Tali and the Timeless Time

by Mira Z. Amiras, Chantelle and Burgen Thorne (illustrator)

A compassionate story about memory loss, love, and the special bond between a young girl and her grandmother, gently opening the door to important conversations about aging family members.

Tali loves spending time with her nona. The duo spend the day preparing traditional Sephardic Jewish dishes—bourekas (baked pastries), yeprakas (stuffed grape leaves), and more—when Tali notices that her nona is quite forgetful, sometimes calling her by her mother’s name or not remembering the meal they're making. Tali begins her journey to identify when Nona is in the “Timeless Time,” where Nona weaves the past and present together in complicated and beautiful ways.

Tali and the Timeless Time poignantly and sensitively tells the story of a young girl’s empathy and curiosity about her grandmother’s confusion and memory loss. Perfect for children navigating their changing relationship with an aging family member, this heartwarming tale also centers on the importance of traditions that bind us together across time and generations.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published August 26, 2025

Reviews

[er · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an arc copy in exchange for an honest review!

Tali and the Timeless Time is a beautiful story about family, culture and of course time. We see Tali and her Nona (her grandma) spend an afternoon together, in a journey in between different timelines and places. Tali's Nona is quite forgetful and she is starting to show the signs of her age, we see Tali deal with this while still enjoying the magic of her grandma's stories.

The illustrations are beautiful and honestly perfect. There's a lot of rich colors, that somehow capture perfectly the essence of the different cultures the story touches on. The food illustrations are lovely and realistic!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

I was an adult when my grandmother was suffering from dementia, and she passed away before I had to explain it to my kid (now 20 yrs old). I can't even imagine having to try to explain that to a child who had already formed a close bond with someone, like a grandparent. It is a horrible condition, but so difficult to understand as a child.

I especially loved the inclusion of all of the things from their Jewish heritage and religion. Children need to see more representation of themselves in literature. Every child.

Would definitely recommend this book.

[El · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for access to the ARC e-book! Cute little children’s book! I loved the art- it was bold, colorful, and super expressive. I also love any book that describes food, and this one did not disappoint. I’d say my only issue was that the possibly dementia (?) storyline was a little confusing/watered down. Although, this could’ve been intentional, from the child’s perspective.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is time and what does it mean? Is time only now or is it the past? What happens when a person is lost in time? Tali loves to spend time with her nona as they prepare for the Sabbath, but her nona sometimes forgets what they were doing or even calls Tali by her mother's name. But she remembers the old traditions and stories and wants to share them while she still can. Their family is Sephardic and were banished from Spain long ago but still remember the ways of their people. The problems of ageing are a trial, but things still need to be shared with the younger people. Moving.
The illustrations by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne are intricate, brilliantly colorful, and fun.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your local public library! Pub Date Aug 26, 2025
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected galley proof from The Collective Book Studio via NetGalley. ***** #review #goodreads #storygraph #NetGalley @librarythingofficial @waterstones #NetGalley #TaliandtheTimelessTime by @mirazamiras and illustrated by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne @chantelle_burgen @bookbub #KidsBookstagram #kidlit #RaiseAReader #picturebooks #childrensbookillustration #forgetting @childrensbookcouncil #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk @indigo #kidsbooks #timecocept @ibpalovesindies #Sephardic #ladino

[Lisa Beloved · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book Tali goes to visit her Nona and they spend time together. They mix all sorts of different cultures, languages and foods which are all part of their shared heritage, the timeless time.

I am a bit torn about this book.

Lets start with the pros:
This book mixes fun aspects from different cultures. It opens up opportunities to speak about cultural differences and appreciating what is different. If this is a topic in your family, this might be reason enough for you to get this book.
The drawings are lively, vibrant and full of details to find and talk about.

The Con:
The concept if Timeless Time is never really explained. Even I as an adult am not quite sure, what the author meant to communicate with it. I read the authors note in the back (which explains the differences between linear, circular and timeless time). And yet during the story I got a different impression of it. To me it almost felt like Nona (Tales grandmother) is suffering from a form of Alzheimers and is sometimes list in old memories, the timeless time. But I don't think this is what the main author tried to say? Either way, I would find it challenging to talk about a concept with my kid which I don't fully grasp myself, especially when it isn't a daily topic in our lives.

