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The Wind Seeker was written to help individuals with dementia feel the joy of sharing a story with another human being. The dynamics of the partnership are important. The intergenerational theme of the story invites children, as well, to be reading partners. The Wind Seeker has also been used for one-on-one read alouds, pairing a family member or a care partner, with an older adult. Optional open-ended questions that appear at the end of each page bring a pause to the story to prompt the sharing of memories or experiences, encouraging a sense of solidarity among participants. Taking turns sets up a kind of “conversation” among participants where they are engaged and contributing as they read without the pressure of trying to think of something to say. The Wind Seeker has been used in small reading groups in relaxed settings where individuals with dementia take turns reading to each other. And, finally, the size of the book and the weight of the paper has been calculated to promote easy viewing and handling. There are pauses throughout the story in the form of short questions to prompt conversation and reflection, and to set a comfortable pace. Colors are bold and contrasting for those with low-vision. The illustrations are simple and uncluttered, and directly support the interpretation of the text. The large-print text of the story is predictably on the left side each time, with the full-page, color illustration on the right. There are several features to A Day on the Wind Seeker that facilitate reading for those with dementia. An endearing grandparent /grandchild relationship plays out as they enjoy the day. Now a teenager, Emma is still “learning new things from her Papa Jack” as they spend a day on the Wind Seeker, an old sailboat they restored together. Jack has fond memories of his granddaughter as a young child who loved sailing. The heart of the narrative lies in the grandfather/granddaughter relationship between the two characters, Papa Jack and Emma. Ī Day on the Wind Seeker is a sailing story with a touch of adventure and a bit of fun for old and young. With Jennifer’s guidance, I wrote and my husband, Ronn, illustrated our first short story, specifically for older adults with cognitive impairment, entitled A Day on the Wind Seeker. So, we decided to join forces on a read-aloud mission to help individuals living with dementia enjoy a shared reading experience. As a Montessori educator and read-aloud advocate, I could see the promise of older adults and young people reading aloud together. Jennifer envisioned short, illustrated stories with a specific format that would level the playing field for older adults, allowing a person with dementia to read or partner in the reading of a story. Children’s picture books are sometimes used, but lack relevance for many elders. However, reading material for older adults with cognitive impairment can be limiting. many individuals, even in the later stages of the disease, enjoy reading aloud to others. Reading is a preserved ability in dementia. I was excited to learn from her work that reading is a preserved ability in dementia and that many individuals, even in the later stages of the disease, enjoy reading aloud to others. In keeping with the Montessori philosophy, Jennifer focuses first on what individuals with dementia can do. A couple of years ago I was introduced to the work of award-winning dementia educator, Jennifer Brush, and her use of the Montessori approach with people living with dementia.