Mama's Chickens

A sensitive, beautifully illustrated book that uses backyard chickens to give a closely observed child’s-eye view of early-onset dementia.

Mama's Chickens presents a touching narrative where Mama didn’t want chickens, but she grows to love them as her dementia symptoms increase. Her young children notice the changes in her behaviour, unsettling them and the chickens. Despite these challenges, Mama always finds ways to show her love and care.

Children will find the endearing personalities of the chickens relatable. The award-winning author, drawing from her personal experience, creates an age-appropriate story addressing the impact of early-onset dementia. This supportive and much-needed book deals with a reality that many families face.

Dementia doesn’t only affect the elderly. Like the parent in the story, people with early-onset dementia may experience memory loss, difficulty thinking, trouble recognising people, confusion, or behavioural changes. Michelle Worthington, diagnosed with Progressive Nonfluent Aphasia, a form of dementia, shares her journey, hoping to help children understand what dementia can look like when a caregiver suffers from it.

Her hope is that Mama's Chickens will initiate open and honest communication and assist parents in recognising symptoms while providing love and support for their children around the world.