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Night Shift
With stunning black and white illustration and deceptively simple text, author and illustrator Debi Gliori examines how depression affects one's whole outlook upon life, and shows that there can be an escape - it may not be easy to find, but it is there. Drawn from Debi's own experiences and with a moving testimony at the end of the book explaining how depression has affected her and how she continues to cope, Debi hopes that by sharing her own experience she can help others who suffer from depression, and to find that subtle shift that will show the way out.
'I have used dragons to represent depression. This is partly because of their legendary ability to turn a once fertile realm into a blackened, smoking ruin and partly because popular mythology shows them as monstrous opponents with a tendency to pick fights with smaller creatures. I'm not particularly brave or resourceful, and after so many years battling my beasts, I have to admit to a certain weariness, but I will arm-wrestle dragons for eternity if it means that I can help anyone going through a similar struggle.'
'I have used dragons to represent depression. This is partly because of their legendary ability to turn a once fertile realm into a blackened, smoking ruin and partly because popular mythology shows them as monstrous opponents with a tendency to pick fights with smaller creatures. I'm not particularly brave or resourceful, and after so many years battling my beasts, I have to admit to a certain weariness, but I will arm-wrestle dragons for eternity if it means that I can help anyone going through a similar struggle.'
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 12, 2017
1 person is currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Debi Gliori
231 books130 followersDebi Gliori (born 1959) is a Scottish author and illustrator of children's books.
She grew up as an only child in Glasgow, and when young began drawing and writing stories. She started writing children's books in 1976, and attended art school in Edinburgh from 1979 to 1984. She then received a travelling scholarship award to go to Milan, and worked as a freelance from 1984 onwards.
She is the author/illustrator of many books for children including Mr Bear, the winner of a Children's Book Award. She is best known for her black comedy Pure Dead series for older children, which display strong elements of family lives amid dark and fantasy-based plots.
She grew up as an only child in Glasgow, and when young began drawing and writing stories. She started writing children's books in 1976, and attended art school in Edinburgh from 1979 to 1984. She then received a travelling scholarship award to go to Milan, and worked as a freelance from 1984 onwards.
She is the author/illustrator of many books for children including Mr Bear, the winner of a Children's Book Award. She is best known for her black comedy Pure Dead series for older children, which display strong elements of family lives amid dark and fantasy-based plots.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
January 18, 2019
Night Shift was a short, but very powerful read. It is about the author's real-life experience of living with depression as an adult. Instead of lists and speeches, the book is illustrated using dragons as a form of representing depression. As someone who has been diagnosed with depression, I could relate to this book in so many ways. There are moments where life and the world can be a dark and scary place. This book is much-needed and I really hope that more books like this are written and published, turning text into illustrations that reach out to readers in many ways.
February 8, 2017
If you have ever suffered with depression then you'll already know exactly how hard it can be to put your feelings into words to try and explain to other people what you're going through. It's something I still find really hard to discuss even with family members and close friends who see me living through it day by day.
In Night Shift Debi Gliori has used her own personal experience with depression to create moving pieces of art that really capture how depression can feel, the way it isolates you from the world and makes even simple everyday tasks seem impossible. But, more importantly, she also shows that the feelings don't last forever and that you can come out on the other side.
Of course everyone's journey is different but this book spoke to me on so many levels and I think it's perfect for anyone who is or has suffered from depression but also for people who know someone who is struggling. It might just give you an idea what it's like to be inside a depressed person's head for a little while. Picking this up reminded me of how I felt when I first read I Had a Black Dog by Matthew Johnstone, that I wasn't suffering alone and that finally there was something I could show other people to make them understand how I felt, so I'd like to thank Debi Gliori for sharing her experiences.
Source: Received from Hot Key Books in exchange for an honest review
In Night Shift Debi Gliori has used her own personal experience with depression to create moving pieces of art that really capture how depression can feel, the way it isolates you from the world and makes even simple everyday tasks seem impossible. But, more importantly, she also shows that the feelings don't last forever and that you can come out on the other side.
