Interview with P. E. Shadrick, Author of ‘Elephants DO Forget’

An interview about Elephants DO Forget presented by The Children’s Book Review in partnership with author P. E. Shadrick.

Today, we chat with P.E. Shadrick, author of Elephants DO Forget, a touching story that helps children understand memory loss through empathy, adventure, and love.

With emotional depth, P.E. Shadrick offers a gentle and imaginative exploration of memory loss in Elephants Do Forget. Inspired by personal experiences with her father’s dementia, Shadrick weaves a heartfelt story that helps young readers understand the complexities of change, aging, and connection through the eyes of a brave elephant named Emory.

In our conversation, Shadrick reflects on the real-life moments that shaped the book, the importance of portraying elderliness and disability with dignity, and how stories like Emory’s can spark meaningful conversations about empathy, resilience, and community support within families.

Tell us a little bit about the inspiration for the book—was there a particular memory loss experience that served as your inspiration?

P. E. Shadrick (PES): This book draws inspiration from my father’s experience with dementia. As an engineer with thirty US patents, he was one of the most intelligent people I know, making his struggles with memory loss all the more heartbreaking, not just for him, but for our entire family.

My son was particularly close to my father, and I witnessed firsthand how my father’s battle with dementia affected him. Although my son was in high school during the disease’s later stages, I wanted to create a resource for younger children who might struggle to understand the behavioral changes in a loved one with memory loss. I hoped to provide a gentle, age-appropriate introduction to the topic through an adventurous story.

The book invites young readers to enter a world of vibrant characters and lush landscapes, where they can learn about memory loss while connecting with emotions like empathy and courage. My hope is that it will support families navigating this challenging subject, offering a gentle guide for conversations with their children.

For children without a personal connection to a loved one’s memory loss, the story still offers them an exciting adventure with Emory and his friends, helping them also foster empathy, resilience, and kindness.

One of the most endearing aspects of the book is its respectful portrayal of elderliness and disability. Do you think this is something that is lacking in our society?

PES: That’s a great question.

We live in a fast-paced, often disconnected society where technology can sometimes hinder genuine human connection.

Growing up, I was fortunate to have all four grandparents in my life until I was twenty-five. Like my father, they faced their own struggles, instilling in me a deep respect and admiration for older adults. This upbringing fostered a strong connection to empathy, particularly when it comes to disability.

While society has made significant strides in supporting individuals with disabilities, I believe there’s still work to be done, especially when disabilities affect the elderly. There’s often an expectation that decline is natural in older age, which can lead to less empathy and support for this demographic compared to younger individuals, who aren’t expected to face similar challenges.

In the story, the parrot and frog use gentle questioning and a positive demeanor to help Emory feel safe. Do you think it is important that young people who have family members with dementia learn strategies for helping them emotionally as well as physically?

PES: I do. Children with their pure hearts and imaginative spirit can be some of life’s greatest helpers.

Given dementia and other forms of memory loss can be difficult to navigate, even by adults who have a greater understanding of the disease, I think providing children with age-appropriate strategies to help loved ones with memory loss not only gives support to those suffering from the disease but provides an opportunity for children to practice acts-of kindness.

The Alzheimer’s Association and the Dementia Society of America have additional resources for families. I highly recommend that parents and guardians visit those sites for more information.

Children can sometimes feel shy or frightened by an adult who is confused or suffering. What is your message in this story to such children?

PES: I want children to know that it’s okay to feel scared or unsure around someone with memory loss, and that the troubling behavior of a loved one is never about them or something they’ve done, but is the effect of the disease. I also want them to understand that the person they love is still the same person they care about. The story aims to show that even when someone’s memory isn’t working perfectly, they still deserve kindness, patience, and love.

Through Emory’s journey, I hope children will learn that they can make a difference by being understanding and supportive. The story encourages kids to look beyond the confusion and see the person they love for who they truly are – someone who still lives life, feels, loves, and needs connection. By doing so, children can build stronger bonds and create meaningful moments with their loved ones, even in the midst of memory loss.

We love the fact that the story normalizes the idea that you can still be independent even if you have a condition like dementia. The message seems simple, but was it difficult to craft it in a way that young readers would understand?

PES: I tried to put myself in the shoes of a four-year-old. How would they best respond to a subject that was difficult to understand but necessary to address?

Emory is a representation of my father, an intelligent man who tried his best to understand what was happening to him in the same logical way he approached mechanical design and engineering. He tried, yet logic often failed him, as the disease breaks down the brain’s logical approach to problem-solving due to glitches in memory recall. Yet, my father never gave up.

It’s quite emotional for me. I find myself tearing up just talking about it. But, it’s the emotion that I think is the connection to how one best responds to caring for someone with memory loss. Logic simply doesn’t work anymore. Love, empathy, patience, encouragement, kindness, and resilience do. Showcasing that in an upbeat and adventurous story for children seemed like the best path forward.

How do you envisage this story could be used in a family setting to support young readers struggling with a loved one’s dementia?

