The Blue
on Goodreads (320)
What’s inside...
An emotional and tender picture book that accessibly explores depression within a family, through the use of color. The story follows a daughter who has always been her dad's 'little sunspot.' One day, her father's world changes from bright and yellow to a deep, dark blue. As he embarks on an emotional journey, the daughter navigates life in and around his depression. Although most days the sun won’t peek through the clouds, with each new wave of change, love continues to bond them together.
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Child
The Father
Discussion points
What do you think made the character feel 'blue' and how do they try to feel better?
If you were a friend to the character, what would you do to help them?
What colors would you use to describe your feelings today and why?
Can you think of a time when you felt like the character did? What helped you feel better?
What do you think is the most important message of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic language to discuss the character’s feelings, making connections to real-life scenarios your child might face.
Encourage your child to express their emotions by drawing them, using colors that they feel represent different moods.
Praise your child for sharing their feelings and thoughts, reinforcing that all feelings are acceptable and discussing them is healthy.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to show genuine interest and encourage deeper thinking.
Relate the book's message to personal experiences or family stories where resilience and emotional expression were key.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: Through the story's characters and their interactions, the book 'undefined' exemplifies how acts of kindness can positively affect others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by sharing, helping a friend, or being polite to others, fostering a community of respect and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenges but continues to strive towards their goals, teaching the readers that determination is key to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to keep trying in their studies, sports, or learning new skills, understanding that persistence leads to success.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: The book highlights scenarios where the truth impacts characters' trust and relationships, showcasing the long-term benefits of honesty.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be reflected in a child's daily life by encouraging them to be truthful in their dealings at school and with family, building their integrity.
Example Lesson: Being open to differences
Explanation: Diversity is celebrated in the story, where characters learn from each other's differences and grow because of them.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace and respect diverse cultures and personalities, enhancing social harmony and personal growth.