When the family’s grandparents come for a visit, the five grandchildren notice that Oma has changed. Her cooking doesn’t taste quite the same, she repeats stories from her youth, and she strangely wears three coats on top of one another. Then a number of small household items begin to go missing, only to reappear in Oma’s handbag. Despite her personality changes and Opa’s grief over the changing situation, the children realize their beloved Oma is still there inside and find ways to support her by dancing to her favourite music. Witnessing the onset of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is a challenging time for young children, and it is a disease not easily understood. This picture book offers an authentic portrayal and gentle introduction to dementia, inspired by the author’s own first-hand experiences with a family member. An addendum provides practical coping strategies and further information for both kids and parents.

Other End Matter: Additional information
Images: Colour illustrations
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Evaluator: Joanie P., Teacher-Librarian, BC Books for Schools

Michelle Wang is an elementary school teacher who was inspired to write Oma's Bag by her own mother-in-law and for all families who have loved ones living with dementia. She lives in Toronto.

Michelle Wang's profile page

Sam Nunez is an artist with a love for illustration and cartoons. Oma's Bag is his first book. He lives in Peterborough, Ontario.

Sam Nunez's profile page

A beautiful story for young families with aging loved ones. As a health care professional of over twenty years, I have seen the profound sadness in the journey of those affected by the changes that dementia brings. But through making light of daily occurrences as the disease unfolds, Oma's Bag shares the story of the many meaningful and loving interactions that still happen along the family journey. There are still treasures of Oma's past and present selves to be found, if only we take the time to listen. Like many lessons in life, the wisdom of young children reminds us to connect with these precious moments while we still can. -Lisa Alguire, occupational therapist at Vancouver General Hospital and clinical instructor at University of British Columbia

A truly entertaining, captivating, and authentic work. -Karl Subban, author of The Hockey Skates

A lovely story that captures what it's like to have aging grandparents - the love we feel for them and the love we need to find, even in loss. -Lindsay Mattick, author of Finding Winnie

This delightful story underscores the importance of accepting the aging process and honouring family ties. Perfect for all ages. -Jennifer Maruno, author of While You Sleep

Books like Oma's Bag serve to reduce the stigma that surrounds memory loss. It discusses dementia in a way that children can understand while honouring the personhood and experiences of their loved one. An absolute pleasure to read. -Dr. Jo-Anne Clarke, medical director of North East Specialized Geriatric Centre at Health Sciences North

Tenderly portrayed by author Michelle Wang and warmly illustrated by Sam Nunez, Oma's Bag is a book that should be on every family's reading list and readily available in every doctor's office, clinic site, and hospital waiting room. -Dr. K. Jennifer Ingram, dementia specialist and founder of Kawartha Centre