Take My Patty

Description

Pre-orders now open! This book will ship on or before June 7, 2026. 

Take My Patty (hardcover)

Written by Alison Hayes

Illustrated by Geoffry Smalley

ABOUT THE BOOK

Every day with Grandma is a special day! Emma and her grandma have their own daily routine at Grandma’s house. They play cards while sitting on the davenport, gulp down juice from the icebox, and when they go on a walk, Grandma takes her patty while they stroll down the sidewalk.

But Grandma’s memory is starting to fade, and soon she needs more help than Emma can provide. As Grandma prepares to move somewhere new, Emma worries. Will Grandma remember all the special things she does with her granddaughter?

With a heartfelt message, this book offers comfort to those experiencing the early stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia, and reassurance to the loved ones who walk alongside them.

Author Alison Hayes holds a degree in political science from DePaul University. She’s an account manger in the chemical industry and has been writing in her spare time for many, many years. Take My Patty is her debut picture book, dedicated to her grandmother Marie Werner, whose love never faded even when her memory was gone. Alison lives in Delafield, Wisconsin with her kids and an oversized cat named Felix. When she isn’t scribbling her next story, you’ll find her wandering through bookstores and libraries. She also loves great food, traveling, and exploring the outdoors with her fiancé.

Illustrator Geoffry Smalley lives and works in a green, tucked away corner of Portland, Oregon, with his wife, 12-year-old kid, and a tiny dog that is just one click above a stuffed animal. After receiving his MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2002 and working as a gallery artist, muralist, painting and drawing teacher, and art conservator, he realized that making books for children is really what he wants to do when he grows up. His debut author illustrated book The Golden String was published in 2025 by Orange Hat Publishing. Find more of his work at www.geoffrysmalleystudio.com.