Of course everyone's journey is different but this book spoke to me on so many levels and I think it's perfect for anyone who is or has suffered from depression but also for people who know someone who is struggling. It might just give you an idea what it's like to be inside a depressed person's head for a little while. Picking this up reminded me of how I felt when I first read I Had a Black Dog by Matthew Johnstone, that I wasn't suffering alone and that finally there was something I could show other people to make them understand how I felt, so I'd like to thank Debi Gliori for sharing her experiences.
Source: Received from Hot Key Books in exchange for an honest review
January 16, 2017
I’m not sure how to review Night Shift without making it personal. Stories that focus on depression are, much like depression themselves, deeply personal. I can’t read this book, look at the illustrations, without making comparisons to my own experiences. So sometimes I will think “yes this is me” and other times “no I don’t feel like that”. Depression is unique to the individual and while traits can be shared or similar for many I don’t think it’s possible for one story to ever be universal.
This might come across as negative but it really isn’t. Debi Gliori’s has written and drawn a beautiful and dark map. It is because of the illustrations (which I think have a bigger impact because they aren’t tied down by words) that this book connects so much.
Night Shift is very effective and for a book so contained it’s powerful.
This might come across as negative but it really isn’t. Debi Gliori’s has written and drawn a beautiful and dark map. It is because of the illustrations (which I think have a bigger impact because they aren’t tied down by words) that this book connects so much.
Night Shift is very effective and for a book so contained it’s powerful.
May 22, 2018
This book describes how I feel. So much it almost makes my heart ache. I suffer (I hate that word) with depression and anxiety.
I'm going to make my mum read it also, she doesn't always understand how I feel and I'm hoping this will help
I'm going to make my mum read it also, she doesn't always understand how I feel and I'm hoping this will help
October 31, 2018
This book took every expectation I had and exceed it times and times again. This short story details a women's journey through depression through the imagery of battling dragons and finding a new centre of calm.
Depression and mental health are a complex but relevant issues for teachers at the moment; and this book helps both teachers, parents, other staff and children understand the feelings and confusion these conditions can create. Dragons, fog and feathers all have larger symbolism than the reader might initially assume- children know that brave knights defeat dragons but don't consider how tricky these battles may be and now they can. Whereas feather symbolise calm but one feather can demonstrate to a reader how short that time of calm can be and the fragility of this. These symbols and comparisons also help with addressing other peoples misconceptions about how people with these conditions are feeling.
As this text deals with such a challenging topic, having it as a whole class text is reliant on the teachers knowledge of the child. But every teacher should still have this book in their arsenal in case a situation like this does arise, as it could allow the child to talk more freely about their feelings and their current situation if they haven't been able to discuss it previously. Equally, this book is as useful for parents as it is for teachers, parents can take just as much from this book as teachers will if their child/themselves are experiencing problems like this (a book that opens this communication between home and school so carefully is rather rare and should be treasured when it is found).
Not only is the text challenging, but the illustrations are so beautiful yet fearful. By limiting the colour in the text the reader experiences the sense of emptiness and similar emotions experienced by the character as well as instilling that sense of fear whenever we see the dragon. As well as the use of colour, the serenity of the final scene aids in instilling the sense of calm whilst also leaving the reader with many questions about the future.
Overall, an ideal small story filled with problems and the perfect way to open dialogue around a challenging topic.
Depression and mental health are a complex but relevant issues for teachers at the moment; and this book helps both teachers, parents, other staff and children understand the feelings and confusion these conditions can create. Dragons, fog and feathers all have larger symbolism than the reader might initially assume- children know that brave knights defeat dragons but don't consider how tricky these battles may be and now they can. Whereas feather symbolise calm but one feather can demonstrate to a reader how short that time of calm can be and the fragility of this. These symbols and comparisons also help with addressing other peoples misconceptions about how people with these conditions are feeling.
