THIS IS NOT A SAD BOOK (But it's okay to feel sad)
THIS IS NOT A SAD BOOK (but it's okay to feel sad)
A hand-signed, revised edition of the award-winning, practical, and compassionate guide through grief, loss and hard times.
Written for young people aged 12- 17, but accessible to all ages.
'When the world seems dark, sometimes a book is the most gentle and compassionate of companions. This is a beautiful roadmap through difficult terrain." Megan Daley, author & award-winning educator.
This Is Not A Sad Book (But it's okay to feel sad) is an accessible and compassionate manual with 58 ways to build coping strategies. In the revised version of this award-winning book, Liz Vercoe explores ideas around isolation, anxiety and loneliness in the digital era with care and kindness.
Liz wrote the first edition while volunteering at CanTeen and collaborating with social worker and head of CanTeen Victoria, Kerry Abramowski. Kerry later died, and 20 years on, Liz has revised this much-loved resource (originally titled The Grief Book, published in 2004 and a CBCA Honour Book 2005).
Written in a tender and warm tone, This Is Not A Sad Book empowers young people to create space for healing and feeling. As an easy-to-access guide, this book suggests new ideas for building self-trust and finding your own path through hard times. It speaks directly to young people in an open and sincere way, reassuring them that they are not alone. 'We know that grief is messy and expresses itself in a variety of ways,' Liz said, 'especially when it comes to young people.'
Experts tell us that the pandemic, a lack of connection to our communities, digital technology, and worrying about climate change are all contributors to why there is a mental health crisis gripping children today. 'The challenges for young people in the current world are large: there's now great uncertainty,' says Professor Ian Hickie, a global expert on mental health. Released ahead of RUOK? day, This Is Not A Sad Book has been updated to align with today's issues of anxiety, depression and uncertainty in the post pandemic digital age.
Liz has teamed up with Melbourne-based illustrator Grace Fraraccio, whose delicate line drawings weave the core messages and themes together beautifully. This Is Not A Sad Book is one that offers hope, inspiration, courage and perhaps even a smile or two, in times of need.
AUTHOR BIO:
Liz lives in Melbourne with her partner and whichever adult offspring are in town. Her life involves creative practice, volunteering, walking the dog (her favourite child according to the kids), university research work, writing for Kids' Book Review, and believing passionately in the power of community, art and stories to facilitate both fun. and healing.
ILLUSTRATOR BIO:
Grace is based in Melbourne. She is the youngest of four mostly red-headed siblings who greiw up in a mud-brick house surrounded by music, drum trees and plenty of drawing. Her love of illustration started from an early age and Grace is eternally grateful to her parents who didn't mind when used walls or furniture as a canvas. Grace works in galleries, on picture books, exhibitions, commissioned art and workshops. she loves bushes walks, reading in the sun and making something delicious to eat with her partner like pasta or a giant cookie.
