Books are never replacements for conversation with children, but they can be the conversation starter needed when discussing difficult subjects like grief, sadness and severe depression. Ignoring the subjects with children will not prevent them from noticing or even experiencing them. Not discussing sensitive issues only leaves them in the dark. When we discuss emotions, we are better able to cope and feel empathetic to those that may be suffering.
With suicide the second leading cause of death for people under 25, discussions about mental health should begin early. As Crystal Ponti states in 10 Books to Help Children Understand Mental Illness, ” As much as we want to shield our kids from confusion or concern, health professionals recommend educating children and teenagers about mental illness. ”
Maybe Tomorrow?
Author: Charlotte Agell
Illustrator: Ana Ramirez González
Publisher: Scholastic Press (March 26, 2019)
ISBN-13: 978-1338214888
In this beautifully illustrated book, Elba the cute pink hippo is very sad because she has lost her good friend. This sadness is represented by a large block that she drags around with her everywhere. Norris the happy alligator shows Elba kindness, empathy, and readers how to be a friend to someone experiencing difficult emotions.
Celia and the Little Boy
Author/Illustrator: Irene Applebaum Buchine
Publisher: Woody Runs Publishing (2018)
ISBN-13: 978-0-9988089-0-1
Drawing on her own experiences, New Hampshire Author Irene Applebaum Buchine opens a dialogue about severe depression. Celia finds a little boy in the dark. She persist in showing him that he is not alone and repeatedly gives him a message of hope. As an author and advocate for children with depression, Irene Applebaum Buchine is available to speak. http://irenebuchine.com/speaking/
Used as a book club book or discussion starter: Holly Pirtle, Health Educator used Celia and the Little Boy with 90 eight graders and they came up with some key messages:
- You can show someone you care without being their best friend.
- Keep trying to help no matter how hopeless they or the situation seems.