by Lloyd Jones (Author) Lloyd Jones (Illustrator)
Bronze Medal Winner in the Picture Books, Early Reader category of the 2015 Foreword Reviews' INDIEFAB Book of the Year Awards
Once upon a time there was a Princess. She had everything a little girl could ever want, and she was happy. That is, until the fog came...
The Princess and the Fog is picture book to help sufferers of depression aged 5-7 cope with their difficult feelings. It uses vibrant illustrations, a sense of humour and metaphor to create a relatable, enjoyable story that describes the symptoms of childhood depression while also providing hope that things can get better with a little help and support. The story is also a great starting point for explaining depression to all children, especially those who may have a parent or close family member with depression.
With an essential guide for parents and carers by clinical paediatric psychologists, Dr Melinda Edwards MBE and Linda Bayliss, this book will be of immeasurable value to anyone supporting a child with, or affected by, depression, including social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, arts therapists, pastoral care workers and school staff, as well as parents and carers.
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PreS-Gr 3--An age-appropriate look at depression. Though this picture book opens with "Once upon a time," this is far from a typical princess book. The title princess loves to read books, ride horses, and play outside with her friends. Everything begins to change, however, when a fog, symbolizing depression, creeps in. Slowly, the princess feels sad and lonely, no longer enjoys the activities she once did, and doesn't want to leave her palace or see her friends. Her well-meaning parents try everything they can to make her smile, but nothing works. Eventually, a friend asks the princess if she wants to talk. By discussing her feelings, setting up daily challenges, and receiving advice from various people, the princess begins to feel better. The people in her life and the advice that she receives also help her deal with the dark clouds when they return. This title effectively conveys what depression feels like to children. The fairy tale-type story and the striking, dynamic illustrations, which use color to indicate the princess's changing mood, make a heavy topic accessible. A special author's note is included for caregivers on helping children with depression. VERDICT A good option for educating children about mental health, and a solid choice for caregivers who are struggling with depression and want to educate the younger members of their families about the topic.--Brooke Newberry, La Crosse Public Library, WI
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