Looking back at The Beatles

Looking Back at The Beatles is written by Matt Singleton and illustrated by Simon Reid. Includes a free audio download, read by Bill Nighy.

Take a rhyming Magical Mystery Tour with The Beatles, tracking their early days performing in Hamburg, right through to their eventual breakup … all whilst creating some of the most popular music in history!

Looking Back at The Beatles is a Cognitive Book that everyone can enjoy and is suitable for people living with dementia or other cognitive difficulties.

Author Matt Singleton was inspired by his Dad to write the book:

“Dad introduced me to The Beatles and they’re a band we always enjoyed listening to together. Their magic has lasted for decades and will endure. To think what they achieved in just seven years of recording is astonishing and their story is captivating. The book’s combination of the illustrations, the story and the free audio creates a shared experience that will bring joy to all!”

Cognitive Books worked with Alzheimer’s Society to involve people living with dementia – and their supporters – in the development of this book. A ‘lived experience’ panel has been consulted frequently, focus groups have taken place to test the books, and surveys have all provided insights to improve the book’s format and content.

Looking back at The Beatles is produced in collaboration with Alzheimer's Society, and Cognitive Books contributes 5% of all their sales to support the charity's work. Cognitive Books aims to increase this contribution over time and, by purchasing from our shop, you’re helping even more!

Key features

There are many benefits to the book, including:

• A story that's familiar to many – the story of The Beatles
• Access to a free audio version, which includes excerpts from the music of the Beatles and is read by acclaimed actor, Bill Nighy
• Pages that work individually and collectively as a 'story'
• Vibrant illustrations that bring the text to life
• Larger print and shorter pages
• The joy of rhyme and rhythm to stimulate recall
• Simplified summaries for those with more advanced dementia
• Enjoyable exercises towards the end to encourage social interaction with others
• Tried and tested in partnership with Alzheimer's Society
• If you love this book, you might also like 'Looking back at The 1966 World Cup'

How it helps

Designed specifically for people living with dementia. Supporters' guide helps carers and loved ones enjoy the book too.

More than 60% of people read less than prior to their diagnosis and 45% stop reading altogether. Cognitive Books help solve the cognitive barriers (such as losing the thread of a story), physical barriers (such as eyesight issues) and other barriers (such as making reading a shared experience) that prevent people continuing to read after a dementia diagnosis.

What’s included

Hardback book with a free audio download, read by Bill Nighy.

What people say

"Most people with dementia can read but there are few books designed specifically for them. Cognitive Books are written for the needs of people with dementia. They have the potential to give pleasure and may help improve social functioning."
-Professor Gill Livingston - University College London (UCL)

Our products are tested and reviewed by people living with dementia and their carers to make sure they are fit for purpose. We use the feedback to decide which products to stock and to help with the information and advice we give.

The feedback also forms the basis of a regular consumer panel article in our Dementia together magazine which may help you to decide if the product is suitable for you.

We encourage customers to review our products so if you decide to make a purchase we would be very pleased if you could add a review.