A Shelter for Sadness - by Anne Booth (Hardcover)

About the Book

A small boy creates a shelter for his sadness so that he can visit it whenever he needs to, and the two of them can cry, talk, or just sit. The boy knows that one day his sadness may come out of the shelter, and together they will look out at the world and see how beautiful it is.

Book Synopsis

This poignant and heartwarming story explores the many faces of sadness and addresses the importance of mental health in a child-friendly way.

A small boy creates a shelter for his sadness so that he can visit it whenever he needs to, and the two of them can cry, talk, or just sit. The boy knows that one day his sadness may come out of the shelter, and together they will look out at the world and see how beautiful it is.

In this timely consideration of emotional wellbeing, Anne Booth has created a beautiful depiction of allowing time and attention for difficult feelings. Stunningly atmospheric illustrations by David Litchfield personify sadness as a living being, allowing young readers to more easily connect with the story's themes of emotional literacy.

Review Quotes

"Booth and Litchfield propose not only accepting sadness, but actually trying to take care of it by building a shelter and keeping it safe. . . . The art work is simple but evocative, in an atmospheric palette befitting the story's content. This would be an excellent conversation starter for readers who are grappling with strong emotions or for lessons on SEL."--School Library Journal

About the Author

Anne Booth worked in many roles before becoming a children's writer, from teaching English in Italy to organizing arts and crafts in a nursing home. Now Anne writes highly acclaimed children's fiction and picture books; Girl with a White Dog was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize and nominated for the Carnegie. Anne lives with her family in a charming village in England.

David Litchfield is a multi-award-winning author and illustrator. His work has been exhibited in shows across Europe and America and has also appeared in newspapers and magazines. His picture book, The Bear & the Piano, was nominated for the CLIP Kate Greenaway medal and was also a Waterstones Best Illustrated Children's Book. He lives with his family in England.