The Princess and the Fog: A Story for Children with Depression

Well-done; bravo. The description says for ages 5-7, but anyone who is experiencing depression can empathize. The characters are appealing, the issues are not sugar-coated, the solutions are plausible, and there is no unrealistic HEA. I particularly appreciated the author's bio, in which we learn that he *lives with* the fog, instead of *suffering*from it.

I hope Jones gets plenty of satisfaction, pride, and royalties from this, but I also hope that we're lucky enough to see more insightful and engaging books by him.

I'd rather this didn't use a royal setting or a princess as main character but otherwise the story of a princess falling into depression is handled perceptively and compassionately, with hope as an outcome. (An opening note from the author states "he has learned to live with his fog rather than suffer from it.") Backmatter is a note of guidance for parents from two clinical psychologists.

The Princess and the Fog: A Story for Children with Depression by Lloyd Jones is a helpful picture book for readers of all ages. It begins: "Once upon a time, there was a Princess." This Princess was happy, loved, and content... until the fog came. Soon she did not want to do her favorite things, or anything really. A persistent friend offered to listen, and soon the princess was able to share with others about the presence of the fog and how it made her feel. She went to the `doctor`who whipped something up (medication) and they banished the fog, at least for now, and have a plan to deal with it when it makes periodic returns. This is a creative and entertaining book that tackles a serious topic/issue that many people do not want to show more deal with and is often not recognized, but depression is real and not only do adults deal with it but so do children and teenagers. This book describes and illustrates simply and beautifully the onset of depression, the experience of it at its worst, and the various self-help methods available to deal with it. More importantly, 'A Guide for Parents and Carers' at the back of the book and written by medically qualified professionals does differentiate between low mood and depression, assisting in defining the two. A great book for families dealing with the issue of depression or classrooms where a student has depression.

Thank you Netgalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book. show less

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