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Pockets Full of Rocks
This gentle, hopeful book will help kids cope with a parent’s mental illness.
As a young girl gently questions her depressed father, he offers direct answers that help her understand what he is going through and promotes the hope that he will become his old self again. This gentle, hopeful book is developmentally appropriate--examples of the father’s behavior are spot-on and Ella’s questions are exactly the kinds of questions a child would ask--and will be very useful guide for parents as well as psychologist and mental health professionals working young children.
As a young girl gently questions her depressed father, he offers direct answers that help her understand what he is going through and promotes the hope that he will become his old self again. This gentle, hopeful book is developmentally appropriate--examples of the father’s behavior are spot-on and Ella’s questions are exactly the kinds of questions a child would ask--and will be very useful guide for parents as well as psychologist and mental health professionals working young children.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published January 5, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 21, 2020
In India general motion is such that a person with depression is the same as mentally ill (almost mad person), so you may think what will happen in case of explaining it to kids. It is considered as good as taboo. Also here less number of doctors treat patients with hearing instead patient expect medication and ends up having sleeping pills. But in Western countries, people do get help from social as well as a professional front. And if so is better to explain to kids from their younger days about depression. And who says the only adult gets depressed, kids can also be victims of this problem.
The book "Pockets Full of Rocks" is a different style of book. The main character is a young girl who doesn't understand depression. Her father was going through a tough time and was depressed. When she questioned her father about his sadness, his father very nicely explained the topic and gave her guidance to tackle the same if she ever faces it.
The concept is novel, so is the explanation. I liked the book. It deserves 4 out of 5.
The book "Pockets Full of Rocks" is a different style of book. The main character is a young girl who doesn't understand depression. Her father was going through a tough time and was depressed. When she questioned her father about his sadness, his father very nicely explained the topic and gave her guidance to tackle the same if she ever faces it.
The concept is novel, so is the explanation. I liked the book. It deserves 4 out of 5.
February 3, 2021
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Pockets full of rocks is a simple yet lovely story about depression and what it is. This book is told at a level that children can grasp and understand and the illustrations that accompany the story are great at explaining this too.
Children worry about parents when they are sad and if this is a common occurrence such as with depression, this can be confusing for the child. This book is a great way for a parent to help explain how they feel and what depression is.
Pockets full of rocks is a simple yet lovely story about depression and what it is. This book is told at a level that children can grasp and understand and the illustrations that accompany the story are great at explaining this too.
Children worry about parents when they are sad and if this is a common occurrence such as with depression, this can be confusing for the child. This book is a great way for a parent to help explain how they feel and what depression is.
February 1, 2021
This is a beautiful and simple book that explains the concept of depression to young children. The descriptions of what it feels like to suffer from depression are better than any I have ever been able to put into words. It is an excellent tool for kids who have a loved one with it. Highly recommended.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
January 7, 2021
Depression-It fills me up with lots of sad thoughts. And the more depression fills me up the less I want to do. And the less I do the more depression fills me. Imagine if your pockets were filled with big rocks that are so heavy, you can't move. Being depressed kind of feels like that.
It is very sad that a book like this is needed for children. Many parents suffer from depression and if I am correct, I think more women admit to that than men. However, this book is about a father that suffers and his daughter notices the sad changes in him. An a easy to address (not necessarily understand why) some suffer from depression. What is does and what families can do to ease the pain of depression. It affects everyone so this book is needed and appreciated.
A special thank you to Magination Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
It is very sad that a book like this is needed for children. Many parents suffer from depression and if I am correct, I think more women admit to that than men. However, this book is about a father that suffers and his daughter notices the sad changes in him. An a easy to address (not necessarily understand why) some suffer from depression. What is does and what families can do to ease the pain of depression. It affects everyone so this book is needed and appreciated.
