When Sadness Is at Your Door (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780525707189)

A comforting primer in emotional literacy and mindfulness that suggests we approach the feeling of sadness as if it is our guest.

Sadness can be scary and confusing at any age! When we feel sad, especially for long periods of time, it can seem as if the sadness is a part of who we are--an overwhelming, invisible, and scary sensation.

In When Sadness Is at Your Door, Eva Eland brilliantly approaches this feeling as if it is a visitor. She gives it a shape and a face, and encourages the reader to give it a name, all of which helps to demystify it and distinguish it from ourselves. She suggests activities to do with it, like sitting quietly, drawing, and going outside for a walk. The beauty of this approach is in the respect the book has for the feeling, and the absence of a narrative that encourages the reader to "get over" it or indicates that it's "bad," both of which are anxiety-producing notions.

Simple illustrations that recall the classic style of Crockett Johnson (Harold and the Purple Crayon) invite readers to add their own impressions.

Eva Eland's debut picture book is a great primer in mindfulness and emotional literacy, perfect for kids navigating these new feelings--and for adult readers tackling the feelings themselves!

Author: Eva Eland
ISBN-10: 0525707182
ISBN-13: 9780525707189
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Language: English
Published: 01/29/2019
Pages: 32
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 9.50h x 8.60w x 0.40d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 1.9
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 501300 / When Sadness Is at Your Door


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 11/01/2018 pg. 81
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 12/01/2018
School Library Journal 12/01/2018 pg. 66
Publishers Weekly 12/24/2018
Booklist 01/01/2019 pg. 95
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2019 - Recommended, Satisfactory