Peter and Lisa: A Mental Illness Children's Story

by Charles Katz, Linda Naomi Katz, Linda Baron Katz

A children's book about two different mental illnesses, depression and mania, Peter and Lisa makes it easier for children to understand these mental conditions. It is a story about two people affected with such illness and how they got better and recovered through the proper medication and necessary support by family and friends. Charles and Linda Baron Katz's Peter and Lisa: A Mental Illness Children's Story manifests the true essence of love and support to aid us overcome every storm that may pass.

34 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Charles and Linda Katz, husband and wife, raised in the Jewish faith, live in a religious Modern Orthodox Jewish community in Kew Gardens Hills, New York. Charles and Linda both suffer from mental illnesses. Both of them went through many difficult challenges as a result of their mental illnesses and struggled hard to achieve recovery. Since then, Charles and Linda have been committed to the cause of educating the community about mental illness. Linda is a Peer/Mental Health Advocate and is also the author of Surviving Mental Illness, My Story. Charles has helped Linda promote her book and gives charity to those organizations that do quality work for the mentally ill. Since Charles and Linda were unable to have children of their own, they decided the best way to contribute to children was through their writing. With Charles’s child-like personality and Linda’s knowledge on mental illness, the two accomplished to write this book to show how important it is for children to understand that with the right kind of help mental illness can be treated and people can live normal, healthy, happy lives.

Reviews

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter and Lisa: A Mental Illness Children's Story is a beautifully illustrated book that goes along with the story inside perfectly. Charles Katz and Lind Baron Katz both have created a book suited for children that shows what a mental illness is like and how to get help. They also show children that those with a mental illness are normal people too. They they can live a happy life just like those without a mental illness. The story also, shows that the people don't always know that they have a mental illness. That can cause them an unhappy life. Until someone they know sees it, and helps them get help, they may go untreated and can get worse. However, this tale shows that help is around the corner and that positive things can happen to those dealing with mental illness. Marriage and having a family can be in the future for those with this issues. Both writers showed the realistic outcomes if not treated and treated. I liked that. It gives hope and inspiration to those who are struggling with these issues. Overall, I recommend this children's book to all readers. It's the perfect guide to educating others on mental illnesses.

[J.D. DeHart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated the professionally-done imagery in this children's book, as well as the powerful and well-developed story in its pages. What is more, I appreciated the way this book acted as a companion piece to other books for adults that I have recently encountered on this topic (Linda Katz's own book, Surviving Mental Illness). This reminded me of the way the book Wonder has worked so well with a children's book adaptation.

Each story works well and remarkably on its own.

Literature for young children need not be pigeon-holed into a small number of story types, and this book is evidence of that fact. Real-world issues can be dealt with directly and with grace in children's books, as well as any other book can manage.

The pages are punctuated with lots of dialogue, which will be inviting for young readers, and the images are consistently clear and grab the reader's attention throughout the book. This is the kind of book I would use in a teaching unit on the subject, or as resource to make connections with children about real issues facing individuals in our society.

[Kelly Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting way to teach young children about mental illness, but I wonder why anyone would use this unless their children are experiencing it. Still, it was well written and well done.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given To Me For An Honest Review



Peter and Lisa: A Mental Illness Story by CHarles Katz & Linda Baran Katz is a must read for all. I also believe that it's a must have for every bookshelf too. This is a special child's book about mental illness. It is written in a way that children can understand it without frightning or confusing them about the subject. They read about two adults who suffer from depression and mania. This is a simple book that shows how understanding of difficulties can be worked out is actually a breakthrough. This book could be a beginning to help remove the stigma from mental illness. You will find the illustrations and colors enhance the message. Children can understand mental illness when it is presented in a way form them to understand it. What makes this book even more special for children is that the authors each have a mental illness - they are depression and mania. I think it is great that the authors share this with the children. That way the children can see that even if one has a mental illness they can still function in society with everyone. I gave this book 5 stars but wish I could have given it more. This would make a great gift for anyone. It would look good on your child's bookshelf or any library's bookshelf. I highly recommend this book to everyone. You will not regret picking up a copy for your home. I look for more from Charlie Katz & Linda Baran Katz.

