A children's book titled 'You Can Call Me Trixie,' illustrated with a woman and a dog giving each other a high five outside.
Quote graphic with the text 'You can call me trixie' in a mix of bold and cursive fonts, with some pink streamers or decorations, on a black background.

About the Book

A woman with gray hair, glasses, and a striped shirt gently touching the paw of a brown dog wearing a pink bandana with a floral pattern.

A heartfelt children’s book about love, dementia, and the unbreakable bond between a dog and her family.

When Grandma moves in with the family after developing dementia, the lovable family pet—a loyal chocolate lab—becomes her best friend.

Based on true events, this heartwarming story teaches children how to be helpful and comfortable around a loved one with dementia, as seen through the eyes of a dog.

By following the pet's thoughts, feelings, and actions, young readers will learn the value of love, patience, and including someone with dementia in the simple joys of everyday life.

About the Author

Text reads 'Jeanne Irvine Kessler' in pink cursive font
Close-up of an older woman with gray hair, glasses, and a floral top, smiling outdoors with blurred trees and foliage in the background.

Jeanne Irvine Kessler has been a registered nurse for over 40 years, spending much of her career caring for the elderly, specifically those with dementia. She is passionate about helping people with dementia live fulfilling lives and equipping families and loved ones with the tools to be part of that journey. Jeanne has led numerous intergenerational workshops designed to foster relationships between children, teens, and individuals with dementia.

Photo of an elderly woman with glasses and short gray hair sitting on a beige couch alongside a black Labrador puppy. The woman is smiling while the puppy, resting on the couch, has a red collar and is looking toward the camera. There is a TV remote on the couch near the puppy. The image overlaps with an illustration of the same woman, with short gray hair and glasses, sitting on a purple sofa with a brown Labrador wearing a yellow bandana, in a colorful living room with a green suitcase and orange bags on the floor.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jeanne and her husband cared for her mother, who was diagnosed with dementia, in their home. It was during this time that she observed the profound bond between her mother and the family pet - a connection that inspired her to write this story.

Decorative text with the name "Lilah (Trixie)" in pink, stylized font on a black background.
A black Labrador dog wearing a colorful floral bandana, lying on a patterned rug near a glass door, looking at the camera.
A trail of black paw prints on a black background.

About the Illustrator

Stylized pink text reading 'Romi Caron' with a black background.
A woman smiling outdoors with glasses, wearing a turquoise top, standing in front of green foliage, with various colorful illustrations and paintings of dogs, children, and nature scattered around.

Romi is an award-winning professional illustrator who has created art for over 90 published books She was born in Brno and studied at the Prague University of Fine Arts. She now lives in Quebeс, Canada with her husband and three sons. The beautiful nature of the Gatineau region brings her everyday inspiration. Her personal motto is, "the more you give, the more you get."

A black and white paw print with five toe pads and a central pad.

Graphic Design by Jacques Anka | jacques.anka@gmail.com

More Resources

Talking to children about dementia can feel overwhelming—but stories like You Can Call Me Trixie open the door to honest, compassionate conversations. These tools are here to help guide the way.

An elderly woman with glasses sitting in an orange armchair, holding a dog's paw, smiling at a large brown dog with a yellow and blue bandana, sitting close to her. The woman has gray hair and wears a green cardigan, purple patterned blanket over her lap, gray shoes, and light blue pants. There is a purple blanket on the chair's armrest, and a cane leaning against the chair. A thought bubble above her head shows a young girl in a red shirt playing with a puppy on grass.

For Parents & Educators

Looking for ways to talk to kids about dementia? We’ve got you covered with thoughtful discussion questions and creative activity ideas that pair perfectly with You Can Call Me Trixie. Whether at home or in the classroom, these tools help children process the story and connect it to their own experiences.

A watercolor illustration showing a person holding a family photograph with a dog nearby. The scene is surrounded by falling autumn leaves.

Bring Trixie to Your Community

Want to share You Can Call Me Trixie with your school, club, church, or community group? Author Jeanne Irvine Kessler offers in-person or virtual visits—including storytimes, workshops, and interactive sessions—to help children and families talk about dementia with compassion and understanding.

We’d love to help you bring Trixie’s story to life.

Get in Touch!

Have a question, want to collaborate, or just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you. Whether you're a parent, educator, caregiver, or community partner, feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to connect.