The Sad Book is a funny and heartfelt picture book that gives sadness a voice—and helps children see that sad feelings don't last forever.
Everyone feels sad sometimes—even this book! The Sad Book speaks directly to the reader, at first moody and uncooperative, then slowly opening up about its feelings.
With humor, honesty, and gentle vulnerability, the book itself becomes the main character, guiding children to recognize sadness, breathe through it, and discover small ways to feel better—like sharing, drawing, or helping a friend.
Howard Pearlstein's witty, compassionate text, paired with James Munro's bold, expressive illustrations, makes for an interactive and reassuring reading experience. By giving sadness a voice, The Sad Book helps children understand that sad feelings are natural, don't last forever, and can even lead to moments of connection and care.
Perfect for reading aloud at home, in classrooms, or in counseling sessions, this is an engaging companion to The Shy Book and The Worried Book in the acclaimed Emotionsbook series.
Praise
“In Pearlstein and Munro’s latest metafictive outing, misery does in fact want company. . . The book offers practical suggestions about what to do with those feelings. . . Once more, Pearlstein and Munro distill complex emotions into picture-book format; the protagonist narrates with a mix of hilariously dramatic whininess and real vulnerability, while the scribbly, droll line drawings are a distraction from the depths of depression. Doles out guidance for navigating distress with wit and empathy.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Chock-full of age-relevant strategies for recognizing, expressing, and managing sadness. A valuable addition to school and public library picture book collections, especially where fresh social-emotional learning titles are needed.”
—School Library Journal
