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Sometimes
Sometimes, life can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, we cling to things that we should let go of. And sometimes, those who are closest to us are the ones who hurt us the most. Despite what others may tell us, during these times, the best thing we can do is talk.
In this honest and poignant story, Joann Howeth reminds us of what can happen behind closed doors and, in doing so, encourages kids to tell their own stories to ensure they get the support they need. A must-have for every library, classroom and therapist's office, this book will reassure struggling children that they are not alone and help them find a safe and healthy outlet for their troubles.
In this honest and poignant story, Joann Howeth reminds us of what can happen behind closed doors and, in doing so, encourages kids to tell their own stories to ensure they get the support they need. A must-have for every library, classroom and therapist's office, this book will reassure struggling children that they are not alone and help them find a safe and healthy outlet for their troubles.
- GenresChildrens
34 pages, Paperback
Published June 29, 2023
8 people want to read
About the author
Joann Howeth
2 books1 followerBorn and raised in Montana, Joann has been writing since her early teens, but despite lots of encouragement from teachers along the way, she didn’t major in journalism when she got to college. Instead, she majored in English Literature. Expecting to become a high school teacher, she was dismayed when her less-than-successful student teaching experience forced her to realize that she couldn’t relate to children taller than four feet. Kismet intervened, however, when a scarcity of jobs following graduation forced her to change directions. Enamored by all things sparkly, Joann found employment in the jewelry industry where she spent many happy, creative years as a gemologist, designer, & goldsmith.
Her passion for creative writing was never muted, however, and in recent years Joann has picked up her pen again discovering that storytelling is artistically comparable to designing a piece of jewelry art. Joann now writes children’s books for the youngest & shortest of readers. She is a member of the SCBWI & the winner of a handful of awards.
Her passion for creative writing was never muted, however, and in recent years Joann has picked up her pen again discovering that storytelling is artistically comparable to designing a piece of jewelry art. Joann now writes children’s books for the youngest & shortest of readers. She is a member of the SCBWI & the winner of a handful of awards.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 28, 2023
In a Nutshell: Sometimes, you want to love a book just for its intent. And in intent, this gets full marks. The content needs a little more to be perfect.
Written in the first person perspective of a young girl, the story reveals to us how the narrator lives with a mother who is possibly bipolar. (The book doesn’t assign any cause to her behaviour.) The girl’s dad “has been gone a long time” (again, no explanations provided) and as such, she is dependent only on her mother. But her mother’s mood swings are quite erratic, and the girl doesn’t know what makes her like this. Moreover, the house is cluttered and the fridge is empty. When Mummy tells the girl that she’s doing the best she can and accompanies her words with “Don’t tell!”, the girl understands that she should keep her personal problems a secret. But her neighbour Mrs. McGeorge realises what’s happening, and encourages the girl to seek help.
This is such a sad story. My heart broke for the little girl who lived a life of such uncertainty under her mother and still felt like she had to be loyal to her parent by not revealing their problems to others. The neighbour’s words to her – ‘Sometimes, we have to tell’ – are so simple yet accurate.
The plot is as jumpy as Mummy’s behaviour. One page might have her talking to her daughter in a friendly way while the very next page might depict her snapping at her child. I felt as restless as the little girl might under those circumstances. There was simply no relaxing with such a parent around. Maybe this was done purposely to show life with such a parent, but the result is quite nerve-wracking. The abrupt ending doesn’t help. I wanted more. I wanted closure.
As the book doesn’t provide any explanation for the dad’s disappearance and the mother’s mental health issues, the book is quite flexible in its application. However, where it misses out on a golden opportunity is in providing a practical checklist for children, either in terms of warning signs of problematic behaviour in caregivers or by providing a list of persons/help centres whom children can approach. A list of helpful resources at the end would have worked wonders in enhancing the impact of this book.
I loved the message of the book. Those closest to us can also hurt us. We might feel the need to protect our loved ones by keeping their darker side a secret but as the book rightly says, sometimes, we do need to tell. So many children might be silent sufferers under such conditions, and I hope this book encourages them to seek help from someone reliable.
The illustrations have a subtle poignancy about them, though they are in bright, vivid pastels. They work excellently for the content.
This book would work well in a place where help is available for children (the office of a therapist or a counsellor or a social worker) or in common places where children can go to find help (a classroom or a library.)
All in all, I love that fact that such a book exists, and though I wanted more, I still appreciate the attempt.
3.5 stars, rounding up for the intent.