As this text deals with such a challenging topic, having it as a whole class text is reliant on the teachers knowledge of the child. But every teacher should still have this book in their arsenal in case a situation like this does arise, as it could allow the child to talk more freely about their feelings and their current situation if they haven't been able to discuss it previously. Equally, this book is as useful for parents as it is for teachers, parents can take just as much from this book as teachers will if their child/themselves are experiencing problems like this (a book that opens this communication between home and school so carefully is rather rare and should be treasured when it is found).
Not only is the text challenging, but the illustrations are so beautiful yet fearful. By limiting the colour in the text the reader experiences the sense of emptiness and similar emotions experienced by the character as well as instilling that sense of fear whenever we see the dragon. As well as the use of colour, the serenity of the final scene aids in instilling the sense of calm whilst also leaving the reader with many questions about the future.
Overall, an ideal small story filled with problems and the perfect way to open dialogue around a challenging topic.
July 24, 2018
It is worth beginning this review by acknowledging Gliori's piece at the back. Her open and honest recount of her ongoing battle with depression explains the metaphorical approach that she has taken in this picturebook. She explains how depression can be so debilitating that there are no words to describe it and so images must do instead.
In Night Shift (shift meaning both a time of darkness and a movement from one phase to another) Gliori's dragons are not menacing or evil but they are black and sharp and weighty. They are in her and over her and grow and shrink depending on where she is, within. Yet there is power in the written narrative too - those stock phrases the girl hears 'chin up', 'pull yourself together', 'It's better to light a candle than curse the darkness' displays our misconceptions about what depression is and how impossible it is to control.
Here then, is a picturebook that might offer a mirror for those children who may have similar feelings and a window to those who need some help into trying to understand the weight of depression. There are two formats of this book; a small pocket-sized one for young/adults and a larger copy to the younger reader.
In Night Shift (shift meaning both a time of darkness and a movement from one phase to another) Gliori's dragons are not menacing or evil but they are black and sharp and weighty. They are in her and over her and grow and shrink depending on where she is, within. Yet there is power in the written narrative too - those stock phrases the girl hears 'chin up', 'pull yourself together', 'It's better to light a candle than curse the darkness' displays our misconceptions about what depression is and how impossible it is to control.
Here then, is a picturebook that might offer a mirror for those children who may have similar feelings and a window to those who need some help into trying to understand the weight of depression. There are two formats of this book; a small pocket-sized one for young/adults and a larger copy to the younger reader.
October 31, 2018
I thought this book was an incredibly insightful book about depression. I think it was an incredible book and the author used her own experiences to make the text authentic. The book covers a challenging topic within mental health that is hard to put into words. The dragon within the story was an excellent metaphorical way to picture the struggle and power of depression as it physically shows the power difference and the extent to which it can affect somebody. I've never come across a picture book text on such a deep and relatable issue. This book may be the way a child can express how they are feeling and realise they aren't the only one thats gone through it and there's nothing to be ashamed about. I think this book is a step towards lessening the stigma of mental health and making more people aware of what it can be like for somebody to struggle with depression. Such an incredible book.
May 17, 2019
This book was recommended to me after a discussion I had with someone about how much I loved “The Red Tree” by Shaun Tan and I’m so glad I got to read this as well. A deep, thought provoking book that I think would be great for adults as well as children. I think everyone could take something from this book, I know I did.
The focus on mental health among children these days is a great context for this book to be used in. It can encourage important conversations. It could also help those struggling to see their feelings in another context which they then may find comforting.
The fact this whole book is in black and white is another way of portraying the feelings of deep sadness, loneliness and just feeling empty, showing there are more ways than just words to express feelings. The repetition of "night skills" towards the end of the books is showing the lessons you can learn through experiences that at the time feel dark and lonely. You can fight the worry and the darkness and there will be something to change that and in this case, its as simple as a black and white feather.
Overall, a book with deep meaning and leaves the readers with lots to think about but done in a way that makes these feelings normal which I think is so important.
The focus on mental health among children these days is a great context for this book to be used in. It can encourage important conversations. It could also help those struggling to see their feelings in another context which they then may find comforting.