A special thank you to Magination Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
August 20, 2024
Helping Children Understand Depression
This is a sweet and sad little story put out by the American Psychological Association. In it, the dad is depressed, and his young daughter notices. She can't quite understand why Daddy stays in bed and doesn't want to play with her like they used to. He explains depression, how it is affecting him, and what he's doing to help himself. The daughter gets reassurance and gives hugs. After the story ends, a couple-page spread explains depression and talking about it with children. If you as a parent or caregiver have depression, this book could help explain what it is and open up discussion with a child so they can better understand.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
This is a sweet and sad little story put out by the American Psychological Association. In it, the dad is depressed, and his young daughter notices. She can't quite understand why Daddy stays in bed and doesn't want to play with her like they used to. He explains depression, how it is affecting him, and what he's doing to help himself. The daughter gets reassurance and gives hugs. After the story ends, a couple-page spread explains depression and talking about it with children. If you as a parent or caregiver have depression, this book could help explain what it is and open up discussion with a child so they can better understand.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
March 18, 2021
I was so intrigued by the title of this book and the front cover. The story is about a fad explaining to his daughter about his depression. I love the idea of a pocket of rocks but I felt like more could have been done with this and the story could have utilised this even more. This book is great for children who are experiencing this with a parent or cared and need a bit of help explaining what they might be going through in a child friendly way. However I do worry that it left the book on a note that the child could fix her dad... although it does say it’s not your job to fix me, it does end with her trying to squash the depression out of him so felt like it was a bit of a mixed message.
Maybe I’m not used to the American children’s book market in comparison to the U.K., but was expecting so much more creativity than I got. It is not a bad book by any means, it’s actually really valuable , especially as I said, for children who might be going through the same thing. But with the tile, I think my expectations was a lot different, I was expecting a lot more creativity and I think I’m used to reading books along difficult topics for children that are a lot more show not tell to open up discussion channels rather than be straight forward with the meaning behind things. I think that’s just my expectation from what I have read before, but this book is definitely a great tool that is really vital to discuss and help children going through similar situations. I can see it being a great book on an ELSA’s shelf to help support children. It really informative and honest portrayal of the topic of depression.
Received from netgalley for an honest review
Maybe I’m not used to the American children’s book market in comparison to the U.K., but was expecting so much more creativity than I got. It is not a bad book by any means, it’s actually really valuable , especially as I said, for children who might be going through the same thing. But with the tile, I think my expectations was a lot different, I was expecting a lot more creativity and I think I’m used to reading books along difficult topics for children that are a lot more show not tell to open up discussion channels rather than be straight forward with the meaning behind things. I think that’s just my expectation from what I have read before, but this book is definitely a great tool that is really vital to discuss and help children going through similar situations. I can see it being a great book on an ELSA’s shelf to help support children. It really informative and honest portrayal of the topic of depression.
Received from netgalley for an honest review
March 22, 2021
This book is more of a discussion tool than a story, but it addresses the issue of depression in a sensitive, concrete way that children can understand, and shares reassurance about how they are not to blame, their parents will always love them, and things can get better over time. The author's note at the end shares additional information and guidance for parents related to their own mental health, caring for their children, and approaching conversations like these in a wise way.
I would only recommend this, however, to families who are dealing with depression or are very close to someone who is. If a parent reads this to a very young child just to educate them about life issues, it is possible that the child will become fearful that their parent will be affected this way, and it might introduce issues that they don't need to think about. I think that elementary-aged children could benefit from this as an educational tool, but I would not read this to a preschooler or kindergartner unless they were already experiencing the affects of someone's depression in their everyday life.
I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I would only recommend this, however, to families who are dealing with depression or are very close to someone who is. If a parent reads this to a very young child just to educate them about life issues, it is possible that the child will become fearful that their parent will be affected this way, and it might introduce issues that they don't need to think about. I think that elementary-aged children could benefit from this as an educational tool, but I would not read this to a preschooler or kindergartner unless they were already experiencing the affects of someone's depression in their everyday life.
I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2021
Ella is a sweet little girl who is very concerned for her Daddy. He always seems sad and struggles to get out of bed in the morning. She tries to encourage him to get up and offers him antidotes, such as a bandaid and fresh baked cookies to help him feel better. Her Daddy explains to her that he suffers from depression. Having it causes him to feel unhappy and very tired. He tells her that he feels like he has rocks in his pockets which weigh him down so he cannot function properly each day. He explains that with therapy, exercise and his loving family he can manage it most times. By giving her Daddy lots of attention and hugs she is imparting hope and strength from her heart to his.
