Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge (1989)

realistic fiction-

A small boy overhears his parents discussing the memory loss of a ninety-six year old neighbor who lives next door in the old people's home. He tries to discover the meaning of "memory" by asking the other residents who tell him, respectively, it's something warm, something sad, something that makes you laugh, something precious as gold. Young Wilfrid gathers his own "memories" to bring to Miss Nancy, his favorite neighbor because she, too, has four names. Each of his treasures, a freshly laid egg for warmth, a toy puppet for laughter, his grandfather's war medal for sorrow, and his precious football stimulate warm reminiscences for Miss Nancy Alison Delacourt Cooper and smiles and smiles for the two of them.

I think this is a good book for students to connect with who might have a grandparent or other family member who is going through losing memories. This book will show them that they're not alone and that other kids go through the same thing. This also teaches them about memories and what they are. ( )

Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge is a heart-warming inter-generational story of a young boy who lives next to "an old people's home." Through his own curiosity and kindness, Wilfred Gordon helps Miss Nancy Alison Delacourt Cooper recall memories from her life. I continue to use this children's picture book on day one in class as an opening for students to share life memories and the story of their own names. I find the illustrations by Julie Vivas to be warm and emotive, mirroring the themes of warmth in the text. ( )

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There aren't enough picture books out there that give honor to elderly individuals. This is one of the most beautifully told, most wonderfully illustrated picture books I have ever read. Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge lives next door to an adult care center. He knows each resident, their personalities and their stories. When he learns one of his favorite friends, Miss Nancy Alison Delacourt Cooper (who has four names, just like Wilfrid) has lost her memory, Wilfrid sets out to find it again. The perspective of the illustrations keeps the reader at Wilfrid's height. The care center residents are illustrated with great color and friendly personality. A wonderful read aloud perfect for discussions about aging and caring and being a friend. ( )

When a little boy who lives next door to a retirement home and is friends with many of the residents, overhears his parents talking about how the oldest resident there is losing her memory. He sets out to learn what "memories" are in order to help his friend. It's a good story for children especially ones who have grandparents or elderly friends to teach them about how important memories are and why they are special to us.