What has been happening with Carmen Tribbett since writing a children’s book about Alzheimer’s disease? Well, a lot since last spring.

Featured in the May-June edition of “Austin Living Magazine,” Tribbett shared that her book, “The Monster Dog: A Small Dog with a Big Heart Learns about Alzheimer’s Disease,” was published and is now available for purchase. She’ll be hosting a book signing event at 1 p.m. on Nov. 23 at Sweet Reads, where illustrator Katie Hunerdosse will be doing a reading as “Tasse,” the main character of Tribbets’ book and Tribbett’s Shih Tzu.

Those interested in purchasing the book can find physical copies at Sweet Reads and can also purchase them on Amazon. It is available internationally in Norway, France, Canada and Australia. Tribbet thanked Kiersten Hall, who promoted Tribbett’s book through her new firm K Hall Books.

The chapters are told through Tasse’s point of view, addressing the heartbreak and grief that one experiences when losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s. By projecting human feelings onto a dog, Tribbett felt that children could relate to Tasse and find comfort in being able to talk to trusted adults about what they’re feeling.

“Whether it’s through divorce or losing someone they loved, this book was designed to help children,” she said. “Tasse talks about how she misses Ken and how much it hurts.”

Having written the book based on true events, Tribbett dedicated the book to others who may be struggling with losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s and dementia.

She personally lost her husband Ken to Alzheimer’s several years ago, and Tasse continues to miss her best friend to this day.

Tribbett isn’t done. She plans to have her third book in the Monster Dog series be published and released sometime in spring 2020. This time, the story will be written from the thoughts of Tasse as she continues to talk about her daily adventures as a dog.

Holding a copy of the book in her hands, Tribbett felt that more people would be able to help younger audiences understand the complexities of Alzheimer’s and dementia and use the book as a resource to help them express their emotions when dealing with grief.

“I felt so hopeful, and I know Ken would be so delighted that this would be helping children,” Tribbett said. “It helps those who may be missing someone. This book has been so worthwhile, and so encouraging to write.”

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If You Want to Go

What: Book signing and reading of “The Monster Dog: A Small Dog with a Big Heart Learns About Alzheimer’s Disease”

When: 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23

Where: Sweet Reads