'A Sporting Life' in pictures and 'In the Garden' in pictures are the two latest additions to a series of illustrated books designed especially for people with dementia. The books are produced by Pictures to Share CIC, a not for profit Social Enterprise that produces visual resources for people with dementia.
Many of us have pictures books, but they are mostly written for children and explore the experiences of childhood. These books are for adults and are produced for people who have a wealth of life experience. The offer cues to enable that life experience to be realised and expressed.
All the Pictures to Share books focus on a theme and use vivid colour and evocative black and white photos. 'In the Garden' has pictures of two blue-tits sitting among clothes pegs on a washing line and young boys being sprayed by a hosepipe, while 'A Sporting Life' has more active shots of rugy players covered in mud and fisherman in conversation.
The books are a wonderful way of engaging with people with dementia in conversation.
Review by Rev. Margaret A Goodall