The colourful illustrations are wonderfully done and will spark conversations and illuminate this very difficult subject. The illustrator depicts the depression as dark clouds which stalk and want to overtake Daddy. Ella witnesses the clouds of despondency turn into rainbows of hope and happiness. The author includes further information for parents, psychologists and mental health professionals at the end of the book. I highly recommend this book.
The colourful illustrations are wonderfully done and will spark conversations and illuminate this very difficult subject. The illustrator depicts the depression as dark clouds which stalk and want to overtake Daddy. Ella witnesses the clouds of despondency turn into rainbows of hope and happiness. The author includes further information for parents, psychologists and mental health professionals at the end of the book. I highly recommend this book.
December 17, 2020
Review to be added to Amazon UK and US on 5th January 2021 - publication day!
I love the idea behind his book as a mum.
This was a really great book in the way that the subject of depression is talked about and addressed. I have been dealing with a lot more cases of mental health at the moment and know that it really is on the increase.
Sometimes parents do become depressed and it can be for a variety of reasons and this book helps explains it in terms that are a little easier for a child to understand, it is great that books like this do exist as the most important thing is for the child to know that it is not their fault.
It was well written and touched upon a tough subject really well - it is 4.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 5 stars fro Goodreads and Amazon - highly recommended!
I love the idea behind his book as a mum.
This was a really great book in the way that the subject of depression is talked about and addressed. I have been dealing with a lot more cases of mental health at the moment and know that it really is on the increase.
Sometimes parents do become depressed and it can be for a variety of reasons and this book helps explains it in terms that are a little easier for a child to understand, it is great that books like this do exist as the most important thing is for the child to know that it is not their fault.
It was well written and touched upon a tough subject really well - it is 4.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 5 stars fro Goodreads and Amazon - highly recommended!
September 3, 2021
Ella doesn't understand why her daddy sleeps so much and doesn't smile anymore. So, he explains to her about his depression. It makes him want to stay in bed, and gives him sad thoughts. The less he does, the more the depression affects him - like carrying big rocks in his pocket. When Ella asks him what he doing about it, he tells her he sees a counselor, gets exercise and takes medication. He also assures her that it's not her job to make daddy better, and that hugs help.
Magination has books about so many things that help kids. Living with a parent who has depression can be hard for young children, especially when they don't understand what's going on. Magination press always includes parent resources for helping your child. Includes a link to the APA website for more valuable information.
Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
Magination has books about so many things that help kids. Living with a parent who has depression can be hard for young children, especially when they don't understand what's going on. Magination press always includes parent resources for helping your child. Includes a link to the APA website for more valuable information.
Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
December 18, 2020
I Have to admit pocket full of rocks was a great read, but a read that hits close to home that left me as a parent with depression with more questions. I love the non descriptive way the author explains depression while having good illustrations to go along side of it. The guide in the back may be my favorite part as the parent. the author makes it very clear that this is book is meant to be the start of a conversation. Pocket Full of Rocks prompted me to do more research on age appropriate information which I would very much so do before bringing up depression to kids. This is in no way an easy topic to navigate no matter how cute the illustrations are and you will want to be prepared. All in all I would reccomend this book so long as it is not your only source of information
May 2, 2021
Though I wouldn't read this book to a group of students, I think it is really important that books are available to discuss mental health with very young children who encounter this in their home life. In a Pocket full of Rocks, depression is explained in a child friendly way. There are also some useful additional resources in the back of the book to support parents in talking about depression with young children. I am very happy that this book is available to those who need support in talking about depression in their family.
May 25, 2021
When Ella asks her daddy why he won't smile anymore, he tells that he is going through depression, comparing the feeling to living with pockets full of heavy rocks - where the feelings take over and make it difficult to move. After a concerned Ella asks how she can help, her father assures her that just being there and loving him his plenty, and that there are things he is doing to deal with his feelings. There is an author's note in the back of the book with more information on this particular disorder, reminding readers that feelings are normal, and that it is okay to ask for help.