Overall a solid book which I can recommend for children who have a family member who sometimes "lives in the timeless time"

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to The Collective Book Studio and NetGalley for the e-ARC to read and review. The illustrations of this children's book are simply lovely, and have rich colors and so much visual interest across the pages, it's captivating. The story itself weaves culture, family, and elder care themes together for an interesting read. Young Tali is spending time with her nona, who luckily lives just next door. Nona operates on a different timeline than anyone else, one of her own: Timeless Time. She's forgetful, and calls Tali by her mother's name, and gets distracted while they are cooking together. It's presented here as a magical other timeline, an otherworldly outlook on reality woven with experience. The story does a great job at showing Tali dealing with this memory loss and looking after her grandma, but I do think she absorbs a lot of the worry without another adult to come in and help out. But it is a great way to show kids how to recognize lapses in their elders' memories, while still appreciating all of the valuable, rich traditions that they DO remember and pass down eagerly to their younger generations of family.

[Cheryl Malandrinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tali has always loved spending time with Nona. One day, as the two prepare traditional Sephardic Jewish dishes, Tali notices that Nona is forgetful, calling her by the wrong name, expecting Tali to nap, and leaving the food on the stove while she dances with her zills and fans. As the day unfolds, Tali begins her journey to identify when Nona is in her Timeless Time, weaving past and present together, and learning how she can best navigate their changing relationship.

Tali and the Timeless Time is a story filled with empathy, compassion, curiosity, and love. As someone who has been a caregiver to an aging parent with dementia, this story touched my heart and left me feeling blessed Amiras decided to create such a lovely story complemented by stunning artwork. The blend of the author's exquisite text alongside the rich and colorful artwork by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne is a stirring experience for young readers.

I highly recommend Tali and the Timeless Time to anyone with young children in their lives. It is a heartfelt, beautifully illustrated story that gently opens the door to meaningful conversations about memory, family, and love across generations.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartfelt, beautiful story about a young girl and her grandmother who's dealing with memory loss. When Tali spends the day with her Nona, they have a lot of fun (even when Nona tells her the same stories over and over -- or worse, forgets that she's baking them food!) Nona tells her that she'll love her into 'the timeless time,' which Tali can't quite understand. Throughout the book, she wonders: is the timeless time last week? Hundreds of years ago? Or sometime altogether different?

I have to admit that I was a bit nervous halfway through, thinking "Why is this girl spending the day with her grandmother in this state?!" but was relieved when it was revealed that she just lives next door. All in all, this is a beautiful exploration of rich culture, family traditions, the concept of time, and endless love -- and the illustrations are so vibrant and stunning, I spent far too long on each page just soaking everything in!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rebecca]

Source of book: NG

Tali and the Timeless Time by Mira Z. Amiras is about a young Sephardic girl’s relationship with her grandmother and how that relationship changes over time with her grandmother’s memory loss. I was eager to read this book because there are not many children’s books (or books in general) with Sephardic women or girls as main characters, and I was interested to see how the author would write about a difficult topic for children.

The book starts with the main character’s grandmother not being lucid, and shows the thought process of the main character realizing her grandmother is experiencing the world differently than it is.

I think the glossary is helpful when reading to children in case they want the definition of one of the Sefardic/Ladino words in the book. I also appreciated the author’s note. The illustrations were beautiful and it was very cool to see Sefardic Judaica and cuisine in a children’s book. I would definitely read this book to my nephews and niece!

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story in this book and it would be a good story to read with children that have older relatives that are starting to have some lapses of memory. The author sets out that there are three types of time: Linear time - events with dates like history, circular time - where cycles repeat like seasons and timeless time - where all things are eternal like myths, dreams and secret family recipes which are the focus of this book. The Nona in the story is struggling with her memory and whilst she cannot remember at times the names of those she is with, she still can remember the lovely memories of cooking that she had over the years. She can still share these with her family, but with a bit of help now - the illustrations in the book are wonderful. There is a great glossary at the end where it translates the words used from Spanish to English and gives an overview of some of the foods and details of the celebrations taking place. It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended and it is a lovely tribute to the author's own Nona!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for an ARC to review.

On the plus side, it’s a sweet book about a girl spending time with her grandmother. It’s also good to hear of a Sephardic Jewish experience, one that isn’t heard of too often. And who wouldn’t want chakchouka with some challah on Shabbat!

But overall, the narrative never addresses what the timeless time is. I can make a bunch of inferences based on the text, which could spark good conversation with children, but is a pretty large concept to put into a picture book. Additionally, the book also tries to address memory issues that come with older family members, but is too vague to say anything of value for the reader. The reader is dropped pretty much in the middle of the narrative and it feels like you’re playing catch up from the get go.

