Why Are You So Sad? – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Why Are You So Sad?

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2002Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life

68%

WISE Score

4.5

Amazon

A therapeutic picture book-meets-workbook for young kids navigating a parent's depression—helpful if you need it, but not exactly bedtime reading.

Why Are You So Sad?

book

2002, Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life

68%

WISE Score

4.5

Amazon

A therapeutic picture book-meets-workbook for young kids navigating a parent's depression—helpful if you need it, but not exactly bedtime reading.

4.5

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a tool, not a treasure. If your family is dealing with parental depression, this book provides age-appropriate language, reassurance, and coping strategies that can genuinely help young kids make sense of a confusing situation. It does what it sets out to do: normalize feelings, explain the illness, and remind kids they're loved.

That said, it's not going to win any awards for imaginative storytelling or beautiful illustrations. It's a 2002 workbook-style picture book that looks and feels exactly like that. You're not reading this for entertainment—you're using it because you need it. And if you need it, it's solid.

The WISE score reflects that this is a specialized resource with limited broader appeal. It's wholesome, safe, and enriching for its target audience, but it's not the kind of book that sparks joy or gets requested at bedtime. It's medicine, not candy—and sometimes that's exactly what you need.

Age Fit

Best for ages 4-10 who have a parent struggling with depression. The 3-8 range is stated, but older elementary kids dealing with this situation could benefit too. Not a book kids will pick up for fun—it's a targeted tool for a specific, difficult family situation.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Approaches a difficult topic (parental depression) with age-appropriate language and reassures children they are not at fault and still loved. Emotionally supportive tone that validates feelings while providing concrete coping strategies. Includes interactive elements like drawing spaces to help kids express emotions constructively.

Imaginative

Primarily educational/therapeutic rather than imaginative. Includes drawing prompts and spaces for personal expression, but the format is more workbook-style than creative storytelling. Serves a specific support function rather than inviting open-ended exploration or wonder.

Safe

Addresses a sensitive topic (depression) in a gentle, developmentally-appropriate way for ages 3-8. No triggering content or graphic descriptions. Explicitly reassures children they didn't cause the depression and are still loved. Includes a note to parents for guidance. The topic itself is heavy but handled carefully.

Enriching

Provides genuine mental health literacy for young children dealing with a challenging family situation. Defines depression, explains symptoms, normalizes feelings, and offers practical coping strategies. Builds emotional vocabulary and resilience. However, it's more therapeutic resource than entertainment, limiting its broader appeal.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Fills a real gap for families dealing with parental depression, giving kids language and context for what's happening
Reassures children they didn't cause the depression and are still loved—crucial messages delivered clearly
Interactive drawing spaces let kids process feelings through art when words are hard
Explains symptoms and treatment in age-appropriate terms (ages 3-8) without sugarcoating or frightening
Includes guidance for parents on how to use the book as a conversation tool

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What to Watch For

This is a therapeutic resource, not entertainment—you're buying it because you need it, not because it's fun
Published in 2002, so the illustrations and design feel dated compared to modern picture books
Works best as part of ongoing conversations, not a one-time read
The topic is inherently heavy; some kids may need additional support beyond the book

Conversation Starters

"What did you think about the part where it says depression is an illness, like having a cold but in your feelings?"
"Do you ever feel like the kid in the book? What would help you feel better when you're worried about me?"
"The book says it's not your fault when someone has depression. Do you believe that?"
"What could you draw in your space in the book to show how you're feeling today?"

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Related Guides

Books About Depression for 6-8 Year Olds: A Parent's Guide

Age-appropriate stories that help young children understand and talk about big feelings.

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