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Special Delivery ISBN: 9781781128695
Coulson, Hannah and Meres, Jonathan
Published by Barrington Stoke Ltd, 2019
Frank wants a new bicycle more than anything else in the world. His old one is too small, but Mum says money 'doesn't grow on trees' and that his birthday and Christmas are both still a long way off. When sister Lottie offers to let him help with her paper round, for which she will pay him, he jumps at the chance in spite of the fact that he will have to get up at 6.00 every morning. Their first morning out is a great success, and the final stop is at a big house of sheltered accommodation for the elderly, and while there delivering papers, they come to a door painted bright yellow with a cowboy poster on the wall and a cowboy statue on a small table, and while they are admiring this display, the door opens and an old lady appears, who greets them with 'Howdy pardners'. She is very friendly and they find themselves liking her and chatting happily. One day, during a trip to the park, Frank sees someone in the distance who looks familiar, and she's dressed like a cowboy. Beginning to chat with her, it soon becomes apparent that she is quite confused and continually forgets what they have just said. Frank doesn't quite know what to do, but he is very polite and doesn't want to be rude. Lottie joins them, and together they realise that the old lady doesn't know where she lives and that she may be lost. They offer to take her home, which she is pleased to accept, and together they head for the sheltered housing. Right outside the apartments, they meet a young man, the woman's son, who has been looking for her and is relieved she is safe. He too is friendly and thanks the children for their help. Dementia is not mentioned as such in this story, but it is very obvious that Mary (for that is her name) is suffering from it. The pictures are lovely, in full colour and soft, chalk-like images, and the whole of the book is an easy read in the Barrington Stoke usual process of publishing in cream coloured paper and well-spaced print. Frank's savings begin to thrive, due to Lottie's payments for his help and a hefty donation from Mary's grateful son, and he's well on his way to the new bike. Even older kids will enjoy this simple story and have some insight into the memory problems of the elderly.
Age: 8+