A little girl name Pomai can’t understand why her grandfather can no longer take her to the beach or make poi with her.

But with guidance from a teacher, social worker and doctor, the young girl begins to understand the changes in her papa’s behavior as the markers of memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s.

That’s the premise of a free digital book written by researchers at the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work at the University of Hawaii Manoa. The project is supported by the school’s federally funded Ha Kupuna project, a resource for Native Hawaiian elders and their families.

The illustrated book “Pomai and Her Papa” is appropriate for children ages 8 and older. Through story and a list of local and national resources, the book offers support to kids who may be combatting feelings of isolation and confusion in the face of watching a loved one suffer from memory loss.

To request printed copies of the book, send an email to Ha Kupuna Project Coordinator Shelley Muneoka at muneokas@hawaii.edu.