I got this on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
This was honestly such a heartbreaking and sweet story about a granddaughter and her grandfather with dementia? Alzheimer's? I loved how this picturebook handled that, and how it managed to keep it hopeful!
My only criticism is that I wish we could see in the girl that years have passed.

A book that tries to convey dementia for a young audience, as a girl witnesses her toy seller granddad get more and more forgetful and mentally clumsy. I guess it's an accurate portrayal of what might happen – the idea of the infallible guardian needing a brain scan, and the idea of their acuity being on a downhill trend, but it's not perfect. To me the text was too small font and dense for the target audience (and if it was for an older audience, why is there a silly maze and rather pointless counting game included at the back?); and problems occur when we're told the narrative takes us over years with the girl forced to wear the same things and look exactly the same throughout. Still, it does convey a lesson of a kind rather well, and the girl's caring, forward-thinking nature is something to aspire to.

This is a very important and special children's book which introduces children to what may happen if their loved one develops dementia. It is a sad story, but it is also heartwarming and has happiness in it. The story is about a little girl whose grandad develops dementia and how she looks after him by showing him love and affection and helping him to remember special things and special days out, such as going to the beach. The writing of the book is very good and the illustrations are beautiful. I loved this book and it really touched my heart as I have a family member who is going through dementia at the moment.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

It's a story that hits close to home that many will connect with. It presents dementia to children in a lighthearted but very real way, and will serve as a great conversation starter/discussion about what dementia is. The artwork is simple and minimal. With a complex subject matter like dementia, more illustrations might better convey the message to kids. The content itself is very compelling and heartfelt - I started crying within the first few pages and almost couldn't bring myself to finish it - that will surely resonate with the reader.

Since this is a bit of a heavier subject matter, this would be more suitable for a daytime read with the kids and not as a bedtime story. It's slightly longer than a typical children's book and, again, the ratio of text to illustrations might potentially lose the attention span of young readers, but the length is perfect.

Excellent book that I'll definitely use as resource in the future.

Dear Girl is a cute story that introduces what dementia is on a child's level and gives them ideas and scenarios of what they could expect. While children may ask more questions and need more information about dementia, this book is a great conversation to the subject and is relatively easy for them to understand. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book! (This review is also on GoodReads.)

[english] When I saw that this book was available I knew I needed to read it.

I love children's books, as they have both a story and illustrations. And this book is exactly made of those : a great story, and cute and colorful illustrations.

My grandma has been suffering form dementia and Alzheimer for a few years, and since I'm an adult I understand it (even if it's difficult to live with the thought of her not being like when I was a kid).
This story will be helpful for families who don't know how to explain to their kids the situation their grandpa/grandma is in.

This book is very moving (yes I cried, I won't deny it), and it will be a good way to introduce dementia to kids.

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[french] Quand j'ai vu que ce livre était disponible, j'ai su que je devais absolument le lire.

J'aime beaucoup les albums pour enfants, étant donné qu'ils allient une histoire et des illustrations. C'est d'ailleurs ce dont ce livre est composé : d'une magnifique histoire et d'illustrations adorables et colorées.

Ma grand-mère souffre de démence et d'Alzheimer depuis quelques années, et comme je suis une adulte je comprends (même si c'est dur de vivre en sachant qu'elle ne sera plus comme quand j'étais enfant).
Cette histoire sera utile pour les familles qui ne savent pas comment expliquer à leurs enfants ce qui se passe avec papi/mamie.

Cet album est très émouvant (oui j'ai pleuré, je ne vais pas mentir), et il sera très utile pour aborder la démence avec les enfants.

"Dear Girl" is a beautiful book dealing with such a sad and important topic. Teaching a child how to deal with a loved one's dementia and Alzheimer's disease is a reality for many. This thoughtful and sincere book will help any family dealing with this situation in a beautifully illustrated and gentle way. Thank you NetGalley and Clavis Publishing for the advanced copy.

A beautiful and sweet story about a little girl and her grandpa, who is diagnosed with early on set dementia. This is an emotional and very endearing story and the artwork is just beautiful. I think this would make a great read for kids! Especially if they have grandparents who are experiencing this.

*Thanks Netgalley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read and review.

This is a sweet story that shows how strong the bond is between a little girl and her grandfather. As her grandfather's memory deteriorates, his granddaughter works to maintain their relationship and provide comfort to him. This is a great introduction to Alzheimers and dementia and can help facilitate a conversation with children who may have a loved one in a similar situation.