But the back matter here provides a great glossary and authors note that may be useful for parents having cultural conversations with children.

[Rebekkah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous book. I loved how Tali's Jewish identity was suffused into every page. The illustrations were so joyous and truly a celebration of Sephardic Jewish culture, from its material cultural (the mezuzah, the hamsas, the hanukkiah and kiddush cups) to its food (bourekas, arroz, huevos). I particularly loved the inclusion of all the animals in the illustrations. The joy of the illustrations is slightly tempered by the text of the book, which deals with Tali's Nona's forgetfulness, as well as Tali's realization that she has to help her Nona instead of her Nona taking care of her. I also struggled a bit with the concept of "timeless time." Still, I loved the feeling the book evoked and the author's pride in her Sephardi identity.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

A look at a child spending time with her elderly grandma, a time that inevitably leads to memories and stories of family history and reminders of what has gone and been said before – but is increasingly only bringing up confusion, mental slip-ups, and signs of something like dementia. For me this was alright, but it seemed too much of a jumble – the connection the girl has with the old lady is fine (and leads to a wonderful joke when you least expect it), but there is also the forgetfulness creep, and the whole concept of the timeless time isn't really well conveyed at all. Also, the narrative bursts into rhyme after a few pages, for no reason – and the fact that the first two tiny paragraphs manage to jump from the past to the present tense (and then get quoted doing the same on the back cover!) suggests this needed more work. Three stars – which on rejection are generous.

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming and well written story helping children understand the changes that happen when family members start to age.
Tali loves her time with her Nona. She especially loves cooking with her grandmother but Tali starts to notice things changing with her Nona. She sometimes forgets things and sometimes she seems to be a little lost. Often there are moments of confusion when the past and present seem to get mixed up for Nona. But Tali still loves sharing their traditions together, learning from her grandmother and is happy to help in any way she can. The colorful illustrations bring this heartfelt story to life. The story and pictures really show the emotions and beauty of this story. It is a great way to start conversations with your little ones so they can understand and be prepared for things to come.
A great story to share through the generations together.

[Shahana Kothari · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle, magical read that lingers.
This book truly moved me. With flowing prose and illustrations that feel like warm memories on a page, it beautifully weaves themes of culture, family, and the quiet strength found in caring for our elders.

Young Tali spends time with her Nona, who lives just next door, but also seems to live in another world entirely. She moves through “Timeless Time,” a rhythm all her own, where memories blur and moments stretch. She forgets names, drifts off midtask, and yet there’s magic in the way she sees the world. It’s a tender portrayal of aging and memory, wrapped in love and everyday rituals.

What stood out most was how Tali, in all her youth, holds the weight of understanding and care.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC

[Shan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a very confusing read. My overall understanding of this book is that the grandma has dementia/Alzheimer's, but even that hypothesis isn't completely clear or conveyed in the best way. On top of that, if that *is* truly the meaning of the book, it doesn't teach young readers about these diseases and it just adds more confusion, in my opinion.
Yet another confusing thing about this book was the central idea/theme. WTF is "the timeless time"? Not even the main character of the book knows. I still have zero clue, even after finishing the book! In short, that's just not great.
Lastly, for the illustrations something about the art style bothered me. I couldn't quite place it, I just didn't care for them.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book was such a lovely surprise. Tali and the Timeless Time tells the story of a young girl and her grandmother, whose memory is slowly fading due to Alzheimer’s. It’s a gentle, heartfelt story about love, family, and holding on to special moments.

What really stood out to me was how much I learned about Ladino culture—something I knew very little about before reading. The references to traditional foods and customs were woven in so naturally, and the glossary at the end was super helpful without feeling too ‘educational.’

It’s one of those books that stays with you. Warm, emotional, and quietly powerful. A great conversation starter for kids (and adults) about memory, heritage, and the importance of family stories.

[Amber Wessies Owrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really understand the point of the book until I read the author's note and I am not sure children would understand what timeless time is unless an adult understood and explained it to them. Although the idea of timeless time could have been explained better in the story, it is still a cute story about a little girl spending time with her grandma. The girl and her grandma make several dishes that are special to their family. I think this book could have focused or been more about the grandma and aging or even dementia and made more sense.
The illustrations are fun and it is cute that the girl and the grandma match outfits.

Thank you PW Grab a Galley, NetGalley, and Collective Book Studio for the eARC.

