The Memory Birds
About
When memories take flight, love finds new ways to soar
Leo loves watching birds with his Grandma Mae, who says each colorful bird carries a special memory. But lately, Grandma has been changing. She forgets names, misplaces things, and sometimes doesn't recognize the birds she once knew by heart.
"Grandma's memory birds are starting to fly away," Dad explains gently.
When Leo builds a special memory birdhouse filled with photos, music, and treasured objects, he discovers something remarkable: even as some memories fade, love remains. And sometimes, the most precious memories can be passed along, like birds flying from one heart to another.
A tender, hopeful story about family bonds that transcend memory loss, The Memory Birds helps children understand dementia through gentle metaphor while celebrating the beautiful moments that remain even when things change.
Companion to the acclaimed novel All These Beautiful Things by Beth Curry
"A gentle, lyrical explanation of dementia that children will understand and adults will appreciate... Curry's dual perspectives across generations provide a unique and valuable resource for families." —Reader's Review
Includes a note for young readers and caregivers with guidance for discussing memory loss with children
Because picture books don’t always translate well on digital devices, this title is currently available in print only. However, if you’d prefer a digital version for your child or classroom, please feel free to contact me through my website for more information.
Praise for this book
"Beth Curry’s The Memory Birds is a compassionate and skillfully written story that speaks directly to children facing the emotional shifts that come with a loved one’s cognitive decline. As a child psychologist, I often work with families searching for ways to explain what’s happening to someone they care about. This book offers not only language, but also emotional permission for confusion, for sadness, and for love in its evolving forms.
Told through the perspective of a young boy and his deep bond with his grandmother, the story introduces a poetic and accessible symbol to help young readers understand the gradual changes they may witness. Without relying on technical terms or overwhelming detail, Curry creates space for empathy and connection, making this book a gentle entry point for conversations that are often difficult to begin.
The narrative is supported by calming, expressive artwork and concludes with thoughtful guidance for both children and adults. It invites shared reflection and encourages families to cherish what remains while honoring what’s changing.
This book is a meaningful tool for emotional literacy and intergenerational understanding."