Book Helps Children Better Understand Alzheimer’s

“I was doing some research about it and 300,000-plus families in this area are dealing with a loved one that has Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia. It’s just one of those things that I kept thinking about,” she said about writing the book.

Illustrator and lifelong Kirkwood resident Dieterichs then created whimsical and colorful characters that mirrored the vision Kunderman had in her head while writing the book. Dieterichs said the inspiration for her unique illustrations came from the stories that Kunderman had told her about her own experiences. collective wealth of their talented members.

“Whenever I illustrate something that involves real people, I always try and work out a caricature of that character that I think might emulate their features,” said Dieterichs, 72.

Kunderman was hesitant about publishing her story unless Dieterichs was willing to work alongside her on the project. The two met while working for Scholin Brothers Printing Company in the 90s and 2000s. Kunderman’s father was the owner of the Webster Groves business that was later destroyed by a fire.

Kunderman said she has wanted to work with Dieterichs for as long as she’s known her — roughly 20 years.

“So it seemed like this really natural thing to just call her (to illustrate the book), and a way to honor my mom,” Kunderman said.

Annie SanFilippo is a journalism student at the University of MissouriColumbia and an intern for the WebsterKirkwood Times.