Seniors Illustrated was inspired by and created for our elders, both at home and in senior care communities. These are short stories with older adults as the heroes and heroines. There will be between two and four new titles released per year. Each is written to respect and honor our elders, but can be enjoyed by all ages. Sally Lamas, a gifted artist, is doing a fantastic job with the illustrations.
- What does a Seniors Illustrated book look like?
Each title is paperback, about 60 to 70 pages in an easy to hold 8 ½ x 11 format, with a glossy cover. This size is convenient for arthritic hands. - They have full page illustrations on the left page and accompanying text on the facing page. This gives the visual impact first, followed by the words in large print.
- There is white space than is commonly found in adult literature. This makes it easier to focus and read with impaired vision, or cognitive limitations.
- The pictures are black & white outline form so that individual readers can color them if they so desire.
- This can reinforce the story by expanding the visual and verbal information to include physical input.
- The act of coloring makes the reader a partner in the story. It also provides readers the opportunity to make their own interpretations and decisions, another empowering activity.
- Many readers have chosen to add details or background to these illustrations as an outlet for their creativity.
Poetry is a part of each Senior’s Illustrated book. The format and rhyme of a poem is often a great memory trigger and many individuals with cognitive impairment can interpret lines of a poem better than prose.
Along with each short story is a page or two of activities that relate to the story, and sometimes, a quiz, or short commentary.
Why did we create Seniors Illustrated?
It all started when we were doing a horticultural therapy training program for the staff at a senior care community last year. As we entered the activities room we noticed a stack of Little Golden Books on the table. You know, those little children’s books with the children’s stories and lots of pictures. After our program we complimented the activity director on their intergenerational program.
She said, "Oh, we don’t have an intergenerational program. Why did you think we did?"
We pointed to the Little Golden Books on the table and started to explain that we assumed the elders living there were reading them to the children who visited.
She responded, "That’s all we could find for many or our seniors who have trouble following the plot in a novel, or even holding a big book in arthritic hands." She then spread some of the books out on the table. "This is the best we could do."
We contacted a number of our friends involved in senior care, rehab programs and hospitals. They all decried the lack of reading material written and formatted for our senior citizens.
Others agreed that they had attempted to provide opportunities to read by supplying children’s picture books. This is minimally effective at best. The characters and plots don’t speak to the interests of senior citizens. The presentation doesn’t provide the mental stimulation that can be most beneficial for persons with cognitive impairments and memory limitations.
To remedy this situation, we launched this series of senior short story / picture books written specifically for our elders. Seniors Illustrated stories are written and illustrated to entertain, amuse, inspire and engage mature readers, including those with physical and mental limitations. Subject matter varies from senior romance to elder heroes making a difference in the world, poetry for inspiration and conversation, a little humor and a few activities.
The first two volumes are out now.
Seniors Illustrated Volume 1 features two great short stories: Barefoot in the Grass and Fisherman, Fisherman written by Hank Bruce and illustrated by Sally Lamas. You will also enjoy two thought provoking poems by Tomi Jill Folk; Celebrate & Enjoy Life
Barefoot in the Grass introduces Flo and Claire, pranksters who brighten the lives of (almost) all at the Whispering Winds Senior Center. Come, let them add some sparkle to your day. Be prepared to smile, perhaps even laugh out loud.
Fisherman, Fisherman is about an elderly gentleman who befriends a young teen about to become a gang member. Together they go after the biggest fish in the canal, with only a homemade cane pole. Each of them is escaping a setting that would cast them in a role they do not want to play. Let Mr. Cal and Devon take you on a Florida adventure you will not soon forget. Based on a true story.
Seniors Illustrated Volume 2 features two more great short stories: Cactus Flowers & Friends and The Great Potato Drop. Both written by Hank Bruce and illustrated by Sally Lamas. You will also enjoy thought provoking poems by Tomi Jill Folk and a trivia quiz, along with more great ideas for activities and discussion.
In Cactus Flowers & Friends a couple wait six years for a plant to flower. When it does their friends throw a party to celebrate this rare event. The neighborhood comes together on the special night with great anticipation. The visitors include a little girl with special needs who becomes as important as the flowers themselves. This story might trigger some memories, or inspire someone to grow this dramatic "Queen of the Night."
In The Great Potato Drop a group of senior citizens tackle hunger when they arrange to have 45,000 pounds of potatoes dumped in the parking lot of Whispering Winds Senior Center. It becomes a truly unique adventure for the entire community. Won’t you join the them at the mountain of potatoes? Got any good potato recipes?
We were honored to receive the following comments from Kathryn Martin on Seniors Illustrated Vol 1
Kathryn Martin is a speaker, humorist, author and she plays Miz Maudie across the country. She has devoted her life to enriching the lives of America’s elders and giving the gift of laughter to everyone. Her website www.mizmaudie.com provides insight into her diverse talents. She had the following comments to make after reading Seniors Illustrated Vol. 1. This is what she had to say.
Very attractive!!!! The book is so good, I never quit until I'd read the entire thing!!!
I find the book very attractive.
Front Cover: Shiny but not too shiny to create a glare for older eyes. FEELS good to the touch. Has a comforting feeling and size for arthritic hands to hold easily.
Inside: Print just right. Good quality paper... no glare to read...yet will accept coloring...
These are two stories that are impossible to put down without finishing! You've captured the essence without wasted words...Just easy enjoyable reading.. sense of anticipation... a little nervousness that the main characters will get caught.... the joy at seeing the "bad guys" put in their places.... then realizing how far they've been missing the mark... changing.... wonderful!!! I am really impressed.
Tomi's work is just woven into the whole thing so wonderfully. What a good idea to include something like that as so many of the older folks have enjoyed memorizing poems in their earlier years...lots of recitation... so still enjoy good poetry.
Sally's art work is really custom made.... It's easy to look at... has enough detail to back up the story ... gives one a picture of the characters and locale... yet simple and easy to color.
Then to put in suggested activities .. fantastic ideas.
I'd say from here, "You've got a hit on your hands!"
Kathryn
These books are available from www.amazon.conm or directly from Petals & Pages Press petals_pages@msn.com I would like to hear your thoughts on the value of materials written specifically for mature readers.
Peace, Hank