PES: I envision this story being a valuable tool for families to start conversations about dementia and memory loss in a gentle, relatable way. The story can help families discuss complex topics like memory, aging, and disability, making it easier for children to ask questions and express their feelings.

For example, families can read the story with their children, using it as a springboard for discussions about their own experiences with a loved one who has dementia or another disability.

They can take the opportunity to validate emotions and reassure children they’re not alone in feeling scared, confused, or sad about a loved one’s condition. By walking in Emory’s shoes, children can develop a deeper understanding of what it’s like to love someone with memory loss, fostering empathy and compassion.

By using this story as a conversation starter, families can provide emotional support and guidance to their young readers, helping them navigate the challenges of caring for someone with a disability.

Both Parrot and Frog and Emory’s tribe make it their responsibility to support Emory. Do you think children need more examples of community support in their lives these days?

PES: I think we all need more examples of community support these days, but children especially need inspirational stories that help them better connect with the different roles we all play in society.

When a child is able to relate to and imagine what role they can play in contributing to a better society, they are more inclined to act upon it.

It’s my hope that young readers will walk away from the story with a better understanding of family and community dynamics.

What advice do you have for readers who are struggling to cope with a grandparent’s decline or disability?

PES: It’s okay to struggle. It’s part of being human. Just know that every situation is unique, so take things one step at a time. By being supportive, you can build a stronger bond with your grandparent or loved one and create meaningful moments together.

Try focusing on shared activities and moments that bring joy. Even small interactions can be meaningful. Ask questions and learn about their experiences. You don’t have to have all the answers. Just love them through the difficult times.

Also, exercise patience. Some days will be better than others, and it’s okay to adapt to changing circumstances. If the situation becomes overwhelming, talk to a trusted adult about your feelings. Sharing your emotions can help you process and cope with the challenges you’re facing.

Lastly, and most importantly, celebrate the good memories and moments you share with your loved one. Focusing on the positives can help you stay connected and find joy in the time you have together.

What are some other favorite “help others” stories that you would recommend to readers who have enjoyed Elephants DO Forget?

PES: For additional books on helping kids to better understand memory loss, I think The Tide, by Clare Welsh, is lovely. Also, Remembering for Both of Us, by Charlotte Wood, is a very touching story. Both books approach memory loss from real-world perspectives, giving children life comparisons to consider.

Another great story for children to learn about their impact on the world, and how important it is, is Come With Me by Holly M. McGhee. It’s a kid-powered empowerment book that I really like.

Oh, and there is always Lisbeth and the Littering Ladybugs, by P.E. Shadrick. That one will always be a favorite of mine. (wink, wink)

Can we look forward to more Emory stories in the future? What’s next on your writing agenda?

PES: I suppose it depends on how well the book is received. Who knows, Emory may have another adventure up his sleeve. We’ll see.

In the meantime, I’m currently working on a young adult novel in collaboration with my son, who’s now a sophomore in college, as well as helping him package his poetry for publication.

Plus, the Kat and Annie children’s series is not far behind those projects. However, given that most are novels, I suspect books three and four will take more time to complete than books one and two. But the joy of storytelling, regardless of genre or publication time, is always an ever-present task master, forever calling me to write “just one more…”

About the Book

Publisher’s Book Summary: With the help of good friends, you always find your way.

Deep in the sun-dappled forest, Emory, a noble but forgetful elephant, finds himself disoriented and lost. But just when he needs them most, two unlikely heroes swoop in- a parrot with a flair for the dramatic and a frog with a heart of pure gold. Together, they embark on a thrilling quest, navigating twists and turns, and facing challenges that test their bravery and ingenuity. As they journey on, Emory’s new friends safely guide him home, proving that with kindness and good friends by your side, even the most confusing paths can lead to a brighter way.

This heartwarming tale puts a creative twist on the old adage “an elephant never forgets,” instead showcasing the resilience of support and perseverance in the face of memory loss. Drawing inspiration from P.E. Shadrick’s father’s experience with dementia, this story invites young readers into a vivid world filled with colorful characters and enchanting landscapes, offering a gentle and imaginative introduction to the challenges of memory loss in someone they love.

Elephants DO Forget: How Emory Found His Memory is perfect for children aged 3-6 who love adventure, animals, and the magic of friendship. Parents and educators will appreciate how this imaginative adventure helps children understand the memory loss of a loved one in a gentle, age-appropriate way.

Buy the Book

About the Author

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, P.E. Shadrick grew up surrounded by masterful storytellers. She nurtured a passion for creativity through design and writing, eventually building a career in marketing and communications.

After achieving success, Shadrick fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a published author. Leveraging her expertise, she wrote her debut book, Lisbeth and the Littering Ladybugs, in 2024, followed by Elephants DO Forget – How Emory Found His Memory in 2025.

She currently resides with her family in the beautiful foothills of the Appalachian mountains.

This interview—Interview with P. E. Shadrick, Author of ‘Elephants DO Forget”—was conducted between P.E. Shadrick and Bianca Schulze.