Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge (Turtleback School & Library, A edition)

Connecting the Young with the Elderly

Mem Fox is notable for her stories that break down accepted attitudes and expectations.
This particular story is outstandingly successful in her efforts as she leads a youngster into the world of the elderly. Using repetition to present young readers with the importance of memories and empathy, Fox tells a story of a young boy who lives next door to a retirement home. He's troubled that his friends there say they've lost their memories and goes about helping them to recall their pasts with items from his young life.
The illustrations are simple and colorful, directing the focus on the story itself. It's a wonderful book to use in showing children valuable connections between them and the older people most all have in their lives.

This is a delightful story about a young boy and an elderly lady suffering from memory loss. When she can't remember details, Wilfred decides to help her find her memories. This book helps young people relate to an older generation. It is written with sensitivity and warmth. It can be used in the classroom to help children foster a desire to create relationships with older people who may have problems.