From our family’s story, something bigger grew.
Our Story.
Through Billie’s Eyes began with our own family.
When dementia became part of our lives, my daughter Billie was watching someone she loved, her Big Nan change in ways that were difficult for a child to understand.
As a family, we searched for ways to help explain what was happening. But we found a gap. There simply weren’t enough resources that spoke to children, in a way they could understand, about what dementia might look and feel like.
So, we decided to fill it.
What started as an idea and a lot of journaling from myself, Through Billie’s Eyes a children’s book inspired by Billie’s own experience came to life. To help other children and families navigate conversations about dementia.
We could never have imagined where that little book would take us.
Kind Words
The most meaningful part of this journey is hearing how Through Billie’s Eyes has helped start conversations in homes, classrooms and communities. Here are a few words shared by our readers.
Courtney’s book has been an absolute game changer for our family.
It’s helped us have conversations with our son about his Pop having dementia in a way that he can actually understand. It’s opened up conversations about kindness, empathy and simply being present with someone you love when their brain is changing.
What’s been really special is that our son asked if we could take the book to his school so his class could read it too, because he wanted his friends to understand what he and our family are going through.
We did, and his teacher read it to the class.
As a parent navigating dementia in our family, having something that helps our child make sense of it all has been incredibly powerful.
This book is so needed.
— Heidi Anderson., Parent
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As someone living with Younger Onset Alzheimer’s, I found this book truly touching. It explains dementia in such a simple and gentle way, making it easier for children to understand. A beautiful resource for families and schools. Highly recommended!
— Jim Rogers., Author, Living with dementia
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“Through Billie’s Eyes is a beautifully heartfelt story that gently explores love, change, and the importance of finding new ways to connect with those we care about.
As a primary school teacher, I appreciate how this book helps children navigate big emotions in a way that feels both safe and relatable. The warm, expressive illustrations bring Billie’s journey to life, allowing young readers to connect deeply with her feelings. It’s also a wonderful conversation starter about aging, memory, and kindness, making it a valuable addition to any classroom or home library.
— Michelle M., Primary School Teacher