April 14, 2025
What a fantastic and age appropriate children’s book on depression. This is matter of fact but also incredibly uplifting and open. If you’re a parent who suffers with depression and is struggling to explain when you’re feeling low to your kids I highly recommend this book. I personally don’t struggle but it also talks about being open with your parents when you’re feeling low are sad and being able to use the tools available to combat depression.
April 24, 2025
There were parts of this book that were very accurate, like the use of skills - going to a therapist, having positive activities that you do, taking medication - these are all great ways to fight depression. Not ever getting up out of bed is a really bad sign. Like possibly needing to be hospitalized bad. So if he's already got those other things in place, it seems incongruent that he is still staying in bed all the time.
March 19, 2021
Ella's father has depression. She goes through the day and you can clearly see that he does. But, Dad talks about all that he does to help him cope with it. Ella does ask if she will automatically get it when she is older and a lovely discussion ensues. I would recommend this book for anyone who has a family member that struggles with depression and would like to discuss it within the family.
May 1, 2021
I liked this book but didn't love it. As the Dad was explaining depression and what he can do to help himself, such as seeing a therapist, riding his bike and taking medicine, I kept waiting for the daughter to ask why he didn't get out of bed and do those things. I feel like this is a question a child would ask, especially since she had to pull him out of bed.
May 21, 2021
Pocket full of rocks is the perfect book to explain depression to children. Particularly those dealing with their parents suffering. I love how this book not only explains the feelings and thoughts that occur with depression, but also emphasizes that the parent still always loves their child. This story is a powerful tool to help families with young children.
February 1, 2025
A tender look at depression from a child's view. Her dad stays in bed all day while mom works and she plays. She asks him why and he explains he has depression. Kudos to Engelberg for making this explanation simple to understand. I appreciate the image of rocks weighing him down and how he gets help to find more energy and enthusiasm again.
March 11, 2021
A dad who is suffering from depression, explains to his daughter how it makes him feel. The story explains depression in a way young children can understand. Includes talking points in the back of the book for caregivers.
March 22, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and American Psychological Association, Magination Press for a free digital copy for my review.
A great book about a daughter understanding her father's depression. I think this is written in a way that makes understand accessible to kids without it being too scary.
A great book about a daughter understanding her father's depression. I think this is written in a way that makes understand accessible to kids without it being too scary.
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April 4, 2022"'I don't want you to worry - it's not your job to fix me. But hug me tight, and hug me lots,' Daddy says." A picture book about a young girl whose father has depression and explains what that means to her.
September 22, 2023
Fantastic. Dad has depression illness and explains it to his daughter. Answers her questions, makes sure she feels loved and heard, tells her how he battles it, reassuring, appreciates all her hugs ❤️
February 11, 2021
A beautiful and accurate portrayal of how a parent feels when battling depression. A great way to explain a parent's feeling to their children.
March 7, 2021
A dad explains to his young daughter how his depression makes him feel. A sensitive, well-crafted introduction to a difficult, complicated subject. Include helpful end matter.
April 4, 2021
This is a very helpful book to try explaining to children when and if their parents are suffering from depression.
April 26, 2021
A little girl finds out her dad has depression. Her dad explains what depression is and that it's not her fault and she doesn't have to fix it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 29, 2021An excellent book about depression - especially for children who have a parent or family member that battles depression. Add to your resource library.
January 2, 2022
I got this on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
This picture book tackles a really important and heavy topic, and I'm really glad that it exists! Discussing mental disorders/illnesses with children are always going to be hard, but it's so important to do it and not gloss over it! I felt like it did it in a good way, and the examples used were good! I also really like that there is a resource / how-to part in the back of the book in case you need more guidance!
This picture book tackles a really important and heavy topic, and I'm really glad that it exists! Discussing mental disorders/illnesses with children are always going to be hard, but it's so important to do it and not gloss over it! I felt like it did it in a good way, and the examples used were good! I also really like that there is a resource / how-to part in the back of the book in case you need more guidance!
June 22, 2021
What a beautiful and honest conversation about depression. I wish there were more books normalizing depression and like illnesses. Books like this help children understand that there is nothing wrong with depression, nothing they can do or fix it and explains it in a very straightforward way. Great for school counselors or psychologists.
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