Willis’ new book chronicles the bittersweet journey of navigating a parent’s sudden dementia diagnosis through the lens of humor, silliness, and love.
MFA Program Assistant Director Wendy Willis has published Of Tigers and Time Bandits, an illustrated memoir exploring the experience of caring for a loved one. Willis authored the book in collaboration with illustrator Adan Contreras and designer Yuki Mori.
“It’s the story of my mom’s sudden memory loss and dementia diagnosis and also my personal account of dealing with this new version of her,” Willis said. “Yuki’s grandmother lived with Alzheimer’s disease and she innately connected with this idea. I love her artwork and it adds such a sweet and beautiful depth to this project.”
Designed as a story to be shared with anyone in need of community, the book balances the serious nature of the disease with moments of humor and relational intimacy. The World Health Organization estimates that over 55 million people worldwide have dementia, a number expected to almost double by the year 2050.
Of Tigers and Time Bandits is available via Lulu.
