Debut author Jessica Mary Ellis shares the story behind her heartwarming verse novel When the Birds Wake Up, which won the David Fickling Books’ Search for a Storyteller competition in 2025. Now in its second year, the Search for a Storyteller invites submissions directly from unagented and unpublished writers, and this year DFB published not just the winning manuscript but also the runner-up, A Scrap of Moss and Magick by Helen Parry.

Jessica said: “Working with David Fickling Books has been a dream I almost didn’t let myself have. I very nearly didn’t enter the Search for a Storyteller competition because my story was written in verse – but in the end, that was the very thing the team fell in love with. As a debut author, I couldn’t have hoped to feel more understood and supported.”

When the Birds Wake Up is a powerful, emotional verse novel celebrating family bonds, unlikely friendships and being gloriously yourself. Ten-year-old Pear struggles with self-esteem, despite her many talents and the support of a loving home. She then must adjust to moving house so that they can support her beloved grandma, who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Written in a highly accessible and attractive format, with a combination of lyrical verse, letters, assorted notes and fact boxes, the verse is interspersed with delicate and evocative line drawings by Sophie Burrows.

Awarded a Star by LoveReading4Schools Editorial Expert Joy Court, When the Birds Wake Up is one of our Books of the Year 2026, and we look forward to reading more from this talented author.

Nearly one million families in the UK care for someone living with dementia. When I was at primary school, my childhood best friend was one of those children. Watching their family navigate the changes that dementia brought stayed with me, and years later inspired me to write When the Birds Wake Up. I wanted to create a story that reflected both the love and the loss that can come with dementia, because I hadn't found many books that explored those experiences from a child's perspective.

Books have such a special way of helping us understand difficult emotions and experiences. They open up gentle conversations about memory, change and caring for the people we love. They remind us that while memories may fade, love, kindness and connection can remain.

Here are some of my favourite books that explore themes of dementia, Alzheimer's and memory loss.

The Forgettery by Rachel Ip, illustrated by Laura Hughes

This is one of the most imaginative and beautiful picture books I've read. Readers are taken on a magical journey to the Forgettery, where forgotten memories are carefully looked after. It's a wonderfully reassuring story that encourages empathy around forgetfulness and reminds us that everyone forgets things sometimes. Laura Hughes' illustrations are full of warmth and tiny details. You can return to them again and again, discovering something new each time.

The Tide by Claire Helen Welsh, illustrated by Ashling Lindsay

This gentle story follows a little girl and her grandpa as she begins to understand that his memories come and go, just like the tide. The seaside setting, beautiful imagery and thoughtful metaphors make this a moving yet accessible introduction to dementia for younger readers. It's a story full of love, patience and quiet hope.

Elmer and Aunt Zelda by David McKee

David McKee's colourful elephant family brings warmth and humour to a story about memory loss. Elmer's kindness and patience towards Aunt Zelda shine throughout, showing young readers how compassion can make such a difference. It's a joyful reminder that families support one another through every stage of life.

The Stories Grandma Forgot (and How I Found Them) by Nadine Aisha Jassat, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat

This stunning middle-grade verse novel weaves together themes of Alzheimer's, family history and racism with incredible tenderness. Nyla is a wonderful character whose courage and curiosity make her impossible not to root for. Heartbreaking and hopeful in equal measure, the story celebrates the importance of preserving memories and sharing our stories. Sandhya Prabhat's illustrations, along with the handwritten notes and letters throughout, make this book even more special.

Talking to the Moon by S. E. Durrant

A beautifully written middle-grade story that captures the realities of loving someone with dementia while weaving in a compelling mystery. The suspense keeps the pages turning, but at its heart this is a moving story about family, change and understanding. 

Toffee by Sarah Crossan

Toffee is an unforgettable YA verse novel about two vulnerable people who find comfort and healing in one another. As teenager Allison escapes an abusive home, she forms an unexpected friendship with Marla, an older woman living with dementia. Sarah Crossan writes with extraordinary compassion, exploring memory, identity and belonging in a story that is both heartbreaking and deeply human.

Jessica Mary Ellis believes in words that land quietly but stay with you long after. She writes poetry for adults and verse stories for children, always searching for the small truths tucked inside everyday life. She hopes handwritten letters will make a comeback, because nothing feels lovelier than a letter arriving through the letterbox from someone who was thinking of you. Her poems, shared on Instagram (@jessica_mary_ellis), have been read around the world. Jessica lives in Kent with her husband Jeff, her two children, Amelie and Jack, and their dog Teddy. When the Birds Wake Up is her debut novel. 

When the Birds Wake Up by Jessica Mary Ellis illustrated by Sophie Burrows, is available to purchase now in paperback.

And hear from Miranda Moore, the winner of the inaugral Search for a Storyeller competition.

Search for a Storyteller runs annually in partnership with the Arvon Foundation - find out more at davidficklingbooks.com

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