SEARCHING FOR MR. JOHNSON’S SONG, by Ariel Vanece and Jade Orlando, Rocky Pond Books, Oct. 14, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 5-8)
A young boy sets out to help jog his elderly neighbor’s disappearing memory in Searching for Mr. Johnson’s Song, by Ariel Vanece and Jade Orlando.
Caius spends summer mornings on his neighbor’s porch, and although Mr. Johnson doesn’t remember things as well as he used to, he can always sing the beginning of his favorite song, “Further Along.” Caius understands how nourishing music can be, and so he decides to find the rest of Mr. Johnson’s song. At the library he inspects shelves of hymnals and listens to recordings of protest tunes, but none of these is the one Mr. Johnson sings. How will he help his neighbor? —Synopsis provided by Rocky Pond Books
Searching for Mr. Johnson’s Song is a thoughtful look at friendship, kindness and dementia.
Author Ariel Vanece adds further depth with an author’s note that explains how music in the Black community can encompass facets of culture, identity and shared memory. And how Further Along, an American Southern gospel hymn has evolved since its first known printing in 1911.
Illustrator Jade Orlando captures the emotion of music though her gouache and digital media illustrations. The music takes on a lovely movement that swirls throughout.
Searching for Mr. Johnson’s Song is a book many young people can relate to. It’s authenticity makes it a good option for families who may be dealing with a loved one’s dementia.
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