The Keeper of Secrets

When someone we love begins to forget us, it can feel confusing, frightening and deeply sad.

The Keeper of Secrets is a compassionate children's grief book designed to help young readers understand dementia, memory loss and the death of a grandparent. Through gentle storytelling and practical coping tools, this book helps children navigate the difficult emotions that can arise when a loved one changes due to illness and eventually passes away.

Told through the eyes of Hannah, a young girl whose beloved Nana develops dementia, the story explores the heartbreak of watching someone change, the fear of being forgotten and the comfort of holding onto precious memories.

As Hannah learns that love can remain even when memories fade, children are gently reassured that illness cannot erase the bond they share with someone they love.

This book gently explores:

• Dementia and memory loss in a way children can understand
• The sadness and confusion of watching a grandparent change
• Feeling forgotten by someone you love
• Grief and bereavement after a death
• Big emotions including anger, worry and loneliness
• Finding comfort through family stories and memories
• Understanding that love remains even when memories fade

Children will learn:

• It is okay to feel sad, confused or angry
• Dementia is an illness and not anyone's fault
• Love does not disappear when memories change
• Sharing stories helps keep memories alive
• Family traditions connect generations
• Grief and love can exist together

Includes The Script-Keeper's Toolkit

Children will discover practical activities designed to help them process emotions and celebrate memories, including:

• The Keeper's Breath calming exercise
• Creating a Memory Safe for treasured stories
• Memory mapping activities
• Reflection and conversation prompts
• Simple tools for managing difficult feelings

Ideal for:

• Children experiencing the effects of dementia in the family
• Families coping with the loss of a grandparent
• Parents and carers supporting grieving children
• Primary schools and teachers
• School counsellors and therapists
• Dementia and bereavement support organisations

The Keeper of Secrets offers comfort, understanding and hope. It reminds children that while memories may fade, love remains woven through every story, every tradition and every moment shared together.

Written by Wayne Hutchinson & Nadeen Swaby of Handle My Affairs

Helping families navigate grief, loss, bereavement and life's most difficult moments with compassion, understanding and practical support.