The fact this whole book is in black and white is another way of portraying the feelings of deep sadness, loneliness and just feeling empty, showing there are more ways than just words to express feelings. The repetition of "night skills" towards the end of the books is showing the lessons you can learn through experiences that at the time feel dark and lonely. You can fight the worry and the darkness and there will be something to change that and in this case, its as simple as a black and white feather.
Overall, a book with deep meaning and leaves the readers with lots to think about but done in a way that makes these feelings normal which I think is so important.
October 21, 2020
A story about how it feels to battle depression, an ongoing fight with a darkness. The minimalist use of colour is effective with the language used. I think the use of language and illustrations within this book are powerful and meaningful to a lot of people.
March 15, 2017
I received a copy of this title from Allen & Unwin for review.
Ten Second Synopsis:
An absorbing portrait of depression and hope.
The first clue that this isn't your average picture book comes from the cover and size of Night Shift. At A5 size and with a rich-feeling cloth-bound cover, it's obvious from the off that this isn't necessarily a book a child might pick up. Fans of fantasy will be drawn to the dragon on the front cover and will be rewarded throughout because Gliori has chosen to represent mental illness - in this case depression - through the medium of the dragon.
The story starts simply enough. A woman is a bit tired, a bit stressed, has trouble sleeping. She is followed around by a small dragon who, while maybe a bit annoying certainly isn't immediately recognised as malignant in intention. As the story continues however, the dragon gets larger, the woman's reality more fragmented and fanciful and it seems like she couldn't possibly find the tools to escape from the new landscape of fear and sadness in which she lives her life.
And then...a feather.
And hope.
The monochromatic, graphite and charcoal illustrations throughout perfectly capture the sharp contrasts of depression and anxiety, as certain experiences stand out starkly while others blur around the edges. In each vignette it is possible to see the small changes that eventually lead to a sense of being overwhelmed; in which some small thing has somehow taken over a life. The text on each page is sparse, but the words skilfully chosen to reflect the common cliches that the depressed often hear from friends, family and therapists.
A brief afterword from the author describes her journey through depressive illness and her inspiration in creating the book. Books like Night Shift are an important stepping stone on the way to making mental illness visible in the public eye, and something that is acceptable to talk about. If you have ever experienced depression, or know someone who has, I would suggest seeking this book out.
Ten Second Synopsis:
An absorbing portrait of depression and hope.
The first clue that this isn't your average picture book comes from the cover and size of Night Shift. At A5 size and with a rich-feeling cloth-bound cover, it's obvious from the off that this isn't necessarily a book a child might pick up. Fans of fantasy will be drawn to the dragon on the front cover and will be rewarded throughout because Gliori has chosen to represent mental illness - in this case depression - through the medium of the dragon.
The story starts simply enough. A woman is a bit tired, a bit stressed, has trouble sleeping. She is followed around by a small dragon who, while maybe a bit annoying certainly isn't immediately recognised as malignant in intention. As the story continues however, the dragon gets larger, the woman's reality more fragmented and fanciful and it seems like she couldn't possibly find the tools to escape from the new landscape of fear and sadness in which she lives her life.
And then...a feather.
And hope.
The monochromatic, graphite and charcoal illustrations throughout perfectly capture the sharp contrasts of depression and anxiety, as certain experiences stand out starkly while others blur around the edges. In each vignette it is possible to see the small changes that eventually lead to a sense of being overwhelmed; in which some small thing has somehow taken over a life. The text on each page is sparse, but the words skilfully chosen to reflect the common cliches that the depressed often hear from friends, family and therapists.
A brief afterword from the author describes her journey through depressive illness and her inspiration in creating the book. Books like Night Shift are an important stepping stone on the way to making mental illness visible in the public eye, and something that is acceptable to talk about. If you have ever experienced depression, or know someone who has, I would suggest seeking this book out.
