Trudy Matoody and Grandma Ray

Trudy loves her Grandma Ray. Together they take walks, go to movies, and have picnics. Grandma Ray even taught Trudy all about the

importance of good manners. All Trudy's friends love spending time with Grandma Ray and hearing her stories. Recently, however, Grandma

Ray seems different. She no longer smiles when Trudy walks in the room. She doesn't talk much, and when she does, she sounds angry. And the

worst part is that sometimes, she doesn't seem to remember who Trudy is.

Trudy is very upset by this change and just wants her grandmother back. What could be wrong with her?

Trudy's parents decide to have a meeting with Trudy and her friends Bully Bullfrog, Kitty Kate, Randy Raven, and the Putterflies. All of them love

Grandma Ray and want to know what is wrong with her. To explain, Trudy's father begins with a story. "Once upon a time," he says, and gently explains what is happening to their Grandma Ray. She has Alzheimer's, and needs some extra help these days, but she's still the Grandma they know and love.

In this touching story of love and loss, Marcia Ashford helps even the youngest children to understand and cope with the mysterious disease

that is Alzheimer's. This book is a gentle teaching tool for those learning to live alongside this condition, created with compassion by the daughter of

an Alzheimer's patient. Sergio Drumond's illustrations beautifully capture the essence of a loving, multi-generational family going through difficult

changes.