Parents' Guide to In the Blue

Book Erin Hourigan Picture Book 2022
In the Blue Cover

Common Sense Media Review

Diondra K. Brown By Diondra K. Brown , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 5+

Touching story uses colors to explore a dad's depression.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 5+?

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age 4+

Based on 1 parent review

 

 

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What's the Story?

IN THE BLUE shares the story of mental illness in a family. When a young girl's dad goes from having "bright and yellow" feelings to "frozen, icy blue" feelings, she observes an upsetting change in his behavior. Not knowing how to deal with this change, she starts having red feelings of frustration -- while kicking and screaming. She learns that this isn't helpful, and goes with her mom and dad to get him help and support. The family learns that with patience and care, bright feelings can return after the darkness.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 1 ):
Kids say : Not yet rated

This powerful, eye-opening picture book is an emotional and realistic view of life with a parent who struggles with mental illness, seen from the child's perspective. Author Erin Hourigan's experience with her father inspired the story.

In the Blue shows that adults don't have to shy away from discussing scary and overwhelming topics with young children. They can do so in an age-appropriate way.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how In the Blue shows different emotions people experience. Who do you talk to about your big emotions?

  • What was your favorite part of the story? Why?

  • How are you feeling today? What color matches your emotion? Draw or paint a picture with the color to express yourself.

Book Details

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In the Blue Cover

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