A moving picture book debut about depression, sensory awareness, and the power of listening, from Australian psychologist and author of Teaching Kids to be Kind.
Coen is having a sniffling, sighing, sobbing kind of day.
His family thinks they know how to cheer him up. His dad wants to go outside and play, Mom tells her funniest joke, and his little sister shares her favourite teddy. Nothing helps. But one by one, they get quiet and begin to listen. After some time, space, and reassurance, Coen is able to show them what he needs.
With poignant text and stunning illustrations, A Blue Kind of Day explores how depression might feel in the body and shows us how to support the people we love with patience, care, and empathy.
Author Bio:
Rachel Tomlinson is the author of Teaching Kids to Be Kind (Skyhorse) and is a registered psychologist who has worked with adults, families, and children in a variety of settings. She has presented at national conferences on mental health topics including trauma and play therapy. She also serves as a subject-matter expert for journalists on topics such as parenting, child development, and relationships. She is based in Perth, Australia.
Illustrator Bio:
Tori-Jay Mordey is an Indigenous Australian illustrator whose work traverses multiple mediums, such as digital illustration, drawing, painting, printmaking, film and murals. Her Torres Strait Islander and English heritage is often reflected in her contemporary Indigenous art practice- producing work based around her family and siblings as a way of understanding herself, her appearance and racial identity. She is based in Brisbane, Australia.
Review:
“Author/psychologist Tomlinson deftly delves into the “muddled-up” moods of childhood depression with sympathy and compassion. The text invites readers to empathize rather than advise a child who is very much in pain. Mordey’s illustrations incorporate character design based on her own family, bringing a special warmth to this . . . A loving tribute to the power of loved ones’ support during trying times.” – Kirkus Reviews
- Hard cover (Picture book)
- Age range 5+
- Full Colour
- 32 Page
