Parent Discovery Resource Center
Children’s Book About Love When People Forget
By Homer Hartage
A warm, parent-friendly guide on how to explain memory changes to a young child using simple, repeatable language and gentle connection tools—so families can return to the conversation with love as questions grow over time.
When families search for a children’s book about love when people forget, they’re looking for something specific: a story that holds the emotional truth that love doesn’t disappear when memory changes. They want a book their child can return to—one that offers reassurance without fear, and connection without pressure.
That’s exactly what The Memory Box & Charlotte’s Big Surprise were created to be.
When a child notices that someone they love is changing—especially a grandparent—life can suddenly feel confusing in a brand‑new way. The questions may come out loud in the back seat of the car, whispered at bedtime, or blurted out in the grocery store aisle. Sometimes the questions don’t come at all; instead, you see the feelings: worry, clinginess, frustration, silence, or a new fear of being apart.
A gentle way to talk about where memories go
Children often think of memories like objects: “Can a memory get lost? Where does it go?”
You can respond with imagination and reassurance:
“Sometimes memories don’t disappear. Sometimes they’re just harder to find.”
Then return to the message that protects a child’s heart: “Even when a memory doesn’t show up, love can still be there.”
Helping children separate remembering from loving reduces fear and confusion.
“Stories remind children that even when memories fade, love still knows the way.”
When children notice change, they often feel it before they can explain it. A gentle story gives those feelings a shape, helping them feel seen without becoming overwhelmed.
Through simple, repeatable language, stories offer children something steady to return to. Each reading becomes a familiar space where questions can be asked and emotions can be understood safely.
Books like this create a quiet bridge between confusion and connection, allowing children to separate remembering from loving in a way that feels natural and reassuring.
Over time, these shared story moments help children stay connected to the people they love, building trust, comfort, and the understanding that love remains, even as memory changes.
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Homer L. Hartage
Author, Thought Leader, President & CEO
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1. Why a children’s book about love when people forget matters
The right children’s book about love, when people forget, does something that conversation alone cannot always achieve: it lowers the emotional temperature. It gives a child’s experience a shape—a story with a beginning, a middle, and an end that reassures. And it gives you, the adult, a script you can return to. You don’t have to invent new words every time.
This is why families use The Memory Box & Charlotte’s Big Surprise as a book to help my child understand memory changes—not through explanation, but through repetition and reassurance.
3. Start with what your child actually notices
Children rarely begin with labels. They begin with what they can see and feel:
- “Grandpa asked that again.”
- “Grandma forgot my name.”
- “She got upset, and I didn’t know why.”
- “He forgot our special song.”
That’s where you begin, too—by naming what they see in simple, non‑shaming language:
“You noticed something important. Sometimes Grandma’s remembering is having a hard time.”
This does two gentle things at once:
- It validates your child’s reality (they’re not imagining it)
- And it separates the person from the problem (Grandma isn’t choosing to forget; remembering is difficult)
2. Help your child stay connected: a “connection plan”
Children feel calmer when they have something they can do—not as a job or a responsibility, but as a small way to stay close.
Connection can look like a drawing, a story, a song, holding hands, or looking at photos. The point is to teach this truth:
Connection can continue, even when remembering changes.
4. Use “truthful small sentences” and expect to repeat them
When a topic is emotionally heavy, children do best with short phrases they can carry:
- “Sometimes remembering is hard today.”
- “That can feel confusing.”
- “It’s okay to feel sad or mad about that.”
- “You didn’t do anything wrong.”
- “Love stays, even when remembering is tricky.”
Heart of it — Love Remains Teachable
Children can handle hard topics when they are held in warmth. They don’t need perfect words. They need you to be steady.
And when you offer small truth, reassurance, and connection—again and again—you give your child a safe path. A path they can walk with you, as memory changes and love remains.
Homer’s Story That Shaped All Other Stories
Years into Homer’s work as a professional guardian, he was assigned to an elderly woman with no close family. On paper, she was just another case number. But as Homer sat with her and listened, he noticed a small cardboard box tucked beneath her bed. Inside were a few photographs, old political flyers, handwritten recipe cards, and notes yellowed with time.
Most surprising, among this cluttered box was a financial record, her deceased husband had left an annuity, enough to care for her for the rest of her life. Alzheimer’s had nearly taken this from her.
That rang out to Homer: “Please don’t let me be forgotten, care for me, remember me. This is the call of so many.”
Testimonials
Engulfed with despair, fear, anxiety, restless nights, and overwhelming sense of helplessness. Those feelings crippled me daily, not knowing what next steps to take, I felt like I was on a deserted island, not wanting to fail my loved one. Thankfully a family member put me in touch with Mr. Homer Hartage. All those negative feelings dissipated after having just one conversation.
Mr. Hartage gave a detailed explanation of my options, which allowed me to make informed decisions about the best options for my family. Again, thank you so much Mr. Hartage for picking up the phone to answer my questions and putting my mind at ease, thank you for sharing your wisdom and knowledge. Finally, thank you, sir, for your kindness. During the most stressful times in my life, you answered my call for help. May God shower you and your family with continuous blessings.
The Feacher/Blackshear Family
Honestly, if you work in healthcare and have a resident who needs a guardian I have the most amazing person, Homer Hartage. Never, EVER have I seen such love and devotion to a client in my life… it takes a lot to impress me because I have such high standards… my mind is blown. Please let him know if you should have a need for a guardian. Your client / resident truly could not be in better hands. He’s simply amazing. So refreshing to see a guardian treat their client like a loved one instead of a pay check or commodity…. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life… and I’ve been doing this a minute.
Robyn Edelstein
Owner Robyn’s Referrals
Homer Hartage is extremely passionate and dedicated to providing a service to others. I have watched Homer in action over the years. He will make sure that every measure has been taking for the safety of providing a quality service to all. His kindness along with his knowledge of delivering the best healthcare services are absolutely outstanding.
Shirley Simmons
CEO Abstract Expressionist Artist
There are not enough great things to say about Homer, feeling safe with him is made so easy. He is extremely culturally sensitive, always on time, and has your best interest at heart. He will work overtime just to make sure you and your family have everything they could ever want. Homer has become a part of my family and I feel so honoured to know him. We are glad he is our guardian.
He communicated well with the family and made sure everyone is up to date and informed. At the end of the day, he always makes the right decisions.
Leila Tiles-Lasanta
Administrative Nurse Manager
Clinical Coordinator Nurse Residency Program
Hudson Regional Hospital Secausus,NJ
Books By Homer
My writings are to ensure that no life is reduced to just paperwork, no story disappears without being told, and no family is left navigating responsibility alone.
My work resonates with caregivers, families, professionals, and anyone who believes that memory, dignity, and responsibility are essential. My book catalog includes trade and children’s books.
Partner Bookstores
You have the option to purchase the book on the AgedCare Guardian website or any of our trusted partner bookstores. Simply click below on the brand of your choice and order your copy at our partners’ online stores.
Distributed by IngramSpark and Baker & Taylor.