[Dana Micheli · Rating 5 out of 5]

When someone is diagnosed with a mental illness, it doesn’t just affect him/her; it creates a ripple effect that can devastate everyone in their lives. Friends and family try everything, only to find that they cannot “fix” the situation. In fact, they can make things worse for the person trying to get well. However, with time and the right help, they can learn the best ways to show their loved one support. For children, this struggle is particularly difficult. Always at the mercy of the adults in their lives, they have no idea how to handle it when one of those adults begins exhibiting symptoms of mental illness.
That’s why this book is so powerful. Its characters are like friends, reaching out to let children know that although the person they love may not be acting themselves, they are still there. Just as important, it is something children and parents can read together, reminding them both that their bond can survive mental illness, and perhaps even become stronger.
There are children’s books covering every topic from potty training to dancing, but there are very few teaching them about the many challenges of dealing with mental illness. With this powerful story, Charles Katz and Linda Baron-Katz have fulfilled their promise to educate the community, and let them know there is hope.

[Missus B's Picture Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Peter & Lisa' puts the subject of mental illness on the table for discussion and helps children to identify with it. As adults, we are likely to think about the complexities of mental illness. In contrast, children often need only simple explanations. 'Peter & Lisa' does just that- it strips the subject down to straight forward feelings, thoughts and actions, making it easier for young children to grasp.
Illustrations are a tad bland, but story is a helpful read for children who need to know more about mental illness. Importantly, this book can also be shared with children who don't experience mental illness-it describes interactions, feelings and situations which many children can relate to.There are important messages about reaching out to friends, sharing feelings with others, taking the time to look after yourself and making plans to help each other. More details available on my blogpost here: http://missusbspicturebookreviews.blo...

[Lysander Tvlasda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mental illness is something that really isn’t spoken about very often, particularly to children. This leads to a weird taboo in which, as adults, we don’t really take mental illness seriously — or regard it as a “serious” illness.

Charles Katz and Linda Baron Katz have written a children’s book that addresses mental illness in a way children can understand, without frightening or confusing them about what people they know might be going through. Peter & Lisa talks about two adults who suffer from variations of depression and mania.

This is an excellent book. It was thoughtful and understanding without being too complicated for children. It’s definitely a hopeful change for a future in which mental illness isn’t stigmatized or feared.

[Lysander Tvlasda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mental illness is something that really isn’t spoken about very often, particularly to children. This leads to a weird taboo in which, as adults, we don’t really take mental illness seriously — or regard it as a “serious” illness.

Charles Katz and Linda Baron Katz have written a children’s book that addresses mental illness in a way children can understand, without frightening or confusing them about what people they know might be going through. Peter & Lisa talks about two adults who suffer from variations of depression and mania.

This is an excellent book. It was thoughtful and understanding without being too complicated for children. It’s definitely a hopeful change for a future in which mental illness isn’t stigmatized or feared.

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peter and Lisa are friends. They like each other but something is getting in the way of them truly getting to know each other. Peter has a deep sadness and Lisa has severe mood swings and often yells at her daughter. Lisa goes to a hospital and is put on medication that eventually helps her. When Lisa is better she visits Peter and helps him by getting him to a doctor. Soon they are both better with their emotional problems and become better friends.

Authors Charles and Linda Katz created a story to help children better understand mental illness. This sensitive subject will help readers understand the moods of people who need help. Colorful illustrations help demonstrate the message.

[Brett Axel · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you help children to understand when a parent or loved one is afflicted with a mental illness?

Until recently, the only answer I had was "beats the hell out of me."

Peter & Lisa by Charles Katz and Linda Baron Katz fills that vacancy. Its frank, direct, and easy for any young child to understand.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a good book for children. i think what would have made it better would be written from the child's perspective, but then it may not stay a children's book.