MENTAL ILLNESS
ARTHUR WANTS A BALLOON (Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia, Erika Meza)
Arthur’s Papa is sad. And it feels to Arthur like ever since he felt this way, the sun hasn’t come out for weeks. They rush from place to place, with little thought to the world around them and before long, Papa’s sadness starts to feel like a raincloud hanging over them all.
Illustrated in monochrome with selected splashes of colour, we see the world through Arthur’s eyes as they make their way to hospital, where Arthur’s mummy is being looked after. Finding faith in the colour reflected in puddles, the yellow of his wellies, Arthur finds a little splash of hope on every spread.
There’s a reluctance in featuring parental depression in books for children; at pains never to place the onus on the children to shoulder those heavy feelings, the issue is often avoided completely. But children are perceptive, spongy, and emotionally symbiotic. There’s no getting away from this whether the books are out there or not, and Arthur Wants a Balloon (Upside Down Books, 2023) explores this tension really well, with Dad never explicitly asking anything of Arthur, but his sadness being ever-pervasive nonetheless.
Arthur Wants a Balloon tells the story of a parent’s depression and the ever-glinting glimmer of hope that shines through the darkness. This beautiful and gentle tale reminds us that even in the worst situations, there is always light. There is always love.
(Reviewed by author, Frances Stickley)
NELL AND THE CIRCUS OF DREAMS (Nell Gifford, Briony May Smith)
In Nell and the Circus of Dreams (OUP, 2019) Nell awakes one morning to find a tiny lost chicken in the farmyard, and from that day forward, Nell and Rosebud go everywhere together. Until one day, Nell awakes to find that Rosebud is gone.
Written with all of the authentic, nostalgic love for the Circus that Nell Gifford herself grew up within, Nell and the Circus of Dreams is one of my all-time favourite picture books. On the surface, it’s a story about the Circus coming to Nell’s farm, but when read alongside the undercurrent of her Mum’s unnamed chronic illness, it becomes a therapeutic, escapist daydream through which Nell seeks comfort. But from sad and scary things, magical things can happen. As Nell searches for Rosebud, she discovers the circus, and gently - safety-netted- further explores the concept of loss when the circus at last leaves town. It’s a magical story about stepping tentatively into the unknown, even when it’s frightening; even when it might mean you have to be really really brave and do things on your own. And how sometimes, the worst things that can happen lead us to the best. Briony May Smith was the perfect choice for this story. She is so good at people and expression and all of the nuance needed for such a sensitive and subtle story such as this one.
(Reviewed by author, Frances Stickley)
KITE DAY: THE UPS AND DOWNS OF MENTAL HEALTH (Lisa Varchol Perron, Siski Kalla)
Kite Day (Moon + Bird, 2026) is a sensitive and emotionally honest picture book that explores mental health through the loving relationship between a parent, Mamuś, and her son. The story revolves around the child’s love of flying kites, but because Mamuś lives with a mood disorder, some days even the simple joys are out of reach.
In a tender and reassuring way, the book shows the reader how mental health can change from day to day. Some days, the wind is perfect for kite flying. But on other days, clouds can roll in and just getting outside can feel overwhelming. This thoughtfully reflects the experience of living with a mood disorder, without feeling frightening or too heavy for young readers.
The illustrations beautifully support the story, using seasons, weather and a favourite lilac bush to mirror the emotional shifts. Importantly, even when plans don’t work out, the book emphasises that Mamuś’ love is a constant.
A compassionate way to talk about the ups and downs of mental health that normalises the struggles and offers hope.
THE BUTTERFLY HOUSE (Harry Woodgate)
The Butterfly House (Andersen Press, 2025) is a tender, hopeful picture book that explores mental health, kindness and community.
Miss Brown’s overgrown house is avoided by most, but Holly sees beauty instead of fear. She discovers that Miss Brown is unwell and her garden reflects the chaos she feels inside her mind.
The story provides an accessible and reassuring exploration of mental illness suitable for young readers. Nature is used as a metaphor for growth taking time. Harry’s stunning illustrations show tangled, overwhelming scenes and moments of light, colour and hope. The growing friendship between Holly and Miss Brown is beautifully symbolised by butterflies.
THE STORM CLOUD (Frances Stickley, Emily Hamilton
This gentle and uplifting story offers a compassionate look at sadness through the eyes of a character called Bear who wakes one day feeling blue. A storm cloud appears and follows him everywhere, stopping him from having fun with his friends. The book thoughtfully explores the importance of sitting with difficult emotions and allowing space for them to pass.
With warmth and hopefulness, the book beautifully illustrates that brighter days often follow the storm. But what truly shines is the theme of friendship. Bear’s friends sit beside him, listening and offering understanding, ensuring that little readers know it’s OK not to feel OK and that you don’t have to face hard things alone.
THE CAT WHO COULDN'T BE BOTHERED (Jack Kurland)
The Cat Who Couldn't Be Bothered (Frances Lincoln, 2024) is almost completely encapsulated by its title and cover - a cat that simply doesn't feeling like doing anything at all.
The book encourages empathy with low mood with an importantly light touch. We follow Greg on his lacklustre journey, saying no to his friends' invitations to adventure. Until, one day, a friend asks him why he feels the way he does and all is revealed: Greg is feeling sad.
Crisp and elegant, this story can inspire conversation but it also invites the reader to simply understand.
(Reviewed by Zoe Arena - author of Mandy is still a banana)
LUCY’S BLUE DAY (Christopher Duke, Federica Bartolini)
Lucy’s Blue Day (2019) is a rhyming book about a girl whose hair changes colour to match her feelings. Happiness is purple, mad is red, envy is green, and her low mood is represented by dark blue.
But Lucy finds it hard to explain and understand why she feels sad... until she sees someone else with dark blue hair. Someone who like her has blue days now and then.
Lucy opens up to those close to her and learns that we all have blue days from time to time – and mad and envious days too – and that’s ok.