Bilingual coloring books helping people with dementia reconnect with their culture, their stories, and themselves
Explore the CollectionThe I AM Memory Book Series began when Maria Darling-Jones watched her father navigate the challenges of dementia. She created something simple but powerful: a coloring book filled with the sights, sounds, and traditions of his Greek Cypriot heritage.
Each book is bilingual, written in both English and the native language of the culture it represents. Pages feature gentle prompts like "I like to eat ___" and "I like to go to ___" alongside beautiful line drawings of culturally familiar scenes, encouraging conversation, memory recall, and the simple joy of colouring.
When her father sat down with the book, the results were remarkable. He smiled, he talked, he remembered. What started as a family's solution is now a growing series celebrating cultures around the world.
Pick the book that matches your loved one's heritage. Greek Cypriot, English, Italian, French, American — each edition is written in English and the native language.
Sit together as they colour familiar scenes. Fill-in-the-blank prompts like "I like to eat ___" spark conversation and invite them to share their own memories.
As colours fill the page, something beautiful happens. Stories return, smiles appear, and for those precious moments, your loved one is fully present.
Olive trees, the kafenio, souvlakia, backgammon & Easter traditions
Yiayia's kitchen, family traditions, church & cherished cultural memories
The pub, Sunday roast, cricket, the seaside & familiar everyday moments
Tea time, the garden, knitting, baking & nostalgic British life
La cucina, il mercato, la piazza & the warmth of Italian family life
Nonna's recipes, the garden, Sunday lunch & Italian traditions
Le café, pétanque, le marché, wine & French countryside life
Baking, the flower market, knitting, lavender & family gatherings
Baseball, barbecues, road trips, fishing & cherished American traditions
Apple pie, quilting, holidays, the porch & warm family memories
Each edition available as Grandfather and Grandmother versions
Our father couldn't remember much anymore, but when he had this book in his hands, something magical happened. He started telling stories, smiling, and for those precious hours, he was fully present with us.
As a care home director, we've seen real transformations. The coloring books aren't just an activity — they're a bridge to connection. Residents light up when they recognise their cultural imagery and memories.
I bought the Italian edition for my Nonna. She hasn't spoken much in months, but when she saw the page about making pasta, she started describing her mother's recipe. We were all in tears.
I AM Memory Books are bilingual coloring books designed specifically for people living with dementia. Each book celebrates a different cultural heritage with familiar scenes, gentle prompts like "I like to eat ___", and simple line drawings perfect for coloring. They encourage conversation, memory recall, and meaningful connection between caregivers and loved ones.
The series currently includes Greek Cypriot, English, Italian, French, and American editions, each available in both Grandfather and Grandmother versions — 10 books in total. More cultures including Irish, Indian, Spanish, and Chinese are being added regularly.
Yes. Each cultural edition features text in both English and the native language. The Greek Cypriot edition has English and Greek, the Italian edition has English and Italian, and the French edition has English and French. The English and American editions are in English only.
Absolutely. I AM Memory Books are widely used by care homes, memory care facilities, and professional caregivers as part of therapeutic activity programs. They support person-centered care by honoring each resident's cultural background. For bulk orders, please get in touch via Instagram or email.
The books are designed with thick, clear outlines and large text, making them accessible for people at various stages of dementia. The simple coloring activity and familiar cultural prompts can work from early to moderate stages, and even in later stages the images often spark recognition and conversation.
All books are available on Amazon in both the UK and US stores, with worldwide shipping. Simply click the "Buy on Amazon" button for any book above, or search "I Am Memory Book Series" on Amazon.
Create meaningful moments at home. Colouring together provides activity, conversation, and reconnection — all in one simple, beautiful practice.
Enhance activity programs with culturally respectful engagement. These books support therapeutic goals while celebrating each resident's identity.
A practical tool for building rapport and providing meaningful engagement. These books support person-centered care and quality of life outcomes.
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