Edmonton author touring dementia-focused picture book to Sherwood Park on July 11

Helen Metella, an experienced author and former Edmonton Journal staff writer, is touring her latest book across Alberta and beyond this summer, with a stop in Sherwood Park on July 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Indigo in Sherwood Park Mall.

Metella, who also served as the founding managing editor of Avenue Edmonton magazine, created the picture book after spending time with her mother as dementia gradually made traditional conversation more difficult. "I wanted something that respected the fact that she is an adult," Metella said.

The result is a picture book created specifically for adults living with dementia, offering a flexible way to share time together. It combines simple storytelling with detailed illustrations designed to spark recognition and conversation, avoiding lessons or instruction while focusing on familiar experiences. Illustrations by artist Hannah Kate Miller draw from the 1970s, the time when Metella's mother was raising her family, featuring everyday details that can open doors to memories or spark reactions.

Rather than relying on direct questions, which can be difficult for someone with dementia to answer, the book allows caregivers to pause and build conversation around what draws attention. That shift removes pressure and makes visits more enjoyable for both people. "It opens the door to many different conversations," Metella said.

Metella developed the project through a hybrid publishing model, covering costs herself while working with a publisher for promotion and distribution. What started as a tool for one family has evolved through use in care homes and community settings. Two additional titles are already written, with more in development, including stories reflecting a male perspective.