Carol Steinberg Author of “Come Grandpa Meow, Let’s Fly”
All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Carol Steinberg as guest to the show.
About Carol Steinberg:
Carol Steinberg is an accomplished writer and editor and a former award-winning journalist who contributed regularly to The New York Times, Success magazine, and other publications. She left journalism mid-career to serve for 15 years as an executive at local and national nonprofit organizations focused on Alzheimer’s disease—a way of giving back after her father died as a result of the disease. Now semi-retired, she continues her involvement in the Alzheimer’s community by writing the bimonthly newsletter for Voices of Alzheimer’s as well as blogs on the topic, and appearing on podcasts and other media to discuss various aspects of the disease.
Based on her family’s experience and her knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease, Carol is the author of a new children’s book—”Come Grandpa Meow, Let’s Fly.” The book uniquely features a heartfelt story about Alzheimer’s plus a collection of intergenerational activities. It has been recognized by AlzAuthors as a valuable resource for caregivers and by Ella’s Way for demonstrating the power of kindness.
About “Come Grandpa Meow, Let’s Fly”:
“Come Grandpa Meow, Let’s Fly: A Heartfelt Children’s Story About Alzheimer’s Disease Plus a Guide to Intergenerational Activities” takes a unique approach to helping families navigate Alzheimer’s disease or other related brain disorders. It features a tender children’s story that explains the disease in age-appropriate language, designed to help young children understand the changes in a loved one and to alleviate fear and confusion. The story is uniquely complemented by a collection of empowering intergenerational activities, such as gardening and music, which respond to the question, “Now what?”—How can we foster a loving and respectful bond?
Author Carol Steinberg taps into her family’s journey and extensive professional experience with Alzheimer’s to realistically portray the disease and offer understanding and compassion to a condition that is often stigmatized. As the author notes, “In the face of this devastating disease, we are all looking for that ‘moment’—a twinkle of joy, laughter, connection, or remembrance.”
Accompanied by illustrator Chelsea Cooper’s beautiful watercolor artwork, “Come Grandpa Meow, Let’s Fly” tells the story of Lynnie, a young girl who cherishes spending time with her grandfather. When Grandpa Meow begins to struggle with their familiar activities and forgets who his granddaughter is, Lynnie’s mom sensitively explains that Grandpa Meow has Alzheimer’s. The conversation includes a powerful message: “We can try to help him remember how much we love him.” Lynnie takes these words to heart and figures out how to strengthen their bond in a new way, relying on a song Grandpa Meow always sang to her as she flew through the air on a swing.
“Come Grandpa Meow, Let’s Fly” has been recognized by AlzAuthors as a valuable resource for caregivers and by Ella’s Way for demonstrating the power of kindness. Experts have called the book “stigma-busting,” “well-crafted and poignant,” and a “practical tool for meaningful conversations.” A portion of each sale benefits the VoA Foundation, the educational arm of Voices of Alzheimer’s.