Kildare writer donates dementia book to every school in Ireland
Annie, Tom, Lindsay and Ned Martin -Fenlon
A BOOK by a Kildare author that helps explain dementia to children is to be donated to every primary school in Ireland in honour of Dememtia Awareness Month this September.
Lindsay Martin-Fenlon is a chartered Physiotherapist from Tankardstown who works in private practise where she has seen first-hand the difficulty the progressive disease for which there is still no known cure.
Earlier this year Ms Martin-Fenlon book was translated to Gaeilge by Eoin Mc Diarmada fromTG4, and was launched at The Mansion House in March.
Its original English version reached the Irish Times Best Seller List in September 2024.
“I witness the challenges that people with dementia and their families experience on a daily basis, and I wanted to improve the quality of lives of my patients to become a better therapist by understanding my patients needs so I completed a MSc in Dementia,” said Ms Martin-Fenlon.
“I am also a mother of five young children who had many questions about dementia, they expressed many worries and concerns, I felt if they needed answers maybe other children did too and so my book 'Melting Moments' was created,” she explained.
is a heartwarming story about two loveable penguin characters Toddles and Waddles that go on an adventure to explores dementia in a child-friendly way.
Through these relatable characters, this story sensitively explores the symptoms of dementia and the emotions it can stir in those living with dementia and their loved ones.
It tries to reassure children that feeling scared, confused or worried is okay while encouraging open conversations about these complex feelings.
This book has the potential to resonate with children and families, offering comfort and understanding for those impacted by dementia, and reflects the importance of cherishing the present and embracing love in all circumstances.
“It is important to cater to the Irish speakers of our nation and those with dementia who may revert back to their first language,” said the author.
“Our language is a beautiful national asset that should be treasured, and all profits from the sale of these books will go to support the great work of Dementia Ireland’s ‘Empowering Communities,” she said.
“During September, Dementia Awareness month we are gifting a copy of Melting Moments and to every primary school in Ireland with the support of every library in the country,” she said.
Books will be available for collection from 15 September to 31 October from all libraries throughout the country who have been wonderfully supportive in this initiative.
“We hope all schools will avail of these books and have this resource readily available to assist families and children navigating the challenges of dementia within our communities,” said Ms Martin-Fenlon.
“We hope schools might consider using this resource with their pupils far beyond the 2025/2026 academic year, and schools can also avail of a 50 per cent discounted price on additional copies of Melting Moments and Noimeidi Ag Lea for the duration of this project,” she concluded.
Visit buythebook.ie/meltingmoments and use code School50.
