When I Feel Sad

My rating:

This book tells readers through a young guinea pig why and when someone might feel sad ("When I really want to tell about something and nobody listens," "If something bad happens," "When someone is cross with me,"), what it feels like, and how to feel better.

Spelman's text is direct, simple, and never too wordy; it flows nicely, and offers both understanding and comfort. It helps normalize sadness, and reassure the reader that they are not alone. Spelman (a therapist) clearly understands sadness, and some of the possible reasons for it.

There aren't many suggestions on how to move out of feeling sad, but the few included are helpful—encouraging readers to talk about their sadness, and to express it. The books seems to be talking both to young readers and to parents or caregivers, who all need to know that it's okay to be sad and to let it out—and also that sadness will pass. There is a note to parents and teachers before the story that some readers may find helpful. The book itself seems most geared toward a young reader; an older reader may want a few more suggestions.

Parkinson's light-hearted, vivid watercolor paintings, with great splashes of warm color and playful, fun details (stars, hearts, and flowers on the young gerbil's clothes, the youngsters blowing bubbles) offer comfort. The illustrations often take up an entire page, leaving just enough room for the text, and both compliment and add to the text. The paintings show the sad guinea pig being cuddled, being near loving parents, and playing with friends. The illustrations feature cute guinea pigs, kittens, and bunnies, and this may allow readers to more easily identify with the messages (rather than more direct images of people).

A reassuring book about sadness. Recommended.