Today in the Mission Yearbook - Children’s book from Flyaway Books explores memory loss

‘Arthur and the Forgetful Elephant’ encourages compassion, patience

September 18, 2021

“Arthur and the Forgetful Elephant” by Maria Girón explores memory loss from the perspective of both those who forget and those around them. Inside the book, a young boy named Arthur meets an elephant who suffers from memory loss. After a playful day together, the elephant remembers enough to help him reunite with his family. The book, which is ideal for ages 3–7, encourages readers to have compassion for and patience with those suffering from memory loss and it features charming illustrations that progressively become more colorful throughout the story.

Kirkus Reviews gave the book a starred review, saying it’s “a tale of memory and kindness infused with warmth and a splash of color. … Powerful, playful, emotional, and so worth a place on the bookshelf.”

The book is available in a jacketed hardback format and the retail price is $18. A free discussion guide developed in cooperation with the Alzheimer’s Association and a complimentary coloring sheet featuring Arthur and his friend are available for download here.

“Arthur and the Forgetful Elephant” is now available for purchase where books are sold.

Flyaway Books is a picture book program dedicated to themes of diversity, inclusivity, compassion, and kindness. For more information, visit flyawaybooks.com.

Girón spent her childhood immersed in art. Since studying fine arts and illustration in Seville and Barcelona, she has illustrated 10 children’s books. In 2010, the Bologna Children’s Book Fair selected her work for a collective exhibition. For more information, visit mariagiron.com.

 Flyaway Books, Special to Presbyterian News Service

Let us join in prayer for: 

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Flor Velez-Diaz, Manager, Judicial Process & Social Witness, Office of the General Assembly
Michael Wade, Production Clerk, Hubbard Press

Let us pray

Dear Jesus, friend of children, we are grateful for the love of children and love of learning, and for helping each child to become a grateful steward of the gifts you have given them.