Looking Back at... The 1966 World Cup is written by Matt Singleton and illustrated by Samuel Larn. The book includes a free audio download, read by Clive Tyldsley and has a foreword written by Sir Geoff Hurst.

Relive the finest moment in English men's football to date in this wonderful 'Cognitive Book' that everyone can enjoy and is suitable for people living with dementia or other cognitive difficulties. 

The book contains a 'Supporter's Guide' designed for loved ones and carers so they can help the reader living with dementia and enjoy the book together. There are suggested activities and a fun quiz centered around the book to encourage social interaction and the audio download includes well known theme tunes from sports TV shows of the past. 

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 1966 World Cup 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 1966 World Cup
• Access to a free audio version, which includes commentary excerpts from the game and is read by football commentator Clive Tyldesley and foreword by Sir Geoff Hurst.
• 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 ''

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 football commentator Clive Tyldesley and foreword by Sir Geoff Hurst.

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)

“The layout and content of the book work really well.” “She sat for ages reading it and really loved it.”  – Cognitive Books ***** review examples

'Where your books are so good is that they are not too long winded… and the audio version is inspired.' – praise from a reader of 'Looking back at … The Beatles'

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 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.