Blueloon: A Picture Book About Managing Depression

by Julia Cook, Julia Cook

I'm a blueloon. I'm supposed to be a regular balloon, but I'm just not having fun like the others. I'm kinda dull, and I'm kinda flat. My string is tied up in knots. I have a case of the blues...that's why I'm a blueloon. I've felt like this for weeks! Meet Blueloon a sad little balloon who is suffering from depression. With help from the wise rock, Blueloon learns what he can do to "bounce back" to being the way he used to be bright, round, and full with a very straight string! Although clinical depression is often thought of as an adult disease, it can affect children, as well. Unfortunately, children may not have the maturity to understand what is happening to them, or they may feel powerless to change their situation, so they don't speak up about what they are going through. It is up to adults to be on the lookout for signs of trouble, and recognize when a child needs help. Finally! A book on depression that works for Blueloons of all ages!

Genres: Childrens, Mental Health

32 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2012

About the author

"In order to teach children, you must enter their view of the world."
~ Julia Cook

JULIA COOK, M.S. is a national award winning children’s author, counselor and parenting expert. She has presented in thousands of schools across the country and abroad, regularly speaks at national education and counseling conferences, and has published children’s books on a wide range of character and social development topics. The goal behind Cook’s work is to actively involve young people in fun, memorable stories and teach them to become lifelong problem solvers. Inspiration for her books comes from working with children and carefully listening to counselors, parents, and teachers, in order to stay on top of needs in the classroom and at home. Cook has the innate ability to enter the worldview of a child through storybooks, giving children both the “what to say” and the “how to say it”.

Reviews

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a wordy picture book that explains bipolar depression through balloon characters.

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a lover of Julia Cook's books, but this one left me a little underwhelmed. Blueloon is a balloon who is feeling down. He sees a rock (therapist) who refers him to a doctor and together they help him to understand why he feels the way he does.

[Chase · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was ok because it was really just about how he was blue cuz he was sad and no other balloon was

[Brianna Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly well written. It explains bipolar in a way that children can understand and relate to. It's definitely a new favorite.