A Blue Kind of Day

by Rachel Tomlinson Narrated by Shari Sebbens

Overview

A moving picture book debut, adapted for audio, about depression, sensory awareness, and the power of listening, from 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 favorite 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 prose, 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.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

PRAISE FOR A BLUE KIND OF DAY

USBBY 2023 Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities
A New York Public Library Best Book of 2022
A Kirkus Best Book of 2022
An Evanston Public Library Best Book of 2022

* "A loving tribute to the power of loved ones’ support during trying times." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review 

“Children may appreciate the understanding, validating approach to the topic, including the reassuring reminder that “blue feelings” can change." —Booklist

Kirkus Reviews

★ 2022-01-25
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)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940176107623
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	04/05/2022
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	Up to 4 Years

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