A Blue Kind of Day
CCBC Review:
Coen, a young Indigenous Australian boy, is having a blue kind of day. From the opening illustration, created digitally with blue and purple tones, Coen and his stuffed koala bear are slumped and sad in bed. Progressive scenes show Coen struggling with symptoms of depression and a desire to crawl back into bed. Initially, his multiracial racial family members (Indigenous/white) each try to pull Coen out of his dark mood, but eventually respond to his need for quiet support and comfort. With time, Coen emerges from his blanket cocoon to engage with his sister and parent on his terms. This relatable book about feelings, illustrated by an Indigenous Australian, also includes an author’s note about depression and emotional distress in children. ©2022 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Tori-Jay Mordey
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 4-8
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Australians
Depression
Families
Feelings/Emotions
Indigenous Australian People
Multiracial Characters/Families
Diversity subject:
Indigenous
Psychiatric Disability/Condition
Publishers:
Penguin Random House, Kokila
Publish Year: 2022
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780593324011
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Tomlinson