Grandma Rosey’s Story Hour

All keiki age 5 and older are invited to the new monthly Grandma Rosey’s Story Hour series at the Life Care Center of Hilo. The next session will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, on the center lanai at 944 West Kawailani St., when Grandma Rosey will read “Wordsworth Dances the Waltz” by Kapoho-born author Frances Kakugawa.

The choice of books for the series will include the topic of elders and forgetfulness. Grandma Rosey invites children and their parents to come and listen to a short story, and then she will answer questions about aging and forgetfulness.

Kakugawa won Northern California Publishers/Authors Best Children’s Book honors for her tale of Wordsworth, a poetry-loving Hawaiian mouse who doesn’t understand why there is so much whispering around the house since Grandma came to live with his family. Wordsworth remembers Grandma’s last visit, when the house was filled with laughter and he and Grandma danced around the room together. But now, Wordsworth and his siblings have to walk softly and be quiet so they don’t disturb Grandma.

In “Wordsworth Dances the Waltz,” children are introduced to the concept that as grandparents age, they may become different, and even forget important things. Cookies and juice will be served.

Contact Chris Ridley of the Alzheimer’s Association at 443-7360 for reservations.