When Sadness is at Your Door

When Sadness is at Your Door

<b>A comforting primer in emotional literacy and mindfulness that suggests we approach the feeling of sadness as if it is our guest.</b><br><br>Sadness can be scary and confusing at any age! When we feel sad, especially for long periods of time, it can seem as if the sadness is a part of who we are--an overwhelming, invisible, and scary sensation.<br><br>In <i>When Sadness Is at Your Door</i>, Eva Eland brilliantly approaches this feeling as if it is a visitor. She gives it a shape and a face, and encourages the reader to give it a name, all of which helps to demystify it and distinguish it from ourselves. She suggests activities to do with it, like sitting quietly, drawing, and going outside for a walk. The beauty of this approach is in the respect the book has for the feeling, and the absence of a narrative that encourages the reader to "get over" it or indicates that it's "bad," both of which are anxiety-producing notions.<br><br>Simple illustrations that recall the classic style of Crockett Johnson (<i>Harold and the Purple Crayon</i>) invite readers to add their own impressions.<br><br>Eva Eland's debut picture book is a great primer in mindfulness and emotional literacy, perfect for kids navigating these new feelings--and for adult readers tackling the feelings themselves!