FICTION

A Shelter for Sadness

by Anne Booth (text) & illus. by David Litchfield
Peachtree. Sept. 2021. 40p. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781682633397.
COPY ISBN
Gr 1-5–This story imagines sadness as a fuzzy blob with stick arms and legs that lives right outside the child, a metaphor intended to help readers accept and cope with sadness. 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 shelter has sensory items that sadness might find pleasant, e.g., a candle, lamplight, or the scent of roses. There are also times to leave sadness alone and to go experience other feelings. 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.
VERDICT An excellent choice for collections needing resources on social emotional learning, aimed at those students who already think abstractly.
Reviewed by Debbie Tanner, S. D. Spady Montessori Elem., FL , Nov 01, 2021

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Telephone of the Tree
by McGhee, Alison
BOOKS

From the Farm, to Our Table
by Rowe, Sarah
BOOKS

The Great Gatsby
by Fitzgerald, F. Scott
BOOKS

Clovis Suspects a Sneak
by Aronson, Katelyn
BOOKS

Of Mice and Men
by Steinbeck, John
BOOKS

Prunella
by Ferry, Beth
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?