My thanks to Cherish Editions, Literally PR Ltd. and NetGalley for the DRC of “Sometimes”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Written in the first person perspective of a young girl, the story reveals to us how the narrator lives with a mother who is possibly bipolar. (The book doesn’t assign any cause to her behaviour.) The girl’s dad “has been gone a long time” (again, no explanations provided) and as such, she is dependent only on her mother. But her mother’s mood swings are quite erratic, and the girl doesn’t know what makes her like this. Moreover, the house is cluttered and the fridge is empty. When Mummy tells the girl that she’s doing the best she can and accompanies her words with “Don’t tell!”, the girl understands that she should keep her personal problems a secret. But her neighbour Mrs. McGeorge realises what’s happening, and encourages the girl to seek help.
This is such a sad story. My heart broke for the little girl who lived a life of such uncertainty under her mother and still felt like she had to be loyal to her parent by not revealing their problems to others. The neighbour’s words to her – ‘Sometimes, we have to tell’ – are so simple yet accurate.
The plot is as jumpy as Mummy’s behaviour. One page might have her talking to her daughter in a friendly way while the very next page might depict her snapping at her child. I felt as restless as the little girl might under those circumstances. There was simply no relaxing with such a parent around. Maybe this was done purposely to show life with such a parent, but the result is quite nerve-wracking. The abrupt ending doesn’t help. I wanted more. I wanted closure.
As the book doesn’t provide any explanation for the dad’s disappearance and the mother’s mental health issues, the book is quite flexible in its application. However, where it misses out on a golden opportunity is in providing a practical checklist for children, either in terms of warning signs of problematic behaviour in caregivers or by providing a list of persons/help centres whom children can approach. A list of helpful resources at the end would have worked wonders in enhancing the impact of this book.
I loved the message of the book. Those closest to us can also hurt us. We might feel the need to protect our loved ones by keeping their darker side a secret but as the book rightly says, sometimes, we do need to tell. So many children might be silent sufferers under such conditions, and I hope this book encourages them to seek help from someone reliable.
The illustrations have a subtle poignancy about them, though they are in bright, vivid pastels. They work excellently for the content.
This book would work well in a place where help is available for children (the office of a therapist or a counsellor or a social worker) or in common places where children can go to find help (a classroom or a library.)
All in all, I love that fact that such a book exists, and though I wanted more, I still appreciate the attempt.
3.5 stars, rounding up for the intent.
My thanks to Cherish Editions, Literally PR Ltd. and NetGalley for the DRC of “Sometimes”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
August 4, 2023
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Sometimes is an emotional and eye opening picture book for children with the aim to encourage them to recognise when to ask for help, when to talk to someone who can help, and to help them feel less alone.
This book shows a young child who misses her father and is sworn to secrecy by her mother, who seems to have mental health issues and is seemingly abusing the child as a possible result. This book would be perfect for social stories within a school as one-to-one story times or within a session with a therapist. My only criticism is that the book ends without any information as to where and how the child can get help and ended rather abruptly.
Sometimes is an emotional and eye opening picture book for children with the aim to encourage them to recognise when to ask for help, when to talk to someone who can help, and to help them feel less alone.
This book shows a young child who misses her father and is sworn to secrecy by her mother, who seems to have mental health issues and is seemingly abusing the child as a possible result. This book would be perfect for social stories within a school as one-to-one story times or within a session with a therapist. My only criticism is that the book ends without any information as to where and how the child can get help and ended rather abruptly.
June 16, 2023
Sometimes is about a little girl struggling through a difficult home life with her mother. Mom is struggling to provide for her. Mom is struggling to keep the house clean. Mom is not showing up and being supportive. Mom doesn't want anyone to know so she tells the little girl not to tell.
When I saw this book, I knew I wanted to review it. My son and I went through some of what the little girl went through and I wanted to see what he thought.
He is ten years old. He says that while the book wasn't just like what he went through, reading a book like this would have made him feel less all alone. I think that says it all. I would give this to every counselor and therapist.
Thank you for the advanced copy.
When I saw this book, I knew I wanted to review it. My son and I went through some of what the little girl went through and I wanted to see what he thought.
He is ten years old. He says that while the book wasn't just like what he went through, reading a book like this would have made him feel less all alone. I think that says it all. I would give this to every counselor and therapist.
Thank you for the advanced copy.
