February 1, 2022
Grades 1-3 From the moment Coen gets up, he's having "a slumping, sighing, sobbing kind of day," and he returns to bed. Mom, Dad, and even his little sister attempt to help, but nothing works. Instead, Coen stays silent, huddling more tightly beneath his blanket. Eventually, the family gathers around him, quiet and patient; progressively, Coen's mood lightens until he finally asks for a story. A concluding scene shows the parents with arms encircling both children, reading together. Throughout, Tomlinson's text incorporates various descriptions of what Coen's experiencing, both internally and externally ("gloomy"; "his body felt prickly, tense"; "like a lost kite: loose in the breeze"), while interweaving the word blue, and the expressive illustrations offer unmistakable visuals. Though the source of Coen's initial feelings isn't specified and the terms depression or sadness explicitly mentioned in the text, children may appreciate the understanding, validating approach to the topic, including the reassuring reminder that "blue feelings" can change. An adult-directed endnote discusses potential characteristics of depression kids may exhibit and offers suggestions for helping kids deal with them.
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June 1, 2022
K-Gr 4-This gentle exploration of depression in children feels like Cori Doerrfeld's The Rabbit Listened meets Judith Viorst's Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Coen is a young dark-skinned boy with a mop of curls who wakes up with blue feelings radiating off of him. Sheathed in a blanket for protection, we see the physical manifestation of his feelings not only through Coen but also through his teddy bear. His mother, father, and sister try to cheer him up, but Coen needs time to emerge from his cocoon. The digital illustrations are appropriate shades of blue for much of the book. From Australia, Mordey, who has a shared Torres Strait Islander and English heritage, has modeled the characters after her own family. This book would pair well with SEL lessons on self-awareness as a read-aloud. School counselors may also find that the text opens discussions with students who lack the language to name their emotions. An author's note provides ways to identify symptoms of depression and ideas for supporting children exhibiting them. VERDICT Sparse yet effective text may serve all ages well in helping them give voice to unexpressed feelings. A recommended purchase for public, elementary, and middle school libraries.-Monisha Blair
Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Starred review from February 15, 2022
Blue is not just a color. Coen, a young Indigenous Australian boy, is having a difficult day. His body is coiled and tense, his feelings are "a deep, murky kind of blue," and bed is the only place he finds relief. Mum says that "it can't be that bad." Dad thinks fresh air will do the trick. "What's wrong with you?" his little sister, Junie, innocently demands. Coen feels "like a lost kite: loose in the breeze, with feelings that tangled like string"--and tangled Coen wants to be left alone. His family doesn't understand. Then, little by little, Coen begins to respond to his parents' and sibling's loving patience and their assurance that his blue feelings won't last forever. Author/psychologist Tomlinson deftly delves into the "muddled-up" moods of childhood depression with sympathy and compassion. With emotive descriptions such as "it was a slumping, sighing, sobbing kind of day," 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 depiction of a racially-mixed household and their tender interactions. The limited palette of gentle blues, pinks, and apricot allows viewers to focus on the family members' emotions. The author's note further encourages families to recognize the different ways children process emotions and provides suggestions for helping children work through these overwhelming feelings. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A loving tribute to the power of loved ones' support during trying times. (Picture book. 4-9)
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