The Amazing Adventures of the Jolly Heart Squad
The author's sophomore publication, The Amazing Adventures of the Jolly Heart Squad was written to educate youth about Alzheimer's disease.
Alfresando befriends an elephant named Ears and a frog named Ribbitable as she takes readers on an adventure with her new friends. During their journey, they learn valuable lessons about friendships, loving and helping others, and being persistent when facing tough decisions. She discovers that her Uncle Emory may have developed early-onset Alzheimer’s. It makes her sad, but she is also curious and wants to learn about the disease. Along with her best friends, the three of them begin their discovery to become smarter about Alzheimer’s.
Ribbitable, the town know-it-all, knows someone who can help.
When the friends travel to the tiny Village of Chedderville they meet a retired brain surgeon, Dr. Theodore McMice, who explains to them how the brain works, and how Alzheimer’s begins. They also encounter the Magical Mice of Chedderville upon arrival. In the end, they learn how the disease causes adults, young and old, to lose their memory, and their ability to function on their own. The friends are overwhelmed with information; yet, they are excited about their new discoveries. As they discuss their understanding of the disease and plans to study medicine, they cannot wait to share this knowledge with their family, friends, and the entire world!