NANA NANA

A comforting multigenerational story and powerful resource for children with a loved one diagnosed with Dementia—tackling big feelings and encouraging openness, compassion, and understanding.
Nana Nana illustrates the sweet relationship between a boy and his beloved grandmother as they both grapple with changes associated with her Alzheimer’s diagnosis and its painful, winding path. In his brilliant debut title, author Nate Bertone captures the experience of dementia told from a child's perspective. 
Initially, Nana is having a hard time doing the things she and Nate used to enjoy together. She has started to forget the words to her favorite songs, Nate's birthday, and even his name. But as the book progresses, Nana's memory deteriorates even more, and her symptoms escalate to include changes in personality and behavior. 
The love bleeds off the page in the incredibly emotive illustrations by James Claridades. Nana Nana gives children a better understanding of Alzheimer’s and how to handle the changes in their loved ones. The conversation between Nate and Nana flows so beautifully and organically, and the tone is optimistic. Nate consistently exhibits incredible compassion for his Nana. He is patient with her, and he is kind. This book begs the question, “What happens if we just play along like children do?"
Nate’s innocent but perceptive questions show children that it’s OK to ask questions and have big feelings. It's okay to notice changes in someone, and it’s OK to be sad. 
Nana Nana shines a unique and compassionate light upon a subject that can oftentimes be uncomfortable or scary for children. The conversational journey between Nate and his Nana is warm, tangible, and approachable, but the impact is profound. Their story allows for a greater understanding of such a confusing and heart-wrenching disease—opening the door for further conversation and ultimately proving that love always remains. 

About the author

Nate Bertone is an internationally acclaimed designer, director, writer, and Broadway producer. Though his work has been seen on stages across the globe, this is his debut children’s book. While watching his Nana battle Alzheimer’s disease, Nate became passionate about prevention, care, and support for those with and affected by the disease. He has since written three pieces where Alzheimer’s plays a key role –– a musical, Letters From War, a play, The SeaView Nursing Home for the Newly Deceased, and his debut children’s book, Nana Nana. He is an alumnus of Carnegie Mellon University and was a Dean's Scholar at Central Saint Martins, London. Nate is a member of The Dramatists Guild and USA829. For more information, please visit: @natebertone, @alzheimerschildrensbook, natebertone.com and alzheimerschildrensbook.com.James Claridades' illustration work has been featured in many stories for Farfaria children’s book app. James’ work has become well known through social media, where he shares his love for musical theatre, recreating scenes of Broadway musicals through vibrant illustrations. His work has been featured at an Anniversary exhibit for Broadway’s Wicked at The Gershwin Theater in New York City, and Nana Nana marks his debut publication in the United States. He is based in the Philippines.

Summary

A comforting multigenerational story and powerful resource for children with a loved one diagnosed with Dementia—tackling big feelings and encouraging openness, compassion, and understanding.
Nana Nana illustrates the sweet relationship between a boy and his beloved grandmother as they both grapple with changes associated with her Alzheimer’s diagnosis and its painful, winding path. In his brilliant debut title, author Nate Bertone captures the experience of dementia told from a child's perspective. 
Initially, Nana is having a hard time doing the things she and Nate used to enjoy together. She has started to forget the words to her favorite songs, Nate's birthday, and even his name. But as the book progresses, Nana's memory deteriorates even more, and her symptoms escalate to include changes in personality and behavior. 
The love bleeds off the page in the incredibly emotive illustrations by James Claridades. Nana Nana gives children a better understanding of Alzheimer’s and how to handle the changes in their loved ones. The conversation between Nate and Nana flows so beautifully and organically, and the tone is optimistic. Nate consistently exhibits incredible compassion for his Nana. He is patient with her, and he is kind. This book begs the question, “What happens if we just play along like children do?"
Nate’s innocent but perceptive questions show children that it’s OK to ask questions and have big feelings. It's okay to notice changes in someone, and it’s OK to be sad. 
Nana Nana shines a unique and compassionate light upon a subject that can oftentimes be uncomfortable or scary for children. The conversational journey between Nate and his Nana is warm, tangible, and approachable, but the impact is profound. Their story allows for a greater understanding of such a confusing and heart-wrenching disease—opening the door for further conversation and ultimately proving that love always remains. 

Foreword

• Book launch event/panel at Boston Area Theatre with 500 in audience and Wayne Brady on the panel - Sept 17
• Walk to end Alzheimer’s National Event in Boston- October
• Testimonials social media influencers; by celebrities Seth and Lauren Rogan, Jay Allen, Wayne Brady and more. 
• Digital pre-sale campaign on social media
• Author website
• Book trailer
• Early-reviewers/ blogs
• Trade publications
• Trade reviews
• National media; NPR, Boston Globe
• Sponsor a school or elder care facility campaign
• In-person events:
• Author event accompanied by a rep of the Alzheimer’s Association in the following markets: NYC, Boston, MA, Cincinnati, OH, Pittsburgh, PA. L.A., Nashville, TN, and New Orleans, LA
• Featured Alumna of the Year at Carnegie Mellon with article to be announced in March

Product details

• Authors: Nate Bertone, Bertone Nate
• Assisted by: James Claridades (Illustration), Claridades James (Illustration)
• Publisher: Ingram Publishers Services
• Languages: English
• Age Recommendation: ages 5 to 7
• Product format: Hardback
• Release: 17.09.2024, delayed
• EAN: 9798989403417
• ISBN: 979-8-9894034-1-7
• No. of pages: 50
• Illustrations: Vibrant color illustrations one every page
• Subjects: Children's and young people's books; JUVENILE FICTION / Concepts / General, Family & health, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Family & home stories