Children's Difference Picture Book: A Blue Kind of Day by Rachel Tomlinson

 Whimsy & Wisdom: Review of A Blue Kind of Day Book Title: A Blue Kind of Day by Rachel Tomlinson Genre/Category: Children's Picture Book, Mental Health Target Age Group: 4-8 years

Plot Summary: A Blue Kind of Day by Rachel Tomlinson is a touching story about a young boy named Coen who is experiencing a day filled with sadness and heaviness. Through simple yet profound prose, Tomlinson describes Coen’s feelings of depression and anxiety, depicting them in a way that young readers can understand. The story follows Coen as he navigates his emotions with the support and understanding of his family, illustrating the importance of empathy, patience, and unconditional love.

Justification for Title Selection: I chose A Blue Kind of Day because it beautifully and sensitively addresses the disability of depression and anxiety, which affect many members of my family. The book normalizes these feelings and provides a gentle introduction to mental health for young children. Its approach to depicting emotional struggles in an accessible and empathetic manner makes it a valuable addition to Whimsy and Wisdom, offering both comfort and education to young readers and their families.

Format Note: I read A Blue Kind of Day as a Kindle download, which slightly impacted my experience. While the digital format was convenient, it altered the way I interacted with the illustrations and text, sometimes affecting the overall immersion in the story.

Critical Evaluation:

1. Tone: The tone of A Blue Kind of Day is gentle, empathetic, and reassuring. Rachel Tomlinson carefully chooses her words to convey Coen’s emotions without overwhelming young readers. The narrative acknowledges the reality of depression and anxiety, validating these feelings while also offering hope and support. This balance ensures that the book is both relatable and comforting, helping children understand that it’s okay to feel sad and that they are not alone.

2. Illustrations: Tori-Jay Mordey’s illustrations in A Blue Kind of Day are expressive and evocative, capturing the emotional landscape of the story with sensitivity and depth. The artwork beautifully complements the text, using color and composition to reflect Coen’s inner world. The use of muted blues and greys in the hardcopy version effectively portrays the mood of depression, while warmer tones highlight moments of connection and support. Mordey’s illustrations enhance the narrative, providing visual cues that deepen the reader’s understanding and emotional engagement.

3. Theme: The central themes of A Blue Kind of Day include the normalization of mental health struggles, the importance of empathy and support, and the acknowledgment that it’s okay to feel blue sometimes. The book gently introduces young readers to the concept of emotional health, encouraging open conversations about feelings and mental well-being. By depicting a supportive family environment, it emphasizes the role of loved ones in helping individuals navigate their emotional challenges. These themes are conveyed with sensitivity and care, making the book a valuable resource for families and educators.

APA Citation:

Tomlinson, R. (2022). A Blue Kind of Day (T. Mordey, Illus.). New York, NY: Random House Children's Books.