Title: Michael Rosen’s Sad Book
Author: Michael Rosen
First published September 28, 2004
32 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780763625979 (ISBN10: 0763625973)
Rating: 4.49
Overview
In Michael Rosen’s heartwarming book, “Happy Memories”, he shares his personal journey of healing after the loss of his son, Eddie. Through the power of storytelling and whimsical illustrations by Quentin Blake, Rosen explores the beauty of happy memories and how they can help us cope with sadness.
With honesty and humor, he reminds us that everyone experiences sadness, but we can all find solace in the happy moments we’ve shared with loved ones. This book is a must-read for anyone who has experienced loss and is searching for hope and healing.
Editoral Review
Michael Rosen’s Sad Book is a heartfelt and poignant memoir by the British author and poet, Michael Rosen. First published in 2004, this picture book tackles the difficult subject of grief and mourning in a way that is both accessible and relatable for young readers.
Rosen’s writing style is a combination of poetic and straightforward, which makes it easy for children to understand and empathize with the emotions conveyed. The themes in this book transcend age groups, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a deeper understanding of emotions like loss and grief.
The book is structured as a diary-style narrative told from Rosen’s perspective, detailing his journey through the grieving process after the loss of his son, Eddie. The story follows a nonlinear path, jumping through time and memories to express the complexity of the author’s feelings of sadness, guilt, anger, and confusion.
In such a short book, Rosen manages to evoke complex emotions and deeply personal experiences that are relatable and universal. He doesn’t shy away from the difficulties of grief, but instead, embraces them with an honest and raw approach to storytelling.
The illustrations by Quentin Blake, a renowned British illustrator, complement the text, adding a playful and relatable element to the story while highlighting the emotional themes of the narrative.
Rosen’s book is significant not only as a children’s picture book but also in its cultural and historical relevance.
In the last few years, the importance of mental health education and understanding emotions has grown exponentially, and this book is a valuable addition in that regard. One weakness of the book, if any, is that it may be too heavy for some younger readers as some of the illustrations depict sadness in a way that could be overwhelming for some.
However, with the right guidance and support, the book can be an excellent tool for discussions around grief and loss. Overall, Michael Rosen’s Sad Book is an essential and beautifully crafted book that everyone can benefit from reading.
The combination of evocative writing and illustrations make this a book that will stay with readers long after they have finished it.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended for: Anyone looking for a deeper understanding of emotions, parents or educators looking for a tool to discuss grief and loss with children.
