Early Reader Review: The Princess and the Fog by Lloyd Jones

The Princess and the Fog by Lloyd Jones
A Story for Children with Depression

Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication Date:  June 21, 2015

 

Format: ebook
Source: From Netgalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers in exchange for an honest review. This in no way has altered my opinion or review of the book.

Rating:

 


 


Goodreads Synopsis: 

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 depression, including social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, arts therapists, pastoral care workers and school staff, as well as parents and carers. 

 Review:
The Princess and the Fog is a book that gives a visual representation to the feeling of being depressed and utilizes this children's book to talk about the issues of depression with both young readers and their parents or guardians. And it does a very good job in my opinion. 

The Princess begins as a normal kid, enjoying activities and life and little by little the fog  takes over, making her unhappy and lonely even though there are many people around that care for her. 

As the story progresses her parents, teachers, and friends try to help her until one friend realizes that she just might want to talk instead of doing things - and that helps her to realize that is all she needs to do - go talk about things and try to get help.

The book is beautifully illustrated with the fog/depression prominent throughout and showing how she comes back out of it (and sometimes sinks back in - and I think that is an important note). The end of the book even includes information specifically for the parent/guardian figures about child depression and sadness and how to help in a productive way.

I found this children's book both informational and appealing to the eye.