What Do You Do When You're Sad?
illustrations by
What’s inside...
A picture book for anyone above the age of two, this story cycles through many different forms of sadness, such as depression and grief, and educates children and adults alike on how to deal with such serious and deep emotions. It has a simple rhyme scheme to engage children, but the advice and lessons within are relevant and valuable to those of any age. Filled with beautifully unique illustrations made with acrylic and watercolor, this book is made to be enjoyed by everyone while simultaneously dealing with subjects that are often difficult to address.
Discussion points
What are some things you do when you feel sad?
Can you think of a time when you felt like the character in the book? What helped you feel better?
How do you think the character's friends could help them when they are feeling sad?
Why do you think it's important to talk about our feelings?
What are some ways we can help each other when we're feeling sad?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, let your child know it’s okay to feel sad sometimes and that this book might help explore those feelings.
Pause after key moments in the story to ask your child how they think the character feels, and relate those situations to real-life experiences.
Encourage your child to express their own thoughts and feelings about the book’s scenarios, validating their emotions as you discuss.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture or write a story about a time they overcame a sad feeling, emphasizing their resilience and coping strategies.
Use the book as a basis to establish a 'feelings talk' routine, where you openly discuss different emotions and how to handle them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Recognizing and Naming Emotions
Explanation: This book guides children through various scenarios where the character feels sadness, helping them to identify and label their own feelings.
Real-World Application: This skill helps children communicate their emotions more effectively with parents and peers, fostering better emotional management.
Example Lesson: Empathy Development
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters show understanding and support when someone is sad, modeling empathetic behavior.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize when others are sad and respond compassionately, enhancing their interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Coping Mechanisms for Sadness
Explanation: The protagonist explores different healthy ways to cope with sadness, such as talking to someone they trust or engaging in a comforting activity.
Real-World Application: Children can adopt these strategies to manage their own feelings of sadness, contributing to their resilience and mental health.
Example Lesson: Understanding that Sadness is Temporary
Explanation: The book conveys that sadness is a natural emotion that comes and goes, which can reassure children during tough times.
Real-World Application: This perspective can help children maintain a positive outlook, even when they experience negative emotions, fostering a healthier emotional state.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Seeking Support
Explanation: The character learns the value of reaching out to others for help when feeling overwhelmed by sadness.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to communicate and seek support when needed, promoting a support-seeking behavior that can be vital for emotional development.