A touching exploration of love and memory

Jason June author Loren Long illustrator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Published:30th Mar '23

Should be back in stock very soon

Never Forget Eleanor cover

This heartfelt tale follows Elijah as he navigates his grandmother's memory loss, using storytelling to reconnect in Never Forget Eleanor.

In Never Forget Eleanor, bestselling author Jason June, alongside renowned illustrator Loren Long, crafts a touching narrative that explores the profound impact of words and memory. This story centers around Elijah and his beloved grandmother, Eleanor, affectionately known as Never Forget Eleanor for her remarkable ability to recall everything from crossword answers to cherished family tales. However, as the story unfolds, Elijah begins to notice subtle changes in Eleanor's memory, highlighting the challenges faced by those affected by Alzheimer's and dementia.

Elijah's deep bond with his grandmother is beautifully portrayed as he cherishes their time together, filled with laughter and shared stories. The narrative takes a poignant turn when Eleanor fails to appear for their usual Saturday story session, prompting Elijah to take action. Determined to bring her back, he realizes he must step into the role of storyteller, using the very words that have always connected them.

Through this heartfelt journey, Never Forget Eleanor emphasizes the importance of memory, love, and the power of storytelling in maintaining connections with loved ones. It serves as a reminder of how words can bridge the gaps created by memory loss, making it a perfect read for families navigating similar experiences. This beautifully illustrated book resonates with anyone who has experienced the challenges of Alzheimer's or dementia, offering comfort and hope in the face of such difficulties.

"This day-to-day celebration of a loving relationship brings both characters vividly to life. Long's tender gouache-and-colored pencil illustrations carry the story. . . the expressive features are endearing. From Elijah shyly peeking out from behind a newspaper to Grandma's heart-rending puzzled reactions, the images evoke honest emotions. . . A tender tribute to the heart." — Kirkus Reviews "Calm, measured text from June (the Mermicorn Island series) offers compassion and holds space for the protagonist's grief, while velvety textured gouache and colored pencil vignettes by Long (Someone Builds the Dream) depict a small, animal-populated town where doe-eyed Eleanor is valued and supported by everyone from her family to the local rhino chef and tiger barber. There's a quiet sincerity at work throughout, and readers should find that it encircles them as well." — Publishers Weekly This sweet and sensitive story will hold particular resonance for children and families with elderly relatives in their lives. — School Library Journal The author notes that memory loss can affect people in different ways but that reminders such as these are helpful to some. The gouache-and-colored-pencil illustrations are gently serious, not too lighthearted but appropriate to the audience by not being too sad or scary, either. Eventually Grandma Eleanor passes away, though Elijah carries on her tradition by telling her special stories himself. — Booklist

  • Winner of Bank Street Children’s Best Books of the Year (United States).

ISBN: 9780063039629

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 449g

40 pages