Mel Tregonning (1983–2014)

Well that was an incredibly moving sophisticated picture book and the illustrations were stunning. The story looks at the slow erosion of a boys confidence as his worries eat away at him. An important book that shows us we aren't alone and that we can reach out to each other for support.

Summary: This book follows the story of a young boy with anxiety and depression. It shows the true graphic illustrations of how anxiety and depression truly feel.
Reflection: I think this book would be great for older children. It would be a good book to connect to for the older kids. This truly touches a light on what many children go through and how it can break our minds. It is a sad book though so I don't think it would be appropriate for young children.

An graphic picture book that shows a child who develops little demons of anxiety that increase and grow as the boy is having difficulties to understand math in school. Representing anxiety, weakening him and making him feel sad, angry and alone, until he finds another person who feels the same and can discuss how he feel with her. Childhood anxiety is a great source of alarm, it is important to teach children to identify how they feel so that they know how to share it and seek help.

Summary: A picture book that graphically represents the erosion of a young man's self-image and sense of worth as the anxieties of life wear him away. Ends on a positive note as he learns the value of caring and being cared for.

Personal Reaction: Distinctive black-and-white art. Recognizable and stylistically proficient, but a little bit derivative. This would be an interesting one to read to kids because its narrative is fairly abstract, but represented physically.