June 26, 2023
Sometimes is an honest, though heartbreaking depiction of a young girl as she struggles with an abusive mother, absent father, and unsafe home. Consistently reminded to not to tell of her circumstances, the child is fearful when an observant neighbor takes note. Unfortunately, it's here where the story ends. Without final pages to guide readers experiencing similar situations as the protagonist, the book falls short of benefiting from an ending which explains who and how to tell.
While not recommended as a traditional children's storybook, Sometimes is a poignant read for those with a school counselor, assisted by a social worker, alongside a therapist, or shared by a concerned observer and only read as a springboard for further discussions.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
While not recommended as a traditional children's storybook, Sometimes is a poignant read for those with a school counselor, assisted by a social worker, alongside a therapist, or shared by a concerned observer and only read as a springboard for further discussions.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 3, 2023
Sometimes by Joann Howeth tells the truth about what some go through on a daily basis and encourages the reader to talk to someone about whatever they go through.. I appreciate the subject matter that was covered. I believe that Sometimes could be a good resource to those working with kids in any capacity and those in the counseling field. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is also on Goodreads.
June 15, 2023
Sometimes is a truly heartbreaking story. It features a little girl in a very bad situation. Her father is no longer with the family, and her mother is unable to cope as a single parent.
Stuck in a downward spiral, the girl's mother is developing hoarding tendencies, and their home and her surroundings are becoming increasingly filthy and disorganized. Often, they don't even have enough to eat.
The girl cannot understand why this is happening. Nor can she get any answers from her mother as to what is going on. When questioned about the situation, her mother becomes angry.
Not only is the little girl suffering as a result of this parental neglect, she is also unable to explain to anyone how bad the situation at home is, because her mother has repeatedly instructed her not to tell anyone. So on top of everything else, she is increasingly isolated.
It is only one neighbour who recognizes that something is wrong. And despite the girl's reluctance to inform anyone of the situation, it is the kindly neighbour who explains to her that sometimes the right thing is in fact to tell someone.
This story deals with a difficult situation, and one that is all too common in the lives of many children - in a sensitive and moving way. It should be made available in every school library, so that any child who is in this situation knows what to do, and other children in better circumstances learn how to be sensitive to the plight of a child who is facing such neglect. Five stars for this one, also for the illustrations which are expressive and beautifully done.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review
Stuck in a downward spiral, the girl's mother is developing hoarding tendencies, and their home and her surroundings are becoming increasingly filthy and disorganized. Often, they don't even have enough to eat.
The girl cannot understand why this is happening. Nor can she get any answers from her mother as to what is going on. When questioned about the situation, her mother becomes angry.
Not only is the little girl suffering as a result of this parental neglect, she is also unable to explain to anyone how bad the situation at home is, because her mother has repeatedly instructed her not to tell anyone. So on top of everything else, she is increasingly isolated.
It is only one neighbour who recognizes that something is wrong. And despite the girl's reluctance to inform anyone of the situation, it is the kindly neighbour who explains to her that sometimes the right thing is in fact to tell someone.
This story deals with a difficult situation, and one that is all too common in the lives of many children - in a sensitive and moving way. It should be made available in every school library, so that any child who is in this situation knows what to do, and other children in better circumstances learn how to be sensitive to the plight of a child who is facing such neglect. Five stars for this one, also for the illustrations which are expressive and beautifully done.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review
June 20, 2023
Oh my goodness this was a book that tugged on the heartstrings.
The book deals with a tough subject to raise with children extremely well and it is sadly a book that will be very much needed to allow these subjects to be discussed and raised.
The book is delicate in how the subject matter of an abusive home is brought up. In the story the little girl has an absent father who I am assuming has left her and the mother and their home is far from a happy one. The mum seems to have changed over the period that the book progresses and it is clear that the little girl is no longer safe at home with her mum from what happens and she needs help.
The book will let children in similar positions know that they are not alone and hopefully will assist them in getting the help they needed. It is 5 stars from me for this one – very well done
The book deals with a tough subject to raise with children extremely well and it is sadly a book that will be very much needed to allow these subjects to be discussed and raised.
The book is delicate in how the subject matter of an abusive home is brought up. In the story the little girl has an absent father who I am assuming has left her and the mother and their home is far from a happy one. The mum seems to have changed over the period that the book progresses and it is clear that the little girl is no longer safe at home with her mum from what happens and she needs help.
The book will let children in similar positions know that they are not alone and hopefully will assist them in getting the help they needed. It is 5 stars from me for this one – very well done
June 21, 2023
This story is about a little girl that lives with a verbally abusive and not caring mother. Luckily her neighbor notices what she’s going through and try’s to help.
