Bad Days Aren't Forever: Encouraging Comics from Chibird

by Jacqueline Chen

Popular internet illustrator Chibird returns with a heartwarming collection of comforting comics to help you through tough days, sad days, and everything in between. For fans of Pusheen and cozy, kawaii art.

Jacqueline Chen's Chibird returns with Bad Days Aren't Forever, a collection of her iconic, endearing comics focused on mental health and getting through tough times.

Covering everything from seeking comfort and accepting your emotions to finding motivation and surviving sadness, Chibird meets you exactly where you are with a burst of encouragement for any difficult day.

- A long-awaited sequel to Loading Penguin Hugs
- Adorable, impossibly cute kawaii art
- Gentle, shareable messages on stress and self-esteem
- Perfect for fans of Pusheen and cozy comfort comics

A sweet reminder that bad days aren't forever—and we'll get through this one, together.

Genres: Comics, Nonfiction, Self Help, Graphic Novels, Graphic Novels Comics, Humor, Animals

112 pages, Hardcover

First published September 29, 2026

About the author

Jacqueline Chen has been drawing motivational comics and animations since high school and has cheered up millions of people along the way. When she's not making art, she's designing and coding. She loves bubble tea and ice cream a little too much.

Reviews

[Wendy Jonson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bad Days Aren’t Forever is supposed to be encouraging, comforting, motivating and reassuring for someone going through a tough time. Although, it seems more like it’s written for someone who is depressed and stuck. There’s some great advice, but there is also quite a bit of unnecessary repetition. This guidance is given by a bunch of cutesy cartoon animals which didn’t always work for me, but perhaps it serves other readers well. It’s a quick read and includes stickers of the cartoons at the end. Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the digital ARC.

[Milyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww, such a cute book! I've been following Jacqueline on Instagram for a while now, and I was so happy to see that she is publishing a book. I absolutely love her yearly calendars, and I can't wait to buy a physical copy of the book.

The book was just so heartwarming. I love the little cartoons and their very encouraging words. The art style is also really beautiful, with a lot of colors. I love colors, so that's always a plus for me haha.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review

[♡ kitty *:･ﾟ✧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

i have been a fan of chibird for over a decade now and it never ceases to amaze me the way a small comic can brighten my day so much!!
the art style is so adorable and the messages behind each of the comics bring such joy!!! overall this book was quite simple but so incredibly sweet and comforting.

if you’re already a fan of chibird or someone who needs some wholesome comics i highly recommend picking this up!

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Korynne · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This book is very wholesome and cute. It’s full of simple little reminders that’s it’s okay to feel sad and that happiness will come again. The illustrations are adorable. I will definitely be returning to this book in my moments of sadness because it can be overwhelming and oppressive sometimes, but these little birds cheering me on made me smile and would help bring a spot of light in a moment of darkness.


I received a copy of this book for review from Edelweiss.

[Carla | Lipstick & Mocha · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

I received a free eARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Such a cute little book! A collection of comics about dealing with difficult emotions, learning to be kinder to yourself, and reminding yourself that bad days won’t last forever. The characters are adorable, and I really like how the book reminds you that it’s okay to struggle sometimes, take things at your own pace, and find happiness in the little things.

The illustrations have that cute Instagram cartoon vibe, with simple but sweet messages that actually make you stop and think for a moment. I feel like this is the kind of book you can come back to whenever you’re having a rough day and just need something comforting to read.

I also think it would make a nice gift for a friend or loved one who might need a little reminder to be kinder to themselves :)

[Anastey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really love this simple kawaii art style. It's so sweet, and will totally cheer you up on a bad day.

I love that it acknowledges that things can be bad, instead of pretending that everything is okay all of the time. It's okay to go though a rough time, and there are lots of little tips on how to make those awful days get a tiny bit better.

It's such a heartwarming book that I think we can all use in our lives, no matter what age we are.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and Comforting, but the Message Needed More Nuance

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing an advance reading copy.

Bad Days Aren’t Forever is an adorable collection of encouraging comics meant to offer a little comfort when life feels heavy. The illustrations are colorful, expressive, and incredibly cute, and there were a handful of pages that genuinely landed for me. I especially appreciated the reminders that rest is valuable, healing doesn’t have a deadline, productivity doesn’t determine your worth, and sometimes you simply need permission to feel what you’re feeling. The included stickers were also such a fun addition.

Where I struggled was with the consistency and depth of the emotional messaging. The book is at its best when it simply sits beside the reader: you’re allowed to rest, you don’t need everything figured out, and your feelings are allowed to exist. Other pages shift toward instructions or guarantees like continuing to move forward, creating your own happiness, or trusting that things will get better. Those messages sound encouraging on the surface, but when I thought about what they might feel like to someone truly struggling, I wanted more nuance and more of a bridge between this is how you feel and here’s how you get through it. The voice also shifts between personal encouragement and more generalized advice, which made the collection feel less cohesive.

There are genuinely lovely moments here, and the artwork makes the entire book warm and approachable. Ultimately, though, only a small number of the comics made me feel genuinely comforted rather than simply presenting an affirmation I agreed with. I’ve read other illustrated books about difficult emotions that better capture the messy middle between struggling and feeling okay again, so I’m hesitant to broadly recommend this one as emotional support for someone going through a particularly difficult season.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5

Who Should Read This?
Readers looking for a cute, quick collection of light encouragement and positive reminders—especially those who enjoy Chibird’s art style and want something uplifting rather than an in-depth exploration of difficult emotions.

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had some doubts about this book from a he title. “Encouraging comics,” made it sound like it was going to be another cheesy motivational quotes book. Don’t get me wrong about motivational quotes; I know they help for a lot of people but for me personally I could never take the quotes seriously. So, I had some trepidation going into this book.

I could not have been more wrong in my life. The cute drawings caught my eye first. They are so adorably drawn that I felt the need to see what they had to say. Many of them said the same thing written slightly different. This is the part I don’t like about motivational books (they all say the same thing and I lose interest). But it wasn’t like that for this book. I always wanted to see what new animal was trying to tell me. Whether it was the chick or a dinosaur, I listened and let the words sink in. I even took some to heart.

The one with the bunny that says, “I can’t do anything today and I’m so useless. It’s a good thing that your worth is not measured by your productivity,” nearly made me cry. I struggle with depression and ADHD, so I’ve been in the same situation as the bunny multiple times through out my life. I’ve never had my lack of productivity told in this perspective. Just like that, I understood why people like motivational quotes.

There were so many more comics that validated feelings that I keep locked away. They made me realize my feelings are real and that I am allowed to feel them. If I ever get to meet the author of this book, I would give them a huge hug and tell them thank you.

Thank you NetGalley for also bringing this book to my attention.

[Crystal Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book free of charge from Andrews McMeel Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

A little hug in book form for the days when your brain is not being kind to you.

You know those times when you are having a really bad day and you open Instagram to search for adorable pictures with positive words of encouragement and affirmations to pull you out of the doldrums? No? Just me? Well, this book is just like that, except you don’t have to go searching. You can just pop it open and it’s all right there.

As an ADHD girl who is prone to overthinking, anxiety, and getting lost turning down some emotional pathways, I found this book to be the perfect little pick me up.

Jacqueline Chen’s drawings are simple, colorful, and so adorable. The words are positive and encouraging, and they go deeper than your average “turn that frown upside down.” My guess is that Jacqueline has experienced some rough days herself and has made it through to the other side, and that comes through on every page.

The comics are short and sweet, ranging from a single panel filling one page to multiple panels covering a two page spread. They are easy to flip through whether you have two minutes or twenty.

This would be the perfect little gift book for a friend who is going through a hard time, especially when you don’t have the perfect words to say yourself. It is also a fabulous book to add to your own collection. Keep it on your desk or nightstand, flip it open to a random page when you are having a rough day, and let those positive reminders fill your mind and load your mindset with a little extra positivity.

4 stars.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad Days Aren't Forever is a sweet yet impactful read that offers a comforting reminder that bad days are a natural part of life and that it is okay to experience sadness, frustration, and other difficult emotions. With its simple, heartfelt messages and colorful doodle-style illustrations, the book creates an encouraging and accessible reading experience that feels like a gentle conversation with a supportive friend.

I found myself pausing to reflect on several of the reminders throughout the book. The ones that resonated with me most were the encouragement to find something to look forward to, no matter how small, and the reminder to give ourselves patience and grace as we work through our emotions instead of expecting ourselves to immediately bounce back.

What I appreciated most is that the book doesn't dismiss difficult feelings or suggest that everything will magically get better overnight. Instead, it acknowledges that hard days happen to everyone while offering gentle reassurance that they won't last forever. It is a message that feels both honest and hopeful. This is the kind of book I can see myself returning to whenever I need a little encouragement or perspective. I definitely would not mind adding it to my personal collection so I can revisit its uplifting reminders whenever life feels overwhelming.

Bad Days Aren't Forever is a thoughtful read that serves as a reminder to be kind to ourselves, especially on the days when we need it most.

Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an ARC.

[Kristina Butke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not a regular reader of the Chibird comics but I have seen little strips and excerpts shared online through social media. So, the characters looked visually familiar to me as I read this sweet, little book.

I am indeed going through a rough time right now, and that’s part of the reason why I chose the ARC of this book to read–I wanted to be cheered up. And I think the book does a good job of giving you some (momentary) encouragement. It made me feel nice about myself and where I’m at, but I’m not very good at continuing the lesson after I’ve been taught. I’m sure by tomorrow I’ll be curled up in a ball in tears again.

Then again, if I owned this book, I might actually refer to it often to try to make myself feel better.

It’s filled with comics lasting about one or two pages long. Because this is an ARC from NetGalley, the pages are pixelated on purpose and the quality is a bit less than what you would get from the real book. But I thought I’d share some of my favorites:

“Be Kind to Yourself”
“When Things are Dark…”
“Happiness Will Come More Easily…”

I find myself drawn to art where characters are depicted with teardrops and are crying. It makes me feel simultaneously good and bad. And it’s a little cathartic for me to look at, too. I just feel a lot of emotions when the art depicts sadness so blatantly!

Anyway, if you are a fan of Chibird or adorable, kawaii art that’s meant to be uplifting, I would recommend checking out this book. It’s endearing and cheerful and while it didn’t solve my problems, it did perk me up.

[Joy Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a digital copy of Bad Days Aren't Forever: Encouraging Comics from Chibird from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley. I wasn't sure what to expect, but our little family has been having a bit of a rough time today, and the cover was cute, so I thought I'd give it a try. The one thing I was worried about was relentless, toxic positivity. I stay away from social media for the most part, but I have to be careful about what sort of positivity accounts I follow. I have a chronic illness, so a lot of advice just ends up making me feel worse instead of better.
This book did NOT have that. The illustrations are adorable, and each 1-2 page comic had gentle and useful thoughts for when you're having a hard time that range from finding things to do about it, to doing things to distract you from it, to doing absolutely nothing and feeling your feelings. There isn't one way of thinking that is just reworded over and over in this little book. Also, seriously, as cute as the illustrations are, it would be normal to assume that the thoughts will be cutesy as well. They aren't. They are uplifting, but gently, like a soft pat on the head. I read the whole thing in one setting and showed many of the illustrations to my husband and children (all teens or older). I feel like this would be a really great book to help explain concepts of sadness and depression to a child, but it is definitely an everybody book, not a children's book. Highly recommend. 5 starts on vibes alone!

[Cardia Daymore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Jacqueline Chen, and Andrews McMeel Publishing for letting me read this Review Copy!

Have you ever wanted to be comforted by cute, small animals? That's what this book does and it does it very well.

'Bad Days Aren’t Forever' is a collection of comics by Jacqueline Chen, the creator of Chibird, and it sets out to comfort the reader with cute art and inspiring messages when they're having a bad day. It's a great reminder that things can and will get better for you.

Since it's a collection of comics, there isn't a linear story. Each page has cute and kind reminders that things will get brighter and it reminds you to take care of yourself. There are a variety of animals such as cats, penguins, turtles, and of course Chibird!

I love the message this book sends however it felt like it repeated certain messages a few times, which felt repetitive. Other than that, I really like the art, the quotes, and the simplicity.

This book would be good for a variety of age groups because the art is age appropriate and it doesn't mention anything that could be viewed as mature. It could help a preteen, teen, or an adult going through a rough patch. The reminders in this book are adorable and comforting.

Jacqueline Chen has a beautiful art style that brings this book to life and I can't wait to see what else she releases in the future!

I know this is a bit of a shorter review than normal, but this book isn't very long so there isn't much for me to cover, especially without spoiling quotes or messages.

If you are going through a rough patch or know someone that is having a tough time, this book would be a great gift to those of all ages.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Days Aren't Forever: Encouraging Comics from Chibird by Jacqueline Chen gets a 5 star review from me.

This gentle, warm and embracing book with its cute illustrations tackles the times when things aren't going well in our lives, and the myriad of emotions that come with those times.

Reminders such as:
- it's okay to feel how you feel, and that sometimes the feelings take awhile to pass;
- you are not your feelings, and you're not bad or different because of them;
- you're not weak because you're struggling. Everyone struggles from time to time.
- there are things you can do to help yourself feel better (i.e. talk with someone about what you're feeling and why, distract yourself by doing something else for awhile, help someone else, etc.)

help readers understand that bad days and feelings pass, people still like and care about you, and help is available. When someone is struggling, sometimes the best thing to do is listen, and let them know that they aren't at fault or weird for how they're feeling. This book does just that.

This book would be appropriate for any age, but I see a great need for it among upper elementary and middle-school youth.

My thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing for granting me access to a DRC of the book via NetGalley. Publication is 11/10/26. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

[bookshelfreader_31 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The one book I am super excited to buy is Bad Days Aren't Forever by Chibird.

This is the perfect little book to have for yourself. As a reminder of hope, love and brighter days. However, I cannot wait to run out and buy copies for my friends. Family or even a stranger I see struggling.

Not only is this probably the cutest book I have ever seen. But I absolutely love how simple it is. It isn't overwhelming. It has simple text, simple pictures, low stimulation. But somehow it leaves you with a giant smile and a huge impact.

This book reminds you that you are valued. Time passes emotions change. You are beautiful, just the way you are. And it's okay to feel it's okay to have bad days. It's okay to struggle. Those days aren't forever.

I'm so thankful to the author for creating something. So simple, yet, so meaningful, you have plus so many people with your talent. And you probably have no idea how many lives this little book is going to impact.

Just for proof- it impacted mine.

So thank you, for being the artist and author to let people know how loved they are, how beautiful they are. And how joy and happiness impact our day. There's so much more that I can say that I see in this book about the lessons it teaches, but I'll leave that for others to notice.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for access to the e-ARC of this adorable book!

The little Chibird characters are so sweet, and every drawing is so engaging. The accompanying text is full of gentle encouragement and an overarching theme that it is okay to feel sad and, while you can't really rush those feelings away ahead of their time, you can trust that things will get better again. So many of the pages are the sorts of things that I would share with my friends on the internet, like if I go to the author's Instagram and see some of my favorites posted individually, I will repost them, definitely. I could picture myself picking this book up from time to time to remind myself that I'm doing okay and I'm not less than anyone else. I recommend this to anyone who needs a pick-me-up and I think it might be especially helpful for tweens and teens.

⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2 - I'm not giving the full five stars because while I understand why it is overwhelmingly positive, I don't really want anyone to feel bad for not being able to feel better eventually. Because sometimes that happens. Sometimes it's necessary to take medication to get one brain chemistry back into whack. And that's not a failing either. 🧡

[Ankit Saxena · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a sweet, comforting comics that tries to offer a little light during difficult days. The simple illustrations and short messages make it an easy, soothing read, especially when you’re looking for something positive without having to invest much time or emotional energy.

Additionally, I found the book a little too repetitive and predictable. Many of the messages circle around the same ideas—self-care, taking things one day at a time, accepting bad days and reminding yourself that things will get better. While these are undoubtedly good reminders, after a while they begin to lose their impact. One can paste such posters in room but nothing like this motivate anyone as much as life's experiences so that could have been the process to prepare this book.

The book works best as a pick-me-up that you can dip into occasionally rather than something to read cover to cover. There are some genuinely wholesome and relatable moments, but I wanted a little more variety and depth. Cute, comforting and well-intentioned, but ultimately a fairly surface-level collection.

My NetGalley review

[Kira's NetGalley Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Days Aren't Forever: Encouraging Comics by Chibird by Jacqueline Chen is a heartwarming and gentle collection focused on mental health, comfort, and navigating difficult times. It serves as a sweet reminder that tough moments are temporary and that we can get through them together.

The Standouts
Simple Yet Effective Writing: The text is clean, straightforward, and easy to digest, making the encouraging messages land with maximum impact.
Charming & Clear Illustrations: The kawaii art style completely conveys the emotional tone of each page. The minimalist, cute characters communicate comfort and empathy instantly, making it feel like a warm hug, in book form!
Effective Daily Encouragement: Because the delivery is so straightforward, it provides quick, everyday comfort that helps build confidence and ease stress without feeling heavy or preachy.

Final Verdict
This book is an absolute win for anyone looking for gentle mental health reminders or cozy, uplifting art. It’s ideal for daily use whenever you need a quick boost of comfort or a reminder to find peace when happiness feels just out of reach. Definitely recommended!

*ARC provided by Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

[Carina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Days Aren’t Forever is such a sweet and comforting little book, filled with adorable illustrations and short messages that feel like tiny reminders that difficult days really don’t last forever.

I really enjoyed how simple the book is. Each comic is short and easy to read, usually paired with a cute and encouraging message about emotions, self-esteem, motivation, rest, or simply getting through a difficult day. The quotes aren’t overly complicated or trying to say something groundbreaking, but I don’t think they need to be. Sometimes a small reminder that things will be okay is exactly what you need.

The illustrations were my favourite part. They are incredibly cute, colourful, and expressive, and they make every message feel even warmer and more comforting.

It’s also a very quick and easy read, but I actually think that works perfectly for this type of book. You don’t necessarily need to read it from beginning to end in one sitting; it feels more like something you can keep around and return to whenever you need a little mood boost or some encouragement.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really cute. It's not terribly deep, but generally encouraging and cozy. The book avoids any toxic positivity, but is mostly applicable to able-bodied people of at least moderate privilege who may be grieving or otherwise having a short-term or time-bound difficult period. "It'll all be okay" (p. 42) isn't uplifting for someone with chronic illness; "what if i told you it was going to be okay? / it might take a bit longer... (I know, hang in there just a little more!) / but it always does turn out okay" (p. 56) probably isn't the best message for someone with a terminal diagnosis. Other pages do fit these readers' situations better ("Sometimes you can't escape the storm. / Accept that it's here. Let yourself feel" (p. 58)) but aren't the majority.

An appropriate gift book for someone going through a hard time with a probably-guesstimate-able end-date. If this applies to you, this could be something you use in a page-a-day style, going in order and then starting back at the beginning, or roll a really big die to get a kind of tarot-of-the-day with a random affirmation each morning.

eARC from NetGalley

[Chantelle Kelly-Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi Jacqueline Chen, it is so nice to meet you! We really enjoyed your sweet book about navigating tough days. Mental health is such an important topic for readers of every age, and you approached it with so much warmth and care.

I personally loved the simple yet beautifully detailed illustrations. They captured life’s ups and downs in a way that children can easily relate to and understand. Your gentle messages leave space for meaningful, organic conversations, and the sweet little cheerleaders sprinkled throughout the story were thoughtful, encouraging, and uplifting. This wonderful series of short stories is filled with lovable characters that children naturally gravitate toward.

K: “I like that the characters are really cute, and they look like animals you could see in the real world. I love the fox picture! I liked the hearts and stars, and that it teaches kindness to yourself.”

J: “I liked the dog flying and the cat. I liked the whole book!”

Thank you, Jacqueline & NetGalley, for the opportunity to read, enjoy, and review!

[nia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I've followed Chen's art since I was in my teens, in my darkest times, the art has always put a smile on my face, so this book feels like a hug.

I love how each drawing is so impactful, they are super cute and the message is so heart warming, light reminders that feel like the support of a friend in the shape of cute animals! I found the one with rain and then sunshine saying that bad days don't last forever particularly comforting, the reminder is so simple but I think in such a busy and complicated world we often forget that simple is what we need.

This book is a reminder that all feelings are valid, that feelings don't last forever and that it's okay to sit with those feelings - and then offers ways to help you feel better such as planning something to look forward to. I love that the central message is to be kind to ourselves, it's so important and a cute chick is the perfect way to remind us!

[queenofbrightshinythings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Andrews McMeel Publishing and. Jacqueline Chen for the complimentary copy of Bad Days Aren't Forever.
It is exactly what it promises: a soft little pocket of comfort you can flip through when your brain feels heavy. Jacqueline Chen's Chibird comics lean into gentle encouragement with tiny characters, pastel optimism, and those simple reminders you sometimes need someone else to say out loud.
The tone stays consistently sweet and supportive, almost like a friend patting your head and telling you it’s okay to slow down.
If you’ve ever liked Pusheen‑style coziness or those soft kawaii comics on Instagram that feel like a warm drink, this fits right in.
Bad Days Aren't Forever gives a gentle nudge. It's saying: hey, you’re doing your best, and bad days don’t last forever.
The art is impossibly cute, the messages are shareable, and the whole thing feels like a tiny emotional reset button. Perfect for a quick pick‑me‑up, especially on days when you don’t have the energy for anything heavier.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been following Chibird on instagram and loved her art, and have often sent her images to friends who have had a hard time! I saw this book and was super excited about it, as I love her art. This book is true to style - cute and encouraging, and would make a good light-hearted gift.

This is a non sequential book, i.e. for the most part each page isn't connected. I do feel that some of this translates better over sending images directly, but you can open up any page and get an inspiration. There isn't anything super deep in here, but not every book needs to be deep. I would have loved to see something with her art that gives a story, but this is a compilation of many of her images with cute art and empathetic and kind messaging to the reader. This would be good for all ages. This is a novella (~100 pages).

Thank you to NetGalley, Andrews McMeel Publishing and the author for the early copy of this book.

[countesscatnip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks, NetGalley, for this ARC! This book feels like a warm, friendly hug. The illustrations are adorable, and the text feels like you're talking to a happy-go-lucky friend who has your best interests at heart. When I was in the throes of depression and anxiety, dealing with my mental and physical health as well as recovering from bullying and feeling like I was falling really behind in life, this book would have really uplifted me, although it's, of course, not a replacement for therapy. But, it could be a tool in the mental health toolbox, as they say. And, of course, I liked it because there are cats!

I can personally say that the "bad days aren't forever." I'm seriously considering buying this for myself for the rough days.

Some downsides: The e-book was blurry, and all of the text was lowercase (but that was probably intentional).

Content consideration: There is a rainbow with six colors, rather than seven. Interpret that how you will.

[Estante da Vani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet and comforting little book. 🥹💗

I really loved how the comics manage to talk about difficult emotions in such a simple and gentle way. Sometimes you don't need a big, complicated message—you just need a tiny reminder that it's okay to have a bad day and that things won't always feel this way.

The art is absolutely adorable, and the little Chibird characters make everything feel even cozier. I loved the mix of humor, encouragement, and emotional honesty. It feels like the kind of book you can pick up whenever you're feeling overwhelmed, sad, or just need a little comfort.

I also really appreciated the messages about self-esteem, accepting your feelings, and taking things one day at a time. Nothing felt too heavy, but it still managed to be genuinely reassuring.

Definitely a book I'd keep around for those days when I need a little reminder that bad days aren't forever. 🐥💗

[Jessi Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for access to the e-ARC of this adorable book!

People always say things happen when you need them to, and I think finding this ARC happened just when I needed it the most. There are so many uplifting messages that there is bound to be one the resonates for everyone at any age. The artwork is perfectly cute, simple and easy to follow. I feel like this would be perfect to pick up on a low day and flip to a random page to find something to comfort.

Some of my messages that I related to were:
"Everything is terrible and awful and horrible. Wait, maybe I'm just tired"
"It's okay to have big feelings. We all feel emotions at different levels, and that's okay"
"Sometimes being sad makes me not want to do anything, and that makes me even sadder. So no! I'm going to continue taking care of myself and doing things I like! Even if it's hard, it will help me feel better"

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Bad Days Aren't Forever.

I hadn’t heard or seen this character before, but it’s so cute that I couldn’t help being drawn in (no pun intended!)

This is a sweet collection of comics of adorable characters, a bird, a dino, and cats, just to name a few, hoping to comfort you on tough days, bad and sad days, and everything in between.

The messages are meant to be empowering and thoughtful, encouraging self-awareness and a positive outlook while still acknowledging real struggles and how feelings come in all shapes and sizes and forms.

The point is to acknowledge them.

The overall takeaway is simple: don’t give up, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

A few of the art panels were fuzzy and out of focus and I wonder if that's a publisher error since most of the artwork came through clearly on my Kindle.

This is a great book to share with readers of all ages.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy, uplifting collection of comics that gently tackles sadness, burnout, low self-esteem, and those days when you’re completely emotionally drained. Taken together, they’re a little exercise in positivity—a cute book to keep within reach and revisit whenever you need a reminder that bad days really aren’t forever.

I particularly liked the book’s friendly “host,” a round little chicken who keeps popping up to remind you to be kind to yourself and, basically, that you got this! The adorable kawaii-style art adds to the charm and is pretty much guaranteed to coax out a smile. Nothing earth-shattering here, just a lot of gentle, cheerful reassurance—and sometimes a little chicken telling you to hang in there is exactly what you need. Plenty more where this came from on instagram too: https://www.instagram.com/chibirdart?...

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet little book of things you probably want to read when you are, of all things, having a bad day.
The pictures are bright and colorful. The notes are all full of praise and encouragement.


What’s not to like? Oh, sure there are only so many ways you can say “It’ll all be fine, in the end.” It is often a matter of getting to the end, without losing your mind.


But, just sitting and reading the book cover to cover is probably not the right way to approach this book. It is more a matter of finding th saying the resonates with you, and letting it go.


Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 29th of September 2026.