Grief and depression aren't something that you see dealt with in children's books - yet there's an increasing need to do just that.
In the superb "Felix After the Rain" by Dunja Jogan, translated by Olivia Hellewell, the book begins with a young lad who carries around a huge heavy black briefcase. What's inside?
No one really knows - but Felix has carried it ever since his Grandma died. The case is heavy, and poor Felix never seems to feel happy any more.
But a chance meeting atop a hill shows Felix that sometimes it takes help from others to finally see the light. A young boy opens the case, and all the things inside - all the pent-up bad feelings and sadness - all escape.
Felix feels so much better - and begins to see the world in an entirely different way. Happiness breaks through the clouds for the first time and Felix can't wait to share his happiness with others, paying it forward.
A simple enough story, but so effectively woven with beautiful illustrations and a superb translation.
Sum this book up in a sentence: A hugely important book for kids who may be experiencing depression, sadness or grief at the loss of a loved one.
"Felix Afer the Rain" by Dunja Jogan and Olivia Hellewell is out now, published by Tiny Owl Publishing (kindly supplied for review)