Under the Rose Bush (Jane Fry, illus by Sandi Harrold, Green Olive Press)

Told through the eyes of a young girl called Zoe, Under the Rose Bush is a story about the strong relationship between Zoe and her grandmother, and the sorrow they experience when confronted with Alzheimer’s disease. Granny’s specialty is making Zoe feel better when she’s sick or sad and Zoe loves learning the names of the roses in Granny’s garden. However, Granny is starting to forget things and as her memory deteriorates, Zoe finds it difficult to understand why Granny can’t recognise her anymore. Zoe looks after Granny as her condition worsens and when she passes away, Zoe and her mother tend Granny’s rose garden and share their happy memories of Granny with each other. Jane Fry’s simple prose, coupled with colourful illustrations by Sandi Harrold, makes for a tender story that will gently introduce children to the possibility of memory loss in the ones they love. Under the Rose Bush is a positive story about the bond of family. This picture book will appeal to parents wanting to introduce their young children to the nature of Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

Romy Bradbeer is the bookshop manager at the Younger Sun Bookshop in Melbourne

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

Category: Reviews