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Not Today, Celeste!: A Dog's Tale about Her Human's Depression ISBN: 9781785920080
Knightsmith, Pooky and Stevens, Liza
Published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016
This gentle and explanatory picture book about depression is told by a pet dog rather than a child; this helps by being a step or two further from the problem that may be having an adverse affect on the child. It is happening to Celeste rather than to the son or daughter of the person with depression. Celeste feels she is a very happy, lucky dog because she lives with Rupert who is 'funny, handsome, clever and brave', and he takes very good care of her. But when 'Something Different' arrives, all is not well. The pictures reflect this perfectly. Rupert turns grey and becomes almost invisible. Poor Celeste doesn't know what to do. She tries her best, but Rupert is unable to care for her and even shouts when she tries to play with him. Is all this her fault? Will things ever be right again? Does Rupert still love Celeste? Sitting sadly in the garden, she sees her friends Lily and Lily's dog, Henry. They want to know why Celeste is crying, and she explains it all to them. Lily who is understanding, knows what to do and talks to Rupert and steers him to the help he needs. She also explains that depression is not anyone's fault and that Rupert's problem is that he has 'poorly feelings' - not a physical illness. She tells Celeste that she needs to play and have fun without feeling guilty about Rupert and that she can talk to Lily any time she wants to. As Rupert begins to get better, Celeste's life becomes as before, but both she and Rupert know that the depression could come back. This is worrying, but they also understand how he can get the help he needs. The delicate watercolour illustrations are a perfect match to the perceptive text. Celeste is a child in all but form, and children will see in her a reflection of themselves. Some information for parents as to how to use the book will be welcome too. There are few stories about depression for the very young, and this is an outstanding production. Available from Amazon, from good book shops, and from the publisher at: www.jkp.com.
Age: 4+