New Children's Book by Debra Daugherty

Happy to welcome my friend, Debra Daugherty, on the blog today with her new book.

Thank you, Krysten, for allowing a picture book author share her writing journey on your blog. I’m here to talk about THE MEMORY JAR, a multigenerational picture book about dementia. It was released on April 11, 2023 by my publisher, Roan & Weatherford Publishing/Young Dragons. The beautiful illustrations by Victoria Marble not only compliment the story, they bring the story to life.

Book blurb: Amelia's grandmother doesn't remember her because she has dementia, but Amelia is determined to find a way to help. She knows that if she can get her grandmother to talk about the stories she told Amelia over the years, then it will help bring the memories back and make all of them happy. Amelia comes up with a clever plan to assist her grandmother...but will it be enough?

This story is dear to my heart as I cared for an aunt who had Alzheimer’s. I understand, Krysten, that you helped care for your grandfather who had a similar diagnosis. It’s difficult to watch as our loved ones lose their grip with reality. They forget the people they love, and all the special events that happened in their lives. The child in my story, Amelia, is coping with the fact that her grandmother doesn’t even remember her name.

When I wrote this story, the words came easily. I thought about my aunt and what she went through. I imagined her world where all her memories were locked away, and realized how difficult it must have been for her. Aunt Luella was my inspiration for THE MEMORY JAR, and I dedicated the book in her memory.

I hope my story inspires parents and adults to have an open discussion with their children after reading it. Almost every family knows someone with dementia, or has a loved one suffering from it. For a child, watching someone who has memory loss can be scary. I hope my book offers some understanding. Someone once described my story as sad, but I believe it is more than that. I believe it is one of hope, understanding and love.
THE MEMORY JAR is available on several Indie bookstore websites, as well as Amazon’s and Barnes & Nobles’. Readers, please leave reviews.
Thank you, Krysten, for giving me the opportunity to tell your readers my story. It was an honor to be here.

Book Blurb: 

Helping a loved one remember what they have forgotten.
Amelia's grandmother doesn't remember her because she has dementia, but Amelia is determined to find a way to help. She knows that if she can get her grandmother to talk about the stories she's told Amelia over the years, then it will help bring the memories back and make all of them happy. Amelia comes up with a clever plan to assist her grandmother... but will it be enough?

Bio: Debra Daugherty lives in central Illinois with her rescue dog, Honey, who loves car rides. She is the SCBWI-IL representative for the Springfield area. She began writing stories for her nieces and nephews when they were young. Debra’s publishing credits include a picture book, a young adult novel and two short stories for a children’s online magazine. She loves to travel and has kissed the Blarney Stone.
 
The Memory Jar by Debra Daugherty, Victoria Marble, Hardcover | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)   

Social media:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/dmddeb  or @dmddeb
Website: www.writing-for-children.webnode.com
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7579797.Debra_Daugherty

***Find the book here***:
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Amazon: amzn.to/3AIFls4