I think as a adult picking this book you need to read it first before sharing with your child. . And I think this book would be a subject that you are ok sharing with your kids. It wouldn’t be my first choice of a read out loud or a bedtime story. When I read books like this it reminds me we just never know what goes on behind closed doors and although it does show real life Situations I would only feel comfortable sharing with a bit older kids and with the parents ok. Thank you netgalley
I think as a adult picking this book you need to read it first before sharing with your child. . And I think this book would be a subject that you are ok sharing with your kids. It wouldn’t be my first choice of a read out loud or a bedtime story. When I read books like this it reminds me we just never know what goes on behind closed doors and although it does show real life Situations I would only feel comfortable sharing with a bit older kids and with the parents ok. Thank you netgalley
June 23, 2023
This book has an accessible story matched by excellent artwork. This book also has another important purpose. When things are seriously wrong, observed or perceived, getting children to be able to open up to someone is important. This book seems to give opportunities for that opening. A discussion about what is happening in the story and what should be done could help a child share their own story. Or allow discussions with children about why it is important to share concerns with an adult that they are comfortable with. Thank you to Joann Howeth, Literally PR and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
July 18, 2023
Life can get overwhelming. The people closest to us hurt us the most. Sometimes is a story about a little girl that deals with neglect and abuse from her mother. Things like this happen more than people realize and children need to understand that they have others to turn too. I have mixed feelings about this story and not really sure it is an appropriate children's book to be read to young children. If you pick up this book, I recommend reading it before reading with your children. Thank you to NetGalley, Literally PR Ltd. for the ARC. I am writing this review voluntarily and this is my own opinion. #netgalley, #sometimes, #literallyprltd, #neglect, #abuse
June 21, 2023
I think it's important to have a book like this, although it's definitely not one I would feel comfortable reading to a class spontaneously. It's a little intense and dark for children that have no idea what it's like to be in that type of household. Maybe if the reader gives a bit of a disclaimer before reading it to kiddos. Definitely important for kids to feel they can open up to adults, and so they know they aren't alone.
August 15, 2023
In the picture book, Sometimes, the author, Joanne Howeth writes a powerful story in a child's voice. Sometimes addresses a single mother’s mental health issue of hoarding and shows the child buried in isolation, poverty, and secrets. Sometimes is an excellent bibliotherapeutic book for school counselors and therapists. Vicky Kuhn’s watercolor illustrations delicately capture the plight of the child. The ending of the story is hopeful.
June 30, 2023
This is a very good book for child therapists and school counselors. It's a very sad story about a mom struggling to take care of her daughter and always telling her daughter not to tell anyone.
This book could get a child to open up about struggles they face at-home. I don't recommend the book for regular home reading to children.
This book could get a child to open up about struggles they face at-home. I don't recommend the book for regular home reading to children.
June 30, 2023
This book gives an honest look at children living with a parent that struggles with mental health. The ending instills hope and gives children a clear look at life with a parent that has troubles. This book is a must for counselors working with children, but school libraries will highly benefit from the sensitive and kind approach taken by the author.
November 11, 2023
Children are easy prey for adults. Where they should feel secure, sometimes be a burden to them. This book encourage kids to speak up when necessary. Of course, you have to find adults that care. Although easily manipulated, children have pure soul that can detect adults' sincerity, and it is also a tool for them to find one who cares.
June 26, 2023
Sometimes is a story about a young girl who has a mother as a single parent. It explores neglect, abuse, and what goes on in her house.
It raises such an important topic for children to know you can discuss your problems with someone, tell someone what you are going through, and eventually get the help you need. I think this book, albeit tiny, had a lot of emotions and thoughts behind it. It was emotional and scary to read it knowing that this is what children go through in our world.
I think the illustration style was connected to the book’s topic but because I did not enjoy it so much I am giving the book 4 stars. Thanks to Literally PR Ltd., Cherish Editions for the ARC.
It raises such an important topic for children to know you can discuss your problems with someone, tell someone what you are going through, and eventually get the help you need. I think this book, albeit tiny, had a lot of emotions and thoughts behind it. It was emotional and scary to read it knowing that this is what children go through in our world.
I think the illustration style was connected to the book’s topic but because I did not enjoy it so much I am giving the book 4 stars. Thanks to Literally PR Ltd., Cherish Editions for the ARC.
June 29, 2023
Didn't flow well but brought up good topics to discuss with my daughter, you never know what kids are going through at home.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews