The Princess and the Fog: A Story for Children with Depression

by Anthony Lloyd Jones, Melinda Edwards (Contributor), Linda Bayliss (Contributor)

Once upon a time there was a Princess. She had everything a little girl could ever want, and she was happy. That is, until the fog came...

The Princess and the Fog is picture book to help sufferers of depression aged 5-7 cope with their difficult feelings. It uses vibrant illustrations, a sense of humour and metaphor to create a relatable, enjoyable story that describes the symptoms of childhood depression while also providing hope that things can get better with a little help and support. The story is also a great starting point for explaining depression to all children, especially those who may have a parent or close family member with depression.

With an essential guide for parents and carers by clinical paediatric psychologists, Dr Melinda Edwards MBE and Linda Bayliss, this book will be of immeasurable value to anyone supporting a child with, or affected by, depression, including social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, arts therapists, pastoral care workers and school staff, as well as parents and carers.

Genres: Picture Books, Mental Health, Childrens, Mental Illness, Nonfiction, Emotion, Fairy Tales

48 pages, Hardcover

First published June 21, 2015

About the author

Lloyd Jones is an illustrator, artist and designer from the South of England. He was born in 1987 and will probably die at some point. Common themes in his written and visual work include depression, colour, humour and video games. Lloyd's first non-self-published-and-stapled-together-in-a-spare-room actual book, The Princess And The Fog, is a children's book to help young readers live with depression and has been met with positive reviews from children, adults with and without depression, and mental health and psychology specialists alike.

Go to http://www.lloydjonesillustration.com to see more of his words and pictures.

Reviews

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an adult that's lived with depression since I was very young, I can say with confidence that this is by far one of the most accurate descriptions of depression and how to deal with it that I've ever read. It covers how gradually a bad bout sets in ("So slowly that nobody really noticed at first.") and side effects such as not being able to do the things that are usually enjoyable. However, my favorite part was when the princess finally figures out how to talk about the fog and her parents take her to the castle Druid who brews some potions for her to try (they also visit the wise elder who teaches her about the fog and helps her talk about it, ie couseling). This is such a great way to normalize medication that helps with depression. For years, I felt guilty to take medication because of the stigmas attached to it. I wish someone had normalized it for me when I was much younger.

Whether you have a child that lives with depression or you're an adult that lives with depression, I would highly recommend adding this sweet little book to your personal library.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

It begins, as do many good stories: "Once upon a time, there was a Princess." This Princess was happy, loved, and content... until the fog came.

This is a great book for promoting understanding and for explaining depression in a way that children can relate. It shows parents - and teachers - things to watch out for, and will encourage children to talk about their feelings without judgement or fear of being thought silly.

The story is followed by a short guide for parents and carers which tells them things they may see, how symptoms might appear, and how they can help.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Cortnee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book that covered many elements of depression. I was worried that because there are many elements of a fairy tale embedded in the story as a vehicle for understanding the depression elements that the ending would be very happily ever after. The ending was a pleasant surprise that was realistic and young children could reference if they are feeling like they have their own fog.
This book does a great job taking something that doesn’t have a tangible element and making it something young children can name a describe. I could see children being able to identify how their own fog is acting based on this book.
Additionally, the fog moves in and then leaves without a grand sudden event but instead it happens gradually like depression rolls in for many people. The book also addresses why some people may feel this fog but also acknowledges that there may be no reason at all.
There are so many great accurate elements to this book that I would highly recommend it for anyone working with children that may be experiencing depression. It could be a great way to helps children put their feelings into words and start talking about their fog just like the princess did to help herself feel better.

[Vernon Area Public Library KIDS · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is reassuring to know that picture books about tough issues can be done and done well. The Princess (never named, a subtle writing technique to be more inclusive) had everything a little girl would want until the fog came. Nobody noticed the fog until the Princess was completely surrounded by it. Her parents tried to make her feel better but they didn't know how, trying over and over again to make her happy--until a friend asked the Princess if she wanted to talk. At first reluctant, the Princess eventually opened up and realized that the more she talked about the fog, the better she felt. Some friends and adults just listened, but some had similar things to say and some even offered advice.

Wonderful illustrations accompany this empowering--but not belittling--book that may help children open up about their own depression or understand a family member experiencing depression.

Review by: Miss Kelsey, Youth Services, Vernon Area Public Library

[Amy Schredl]

Lloyd Jones wrote the story of “The Princess and the Fog”. It begins with the princess doing all the things she loved like playing with her friends and going to school. Slowly a black fog starts to make its way around her head until it gets so thick she struggles doing any of the things that she normally loves to do. At first no one noticed the dark cloud coming, but then her family noticed because she was not doing things she enjoyed and just wanted to sleep. Her parents tried everything they could to make her happy and even her friends tried different things like asking her to do things with them. Finally, one friend asked if she wanted to talk. This caused the princess to begin to open up to her friend and everyone else about what she was going through and slowly the fog began to lessen. Her teacher then recommended she go with a certain group to get some fresh air, sunshine, and creating healthy challenges for her to complete daily. Then her parents took her to see the Druid who created a special potion for her, and the old wise woman who helped her realize she needs to talk to someone about the dark fog. With all the help of everyone in the kingdom and her friends and family, she didn’t feel as lonely anymore and the black fog began to leave. The story ends with the black fog still coming back once and a while, but the princess knew what to do to help it go away.

The mental health area addressed in this book is depression. The way the black fog slowly affects the princess can be a great mirror or window for an individual who either suffers from depression or knows of a family member. Showing how the princess starts the story seeming “normal” but then changes once the depression sets in can be a way to show children how people can still enjoy fun activities one day and then not the next day. The part of this story I appreciated was how the author didn’t show just one solution to solve the depression of the princess. It showed the reader how setting goals, medicine, and therapy are all valuable tools in helping. Finally, I like how the author didn’t just magically make the depression disappear. The black fog continued to be around the princess even just a little bit. This would be a great book to use with students who might have a classmate or family member who struggles with depression. The book could be used as a window to help that individual see what they are going through and how to help them in appropriate manners.

[Kiernan Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a princess who has everything she could ever want, but it is quickly shaded by a fog of depression. It is depicted as a wave and weight of darkness that looms over her head. It is quite realistic because depression can be hard to describe and explain, especially for young kids. They also make it really relatable for kids. Displaying depression as a cloud of smoke that makes you feel alone and unmotivated, gives the kids a way to describe how they might feel. It also shows that even when they feel this way, they are still loved and they are able to get out of it. The feeling does not last forever.

[Rachel Roby]

In Jones’ book, depression is depicted like a fog. The moment I opened this book, I began to relate to the princess. Often times when people ask me what it feels like when I go through season of depression I simply do not know how to respond. I never realized that a children’s book could illuminate my adult life. Some may find this book unrealistic, but for me this book felt like my reality. I would deem this book appropriate for children. The topic of depression can be uneasy, but The Princess and the Fog eases children into a conversation of mental health without activating a fight or flight response.

[Lanie Pietramala Dabbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a helpful resource for children, parents, and caregivers. I loved the metaphor of fog for depression because it provides a great visual for young readers. One of my favorite lessons in the book is how depression is not something that can be "blown away" or "erased." Further, I appreciated how the author explained how the fog (depression) can sometimes come back and the importance of trying to talk about it. This would be a great book to have in the classroom considering the increase in children struggling with their mental health. I think many children could identify with this book and use it as a tool to help them feel less alone in their experiences.

[Laine · Rating 5 out of 5]

the most useful book i've seen thus far for children to clearly explain what depression is like. a+

[Lex’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

[REVIEW]

*Trigger/content warning in this book for depression*

This was validating in a way I don’t know how to describe. I’ve dealt with anxiety and depression for years, and it’s difficult to talk about regardless of the age of the person. As we move towards de-stigmatizing mental health, it is incredibly important to teach the younger generation about mental health issues and how to approach those who experience them. This book teaches readers about depression in a way that was neither sugarcoating nor saying that depression is “fake” or can be cured with a change of attitude. Depression is an MENTAL ILLNESS. The book also addressed that depression doesn’t always have to stem from trauma—it can creep up on anyone at any time. While that’s not the case from me, I still think this statement is important for those who have felt like there’s no “reason” for them to be depressed. I especially appreciated the different ways people can get help, whether it’s through therapy or medicine or something else—or a mixture of these things. I could go on, because there’s so much that this little book covers, but I’ll stop here. All in all, this book is incredible and I recommend it to everyone.

[Jonathan Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book that explores the theme of depression in a way that’s approachable for children! It explains how there is no easy fix for the ‘fog’ and all those around the princess are trying to help and even though she doesn’t want their help they are offering until she’s ready to accept it. An interesting part of the book is that it talks about ‘potions’ the princess may take to help with her process which could normalise the idea of taking medication like antidepressants.

I like how the book explored many ways that the princess can alleviate the fog but it was made evident that if it ever came back she was aware of her support network that would be there for no matter what. I believe this book could be used to encourage children to talk about their emotions without feeling judged or fearful.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book as a read aloud in an elementary classroom and it was spectacular. ALL kids can relate to this book. It really helped the kids to visualize problem solving (the fog being the problem). For example, the King and Queen were desperately trying to help the Princess but they were shown in the illustrations trying to erase the problem, blow it away (blowing over), and buying her presents. As a society, we DO try to fix our problems this way. Students were able to see that this method of problem solving does not work. In addition to giving students an opportunity to explore mental health (by exploring what the fog is and why it is following the princess), my students worked through methods for approaching problems and extend these methods into our classroom practice.

[Jessie Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent depiction of depression. Accurate and easy for kids to understand. My favorite part is that the story doesn't end with her getting better; her depression improves, but it still returns from time to time. The difference is, she knows who to turn to for help now. Loved the different depictions of methods to help with the fog: sunshine, outdoor activities, and small achievable goals via the Adventurers, medication via the Druid, and therapy via the 1000-Year-Old Wise Woman. Plus the love and support of friends and family.<3

[Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talking about feelings and emotions with children is hard, sometimes. If children aren't sure where their feelings come from (and with depression, it's impossible to tell) there's no easy way to help. There are books upon books to help children deal with simple emotions like anger or grief, but nothing like this. The Princess and the Fog casts no judgment on children (or adults!) with depression--it simply provides some manageable advice to help a child climb out, and it does so beautifully.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very simple, very excellent explanation of depression, its causes or lack thereof, and what can help to make it better. I don't think I've seen a better description that doesn't use sarcastic gifs.

[Kelsee · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was a little girl who lived in England, not any little girl though, she was a princess. The daughter of the King and Queen but she only knew them as mum and dad. The princess had everything a little girl could ever want, and she was always happy. She loved her friends, she loved school, she loved playing, going outside and even doing homework. She loved to do all of these things that were all part of her everyday life, until the fog came. The fog came slowly, not all at once. Not many people noticed it at first, not even the princesses friends or her family. But the process knew something was not right within her. She started to dislike all of the things she usually loved to do, playing with friends, going outside, watching shows, reading books and even having fun all seemed like no fun to the princess when the fog was over her. By this point the king and queen and the princesses friends had all begun to notice something was off with their princess, so they began to talk about it with her. At first the princess couldn't find the right words to say when they asked her what was wrong or how they could help her. Eventually she found those words and even though talking didn't take the fog away completely, talking to people about it helped the princess to feel much better. When she talked with her parents about the fog they assured the princess that many people in the kingdom had fogs like hers, so they took her to a castle where she could meet someone to help with her fog. At the castle the princess learned that fogs happen to all sorts of people, for all sorts of reasons, and sometimes for no reason at all. She learned that the more she talked about her fog the better she felt and before she knew it the princess had started to loose the fog just as quickly as it had come to her! Some of the major themes in this story are, childhood obstacles, courage, depression, the ability to overcome obstacles, and hope! I would highly recommend this book, because it sheds bright light on a topic that is not only stigmatized but not often discussed among sufferers and their family members. This book demonstrates the importance of talking about things when they aren't going great, teaching children to cope with things they are struggling with isn't always what makes those things better and this book provides multiple ideas of what to do for sufferers of childhood depression! I personally wish I had read this book earlier in my life so that I could have had a heightened awareness about how to handle friends of mine who might have been struggling with something like childhood depression and or other mental illnesses.

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I loved about The Princess and the Fog:

* The metaphor of the fog for depression: inexplicable, not simply removable, and external to the princess
* The princess' parents want to just make the fog just go away, and they are powerless to force it away
* The fog snuck in so gradually that no one really noticed it at first, not even the princess
* The book covers how the fog changes the princess' energy levels, mood, concentration, and ability to complete tasks
* The upward spiral for the princess includes fresh air, exercise, setting challenges for herself, medication, talking to wise counsel, and time with friends.
* The fog still comes back. And the fact that the fog comes back does not negate all the good of the actions of the upward spiral

What I didn't love:
* The princess is pretty rude to her friend who keeps coming back and inviting her to do things. Given that this is, for some children, their first depiction of a character with depression, it's unfortunate that it suggests that a friend with depression might be rude or dismissive, and that invitations to do things aren't helpful or will be received negatively. [For me, being included by a friend to *do* something is very helpful, even if my mood is still low when I do it.]
* The princess starts to get better when one friend asks her to talk, and she talks and talks and talks and talks with lots of people. For many people, talking about their depression just keeps them in a rumination cycle, and it doesn't help relieve the symptoms of depression.
* I would have loved to see one more page at the end, showing the reaction of the princess's loved ones when her fog returns...not only that she knows where to turn when the fog returns, but that they know that she is not the fog, and they will keep loving her and being her friend through the fog.

Despite not loving a few elements of the story, I love, love, love that this book exists in the world.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Princess and the Fog explores how depression can feel to a child (or an adult) by comparing it to a fog. While written in a fairy tale style, this book offers a look into what it feels like to live with depression. The princess finds herself facing many of the classic signs of depression (lack of interest in things she once enjoyed, fatigue, loneliness, difficulty concentrating). While her friends and family try desperately to help her, nothing works until she finally talks to one of her friends.
This book also shows ways that the princess faces "the fog". She goes to the Adventurers that help her get outside and move her body as well as helping her set goals for herself. Her parents take her to a Druid (doctor) who gives her potions (medicine) to try. She then goes to a Wise Woman that tells her that "the fog" has been seen before and that it helps to talk to someone about it. All of these things help the princess feel better and allow children to see parallels to help that might be available to them in their own lives if they are suffering from depression. The Princess and the Fog shows that "the fog" never completely disappears from the princess's life. It improves, but the author chose to show that the fog sometimes comes back. He ends the book by making a point of stating that the princess knows how to help "the fog" dissipate by using the various tools she learns about previously in the book. It is important for children to know that they can learn to live with depression even if it never fully goes away.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just received this book to have in my collection and to use in a lesson plan. I just finished it, and I cannot describe the deep love I already have for this beautiful book. The story, the words, the plot, the pictures, and the little explanation on how to use this book to open up discussion for parents and children were all amazing and spot-on. This book is incredibly clever - it opens up opportunities to ask questions as it is being read (Example: What is a "druid?" By looking at the picture, can you figure out who he is? What is he doing for the Princess? Discussion about medicine). I am so excited to read and re-read this book and to use it for myself as I suffer from depression/bipolar disorders. It made me feel safe. And is answered my hope: that the book wouldn't end with the princess losing the fog and going back to normal. The book ended with the fog coming and going, just as depression does (chronic/clinical), but the princess being able to find help as she learned to do. The fact this picture book takes the time to explore parental confusion over child depression, and the need to come to an understanding and learning how to overcome it is mind-blowing. Lloyd Jones, thank you from the bottom of my heart for this beautiful book. All little princesses and princes, even kings and queens, deserve to feel and be "smart, beautiful (handsome), brave, honest, and kind."

[Melissa Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I think it would be a great book to read to children ages 4 and up. Young children do not know how to fully express the way they may feel at times and become frustrated within themselves. This book talks about a little girl that loved doing different activities until one day this fog came and all of a sudden she stopped doing the things she enjoyed. She changed, became angry and silent as well. One day a friend came along and encouraged her to talk about how she was feeling and so she did. With time she began to talk about it and realized she felt so much better talking about how she was feeling. I think it is very important as an adult to notice when a child’s mood has changed because depression has no age limit. Find ways to help them and talk to them as soon as possible. I would most definitely recommend this book for parents to read to their children. This is also a great book for children to be able to “read”/ look at the pictures and see that it’s ok to feel that way and that there is ways to feel better and let someone know how they feel😊

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The princess has her perfect life: riding her ponies, reading books, and playing with her friends. One day, small clouds start to circle her head, so slowly that no one notices at first. The fog becomes dark and dense. Nothing that anyone does can seem to make the fog go away. The princess learns that by talking about her feelings the fog begins to go away – the more she talks, the more the fog goes away. The theme of this book is acceptance of differences and problem solving. I like this book, because mental health is not something that is talked about a lot with children, and this book does so in a way that is not scary or intimidating. I recommend this book because it is so important to start the conversation about mental health early, and I think this book is a great way to do so.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

When you see the word "princess" in a book title you immediately think maidens, knights, dragons, castles, etc. However, do not be deceived by this one. *Take a look at that title/subtitle one more time.* Do not check this one out from your local library for your "little princess" unless she suffers from depression or just wants to be sad the majority of the book. I understand that this book was made to serve a purpose and I appreciate that. Most authors would not tackle something like depression in a picture book for kid. Kudos to you author! I blame myself for not "loving" it because I was expecting a frou-frou princess story.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A princess lived in a castle with her parents, the king and queen. She was a happy child who had favourite things to do and friends to play with. One day a black fog began to drift around her, but no one noticed the gradual change until she was in a very sad mood and not wanting to do anything she loved before. It was not until one of her friends kept trying to help that things began to change for the better.
This book gently gives encouragement for children and adults. On the back pages there is information for adults to help children who suffer sadness and depression.
Wonderful illustrations.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-done; bravo. The description says for ages 5-7, but anyone who is experiencing depression can empathize. The characters are appealing, the issues are not sugar-coated, the solutions are plausible, and there is no unrealistic HEA. I particularly appreciated the author's bio, in which we learn that he *lives with* the fog, instead of *suffering*from it.

I hope Jones gets plenty of satisfaction, pride, and royalties from this, but I also hope that we're lucky enough to see more insightful and engaging books by him.

[Donna Mork · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for dealing with depression, written so children can understand it. A princess gets a "fog" and doesn't want to play or do anything. She feels sad all the time and alone. She discovers talking to others about her "fog" helps some of it go away and makes her feel less lonely. She sets goals for herself each day and that helps. The fog never goes away completely but now she knows how to deal with it. Also contains back matter about moods and depression.

[Aliesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is near-perfect. Visual representation of depression, and not forgetting the also show some of the effects depression has on adjacent friends and family. One illustration in particular, of the titular princess's parents holding a picture of her smiling face in front of her depressed face while they interacted with her, made me tear up.

I will be purchasing several copies of this book for gifts as well as one for myself.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4 Stars*

This one is a great easy nonfiction when you need to explain the nuances of depression to a young child. Great for parents that are looking for an easy way to communicate about deep sadness, and how people can start to recover from depression by opening up and talking about how they are feeling, making use of a variety of treatments, and leaning on your friends and family in times of emotional hardship.

[molliekay · Rating 5 out of 5]

An age appropriate book for discussing depression with children. It covers a variety of ways depression affects her family and friends and different methods of treatment. The princess is never made to feel ashamed for the way she feels and is accepted for who she is. The author included ways to talk to children about depression and how it might affect them.

[Katy Jo Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story and really appreciate the subject matter. I wish some of the illustrations weren’t so dark (and I don’t mean the depiction of the fog). Some pages had very little contrast and weren’t as visually pleasing as I think the fun illustration style could be—including the pea green background of the front and back cover.