[The Delulu Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tali is a young child, who visits her Nona quite often since they live next door, they love to cook and to dance, but nona seems to be in a timeless time, she gets the names a bit confused, and sometimes even forgets what she's doing, what is this time nona keeps talking about?
Talia might not get it yet, but she loves her nona regardless.

Such a beautiful book, the illustrations had me all over the moon, I couldn't get enough of them, one thing I love about children's book is they always teach you something, this book is not the exception.

Perfect for kids whose grandparents might be a little bit more forgetful recently. ( or adults who need to remember their nonas love them even if they get a bit confused at times )

Thanks to NetGalley For this book.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not sure I understood this book. I’m not sure it does a good job of explaining the timeless time. Because as I follow the story from page to page, it seems more like it’s describing a grandparent with Alzheimer’s. Then you have the story itself. At times it seems like it’s trying to rhyme and other times it doesn’t. Is this purposeful, is this not? Then there is the new words. They’re new words to me because I’m not of the culture. I appreciate this book, but I think it gets lost in what is trying to say. I do, however, love the illustrations and think the illustrator did a fabulous job, giving the feel of the culture from which this book resides.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author.
The artwork is stunning and highly detailed. I appreciate the clock being included in most page spreads to represent th4 "timeless time." Tali loves to spend time with her Nona, but sometimes Nona does not remember everything in the present time. Adults will recognize the signs of Alzheimer's/Dementia but I'm not sure younger readers will. The story is a love story between the two and memories are being made throughout. Readers do see Tali's fears at times and it is concerning with the cooking issues and no other adult there to assist. However, the richness of heritage shines through with Nona's desire to share so much about their special dishes.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age is not always kind to the ones we love and as someone transitioning into that reverse role of being the caregiver for a parent, I was touched by the story of Tali and the Timeless Time. This book teaches us that love doesn't require sharpness of mind and caregiving can be done in little actions not requiring adulthood. I identified with Tali's initial distress and was proud of her when she figured out what was going on. The bright illustrations and nearly constant motion kept the book from being too depressing to me. If someone in your family isn't the person they used to be and you need to explain that to a child, this book will help.

[Sydney Coffey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley who let me read this book!

I felt like there was a lot of good in this book. I loved, loved, loved the illustrations. I appreciate that the author incorporated so many cultures into this book. I also appreciate how the author wanted to discuss a serious topic like Dementia, that so many kids experience in their families, in a book. However, I felt this book prompted way more questions than it answered. The concept of "The Timeless Time" never made itself clear to me. I wish this was a book I loved, but it's ultimately a book that left me confused.

[Kira K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is such a beautiful book about Tali and her Nona cooking together, exploring family and the way in which Dementia/Alzheimer's impacts their interactions. It’s lovely to see Tali trying to figure out what is meant by the timeless time and keeping her on track and I think it’s actually a really sweet way to look at Dementia/Alzheimer's as a condition as well. The illustrations were also well done with some great detailing.

[Lily Guzmán · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Tali and the Timeless Time" is full of traditional richness that will spark the curiosity of every reader. But what truly moved me was Nona's cognitive state. She sometimes forgets names, objects, and time, reflecting the reality many elderly people face.

Although this may be considered a difficult topic to present to children, the author handles it in a gentle, happy, and safe way. Even though Nona drifts in and out of the present moment, she is always portrayed with joy and warmth.

May all our grandparents receive the support and love that Tali gives her Nona.

[Nitoy Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

If their is a template for an award winning book, this is probably it. But not just a "template" it uniquely good book that touches the heart, culture and language. If you still have grandparents, read this book and give them a big hug. If they're already passed from eternity, relive those moments. If you haven't met you're grandparents, let this book put more coals to your fire to love your family more.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tali and the Timeless Time (Hardcover)
by Mira Z. Amiras
Tali is spending her time with grandma. But grandma has a secret. The secret is not her garden or the cross cultural dishes she makes for Shabbat. But those moments when she remembers the things she loves, even if she is not able to have the energy to do all she remembers.

[Danielle Mccoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

I felt like the author was trying to tell us more then she wrote with this picture book. It just felt like it was deeper then the words I read but it is a beautiful story about a grandchild's love.

[Amy B Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely heartwarming and lovely story about Tali and her Nona. Reminded me of baking and cooking with my own Grandma and the sadness that comes with an aging grandparent. The illustration was stunning, vibrant and perfect.

[angelofmine1974 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a heartwarming and cute book. The story is about Tali and her nona spending the day together. Her nona mentions timeless time and Tali tries to figure out what it means throughout the story. Stunning illustrations and such a good story.