Me and Mrs Moon

Maisie and Dylan love Mrs Moon. She picks them up from school every day and they have great fun together. But then things start to get strange: a coat without sleeves, old socks as Christmas decorations, a missing dog, an imaginary folk band…

The children want to help, but what should they do for the best?

Love, loyalty and resilience shine through this powerful graphic story of two children determined to help their friend, Mrs Moon.

“"Poignant, loving, informative, and consoling alike." - Kirkus "Maisie and Dylan like to spend time with their elderly neighbor, Granny Moon, after school. However when Granny Moon starts acting strangely, forgetting where she is, and getting upset, Maisie and Dylan worry about their friend. The problems culminate when Granny Moon's actions become more erratic and her daughter has to come help out. The story ends on a happy note, and those with a friend or family member who is experiencing dementia will take solace in this story. This full-color graphic novel will appeal to fans of the format, and the narrative is relatable...the cartoonish artwork is cheery and reassuring." - School Library Journal”

"Helen Bate does a marvellous job showing what it is like for children who are close to someone with dementia. Funny, yet serious, sobering yet inspiring, this book is a truly fantastic resource for families, schools and every library in the land."

"A powerful graphic novel illustrating the strength of relationships across the generations and gently introducing the them of dementia...It will give young readers a better understanding of the condition and help develop feelings of empathy with those suffering with it...Beautifully illustrated by Helen Bate."

"Maisie and Dylan like to spend time with their elderly neighbor, Granny Moon, after school. However when Granny Moon starts acting strangely, forgetting where she is, and getting upset, Maisie and Dylan worry about their friend. The problems culminate when Granny Moon’s actions become more erratic and her daughter has to come help out. The story ends on a happy note, and those with a friend or family member who is experiencing dementia will take solace in this story. This full-color graphic novel will appeal to fans of the format, and the narrative is relatable...the cartoonish artwork is cheery and reassuring."

"A book every pastoral lead needs to have in their collection, particularly at primary level."

"A useful graphic novel about love and loyalty, and it may help the many children who find they know someone with dementia, or have to cope with a relative whose behaviour is puzzling."

"Helen Bate has created a thoughtful, empathetic graphic novel about the impact of dementia on its victims and those who love them...a beautiful, convincing story."

"A rare and potentially significant book. Its importance lies in the way the concept of dementia confronts these children."

"Striking in its effectiveness. A touching and perceptive book that will help children understand the devastation caused to people's lives by dementia. Excellently handled and...very accessible."

"This is superb. One of the most impressive, important and sensitive children's stories about dementia that we've seen so far and one that made us both happy and sad in equal measure."

"A book about friendship, care, fears, heartfelt moments triumphs and solidarity with a plea to understand Dementia and the changes that come with it, to manage the same with more love and understanding."

"Helen [Bate] demonstrates her gift for presenting difficult topics in a sensitive way in order to deepen understanding and empathy. This is the perfect story for any chhild who has someone in their life experiencing dementia. Showing that whilst there are many challenges, when family and friends care, there is also hope."

"Love and devotion radiate from the pages of this intensely moving story (based on actual events); but it doesn’t gloss over the enormous challenges those caring for someone with dementia are likely to face. Rather, it offers young readers an opportunity to better understand something of the condition and perhaps be better prepared should they encounter someone living with it.

This is a book that deserves to be in every school and should be read in all families. Particularly, as I was reminded by a charity worker from The Alzheimer’s Society who stopped me as I left Waitrose recently that while I might not know anybody with Alzheimer’s, over a quarter of the population knows someone who has this form of dementia alone."

"Poignant, loving, informative, and consoling alike for children in similar situations."

Helen Bate studied architecture and spent ten years working as an architect. Following a career change she went on to obtain a 1st Class degree and MA degree in Children's Illustration. By 2014 she was the winner of the People's Book Prize, Best Achievement Award, for her innovative work with Pictures to Share C.I.C, a Social Enterprise publishing illustrated books for people with dementia.  Her first picture book, ABC UK, with James Dunn, was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal.  She is the author and illustrator of Peter in Peril, a graphic novel set in World War II and The Creature, a picture storybook, both published by Otter-Barry Books. Helen lives in Shropshire.

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