Q: The song Summertime is so sweet, but how did it become the Theme Song For The Memory Box and Charlotte’s Big Surprise?

This answer goes back to a very personal story in my life.When my second granddaughter, Charnese, was born, she was one of the smallest infants ever born in Orlando, Florida.She weighed just over one pound. I could hold her in one hand, and she barely stretched from the tips of my fingers to my wrist.As I held her, I sang to her a sweet lullaby, “Summertime.” I sang it then, and I have continued to sing it to her ever since. By the time she was four years old, she knew every word and would sing Summertime herself.At the time of writing this book, she is 28 years old, and Summertime remains our song-a beautiful reminder of love, resilience, and connection.

Q: Who is the intended audience for this book, and how does it aim to support them?

The Memory Box is written for young children ages 4 to 8.It is designed to gently help children understand dementia and Alzheimer’s disease through story, warmth, and emotional safety. While written with young readers in mind, the book is equally meaningful for parents,grandparents, caregivers, and educators who are helping children navigate questions about memory, change, andlove.

Question 1

How did you chose the name Charolette?

Accepted Answer

I get asked this question a lot. With so many beautiful names in the world, why Charlotte?

It actually began quite differently. As I sat down to write the story and the words flowed from my mind onto the screen, the name Cindy appeared almost naturally on the page. At first, I thought, That’s a pleasant name. But as the story neared its end, I found myself returning to it again and again—Cindy, Cindy, Cindy. Something didn’t feel quite right.

I wanted young children to be immediately drawn to the story, to feel a sense of warmth and familiarity. As I reflected on this, the name Charlotte began to take shape. It felt gentle, classic, and comforting. Many children already carry positive associations with the name from Charlotte’s Web, a beloved story that has introduced generations to empathy, friendship, and compassion. I wanted to echo that familiar, trusted tone — something children would recognize and feel comfortable with.

And so, she became Charlotte — my Charlotte.

Question 2

The song Summertime is so sweet, but how did it become the Theme Song For The Memory Box and Charlotte’s Big Surprise?

Accepted Answer

This answer goes back to a very personal story in my life.

When my second granddaughter, Charnese, was born, she was one of the smallest infants ever born in Orlando, Florida.

She weighed just over one pound. I could hold her in one hand, and she barely stretched from the tips of my fingers to my wrist.

As I held her, I sang to her a sweet lullaby, “Summertime.” I sang it then, and I have continued to sing it to her ever since. By the time she was four years old, she knew every word and would sing Summertime herself.

At the time of writing this book, she is 28 years old, and Summertime remains our song-a beautiful reminder of love, resilience, and connection.

Question 3

How old is Charlotte?

Accepted Answer

Charlotte is five years old — a curious, gentle age when questions are asked freely and love is felt deeply.

Question 4

Who is the intended audience for this book, and how does it aim to support them?

Accepted Answer

The Memory Box is written for young children ages 4 to 8.

It is designed to gently help children understand dementia and Alzheimer’s disease through story, warmth, and emotional safety. While written with young readers in mind, the book is equally meaningful for parents,
grandparents, caregivers, and educators who are helping children navigate questions about memory, change, and
love.

Question 5

Why is it important to talk to young children about dementia and Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Young children are often already aware that something is changing when a loved one has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. They may notice memory lapses, personality changes, or altered routines, but without an explanation, those changes can feel confusing or even frightening.

Talking to children in an age-appropriate, gentle way helps them make sense of what they are seeing and
experiencing. It reassures them that they are not to blame, that they are still loved, and that the changes they notice are part of an illness-not a loss of love.

Question 6

Why is it important to talk to young children about dementia and Alzheimer's disease? Is this subject age-appropriate? Could it cause harm?

Accepted Answer

When the subject is introduced with care, warmth, and simple language-as it is in The Memory Box – it is absolutely age-appropriate. Children between the ages of 4 and 8 are capable of understanding big ideas when they are presented through story, metaphor, and emotional safety rather than medical detail.

There is no evidence of harm when these conversations are handled thoughtfully. In fact, avoiding the topic can create more anxiety than addressing it. Silence often leaves children to fill in the gaps on their own, which can lead to fear, guilt, or misunderstanding.

By opening the conversation early:
+ Children learn empathy and compassion
+ They feel included rather than confused or shut out
+ They gain emotional language for change and loss
+ They understand that love can remain even when memories fade

The Memory Box is not about illness – it is about connection, reassurance, and enduring love. It gives families a safe starting point for meaningful conversations and helps children feel secure during moments of uncertainty.