Meh by Deborah Malcolm (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)

Cute cat!

 August 2015, Thunderstone Books, 32 pages, Paperback, Review copy
 

Content: depression, hope

Summary from Thunderstone Books

Sadness is an emotion that everyone feels at some time or another. But sometimes you might feel a sadness so long and so deep and dark that it seems impossible to find happiness. That kind of sadness is called depression. Meh is a wordless picture book about one boy’s journey through depression. Discussion questions at the back of the book are intended for parents or teachers to discuss depression with children.

Nayu's thoughts  

When I was asked to consider this book for review, the cute white cat got pointed out to me as a feature of the story I may like. I thought so too, and the cat is adorable! I love the way the little white paw prints appear in some scenes, and how slowly the cat brings the nameless boy (no words in the story) out of his depression. This is a brilliant book which doesn't need words – it's up to the reader (especially if they have someone older with them) to figure out what's going on, and it means they can pretend to be the nameless character more than if he had a name (although if he was a girl that would be ace!). 

He struggles in life, and finds a turning point when the cute white cat first appears, and then takes a more prominent place in his life. Depression is accurately depicted. It's important for younger readers to have Meh because it explains clearly what they or their friends may be feeling, and how there is hope for them to be happier again.

Suggested read 

A good book which could have a subtle reference to depression if you read between the lines is The Colour Thief by Gabriel Alborozo (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)