Blue

The young narrator of this story is carrying around a secret that nobody else can see. It is called Blue, and it takes the form of a blue, furry monster. Wherever they go – in the playground, at parties, even in bed – the blue furry monster follows. Blue makes them worry about almost everything.

But on one especially blue day, our young narrator shares their secret with a friend. And over time, it becomes easier to tell another person and then another. Soon they learn that they don’t need to feel sad on their own or keep their feelings a secret. Blue is just one colour amongst many and talking can help remind us that we all feel a little blue sometimes…

This gentle and encouraging picture book is great for helping children explore big and difficult emotions in a sensitive and friendly way. The book captures certain moments of sadness and connection with a familiar tenderness – on one page, we see the child trying to sleep, and the monster’s foot can just be seen poking out of the bed. With minimal text and gorgeous, soft pastel illustrations, it would be particularly helpful for any children who may currently be feeling low or anxious.