This book is obviously written for a very specific audience; I just happen not to be a part of that audience. If you are considering reading the book then you must be, or have been, in somewhat of a continual dark and down mood. Based on a friend's recommendation, I read the book and not only was I still down, but a little confounded. First, the artwork made me more depressed with its shattered edges and black and white presentation. Secondly, the simplistic approach to conveying its message, initially I thought okay a soft opening with the heavy content later; it's later and I am still waiting.

Again, this book is obviously written for a very specific audience, I just happen not to be a part of that group.

This is a cute, little handdrawn and handwritten book which belongs in the children's section instead of upstairs with the nonfiction. Perhaps it is real life, but not as we all experience it. Depression comes in many forms, and hers was out-of-this-world, I admit. But I have yet to meet anyone else who suffer the same way with depression. Most of the time it is temporary, and this book would appeal to the pre-teens who would learn the most from it.

You can tell that she is a children's book writer, as the explanations are so simple none of it would be over the head of the average child reader. Children are more advanced these days and understand what this old world is doing to all of us. They are perceptive and, those being blessed with having books read to them from an early age, will be able to tackle this book.

The pictures will get their attention right off and they would profit much more than adults. For most of us when we have a depresssion, we need deep, instructive, workbooks to get back on track. Not children, as they are resilient and can bounce right back without being doped up. Adults don't need antidepressants, either, as they are poison to some of us and hurt more than help.

Having someone to listen to our successes and failures is all we really need. It need not be a doctor, therapist, or professional -- just someone who cares and will listen. When my grandson died in April, I had such a person willing to listen, thank God, and you know, he said very little. But, being there and available to hear me talk about the past helped. More than any medicine, we need people to cry with, laugh at, lash out sometimes to get the stress we all feel out of our system, and then still speak to us -- even if it is just to criticize. He told me that I have not changed, the same old Betty Burks, but I am very grateful to be back to myself again and not be hurt by such a remark.

The drawings in this volume are primitive but cute and could hold the attention of a teen or pre-teen who needs a little comforting. You may think that this is not a comforting book, as at times we all hurt through emotional crises, but it is a teaching vehicle in a primitive state. School libraries should make this book available to the youth, as they are the future of this nation. And we certainly don't want them to be overmedicated, as so many old people are these days.