Together Things

By Michelle Vasiliu, Gwynneth Jones (Illustrator)

A child learns to adapt as a parent battles unseen struggles.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 22 ratings

32 pages

$18.99Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

A young child navigates the challenges of a parent's depression, learning that while imaginative play may pause, their bond can grow through new activities like reading and drawing. As they adapt to this new reality, they discover the importance of understanding and patience in the face of mental illness. Will their relationship endure the changes, and can they find joy in these new shared moments? This heartfelt story offers a gentle exploration of mental health, encouraging open discussions and empathy for those facing invisible battles.

From the publisher

Her mother says you can’t see her daddy’s hurt because it’s inside his head. One in five adults experiences depression in their lifetime, but young children are often left in the dark when their mother or father suddenly can’t play like they used to.

Together Things will resonate with the thousands of young children who know what it’s like to live with a parent experiencing mental illness, helping them to understand — in an age appropriate and sensitive way — that it is okay for them to feel mad or sad about their parent’s illness, but that, while their parent is getting better, they may have to do different things together to preserve their relationship, such as reading stories or drawing pictures, instead of the imaginative play their parent cannot currently envision through the haze of mental illness.

Through wondrous illustrations and a compelling story, young children can understand the importance of mental health discussions and that sometimes they must adapt their interactions while the people in their lives focus on their mental health.

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