April 6, 2019
This visually-stunning text is a difficult but wonderful read for children and young adults. This picture book portrays depression as a dragon, who arrives during the night and day for the young girl who is the protagonist in the text. The use of metaphor, idioms and figurative language provides many learning opportunities in primary English. Due to the emotive themes, this is likely to be used in upper KS2. I’d highly recommend this text based on its English and PSHE opportunities.
September 2, 2017
This stirred me. It was very quick to read but I was also very quick to relate to Gliori's illustrations.
October 13, 2018
Received this as a gift from a friend who clearly knows me too well. Just looking at the cover I knew I was going to love it and I'm so happy to report that I did. As someone who works a lot with visuals and mental health and the intersection of those spaces, it is always interesting to see how people express their thoughts and feelings of living or having lived with a mental illness.
However, it could also potentially be a triggering book, so tread with caution if you're struggling with your mental health at the moment. But I really do hope we have more books and art like this not only because it can be extremely cathartic to find a way to express that isn't restricting to words, but also in the hope that people will be kinder and more aware of how debilitating mental illnesses can be. Just because it is invisible, doesn't mean it isn't real. Thank you Debi Gliori for sharing your story, for your illustrations and words.
However, it could also potentially be a triggering book, so tread with caution if you're struggling with your mental health at the moment. But I really do hope we have more books and art like this not only because it can be extremely cathartic to find a way to express that isn't restricting to words, but also in the hope that people will be kinder and more aware of how debilitating mental illnesses can be. Just because it is invisible, doesn't mean it isn't real. Thank you Debi Gliori for sharing your story, for your illustrations and words.
October 19, 2018
I found the messages behind this text very thought provoking because the narrative is powerful in terms of the language used and the images are also dark and questionable. I like how the author has included some key messages in the narrative, for example, 'If at first you don't succeed, try, try again'- this made me think of the British Values which are taught in school and the idea of persevering and giving it your best go!
I felt as if the main character was being swallowed up by her fears and anxieties, as a reader this could help a person to begin to understand the power of the mind and mental health, as well as a text that people could relate to.
I found it interesting that out of the whole text only one page contains colour, I think this page represents pain and anger. The image of the dragon is quite frightening and seems to have power and hold over the girl.
I felt as if the main character was being swallowed up by her fears and anxieties, as a reader this could help a person to begin to understand the power of the mind and mental health, as well as a text that people could relate to.
I found it interesting that out of the whole text only one page contains colour, I think this page represents pain and anger. The image of the dragon is quite frightening and seems to have power and hold over the girl.
November 1, 2018
I wouldn’t use this book for teaching children explicitly. Instead I would use it as a support to my own understanding of children’s actions and how to access their emotions.
Instead I would use it to support a child that may be struggling with emotions and potential feelings of depression. Showing how these feelings are not unique to them and therefore manageable.
The book provides meaning and illustration to their feelings that may seem overwhelming.
It would help as a reminder to myself on understanding children’s actions and ways to work through these - they need the tools to express their feelings - drawing, videos, other books
Instead I would use it to support a child that may be struggling with emotions and potential feelings of depression. Showing how these feelings are not unique to them and therefore manageable.
The book provides meaning and illustration to their feelings that may seem overwhelming.
It would help as a reminder to myself on understanding children’s actions and ways to work through these - they need the tools to express their feelings - drawing, videos, other books
Read
August 23, 2017Graded By: Britt
Cover Story: Jinkies!
BFF Charm: Yay
Swoonworthy Scale: 1
Talky Talk: Short and (Bitter)sweet
Arty Art:50 Shades of Gray
Bonus Factors: Mental Illness, Author’s Note
Relationship Status: You’ve Got a Friend in Me
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Jinkies!
BFF Charm: Yay
Swoonworthy Scale: 1
Talky Talk: Short and (Bitter)sweet
Arty Art:
Bonus Factors: Mental Illness, Author’s Note
Relationship Status: You’ve Got a Friend in Me
Read the full book report here.
December 31, 2017
I bought this a while ago and have read it a couple times since then, but kept forgetting to put it on here. This is a fantastic book about how it can feel to live with depression. My mental health is suffering a little bit more than usual at the moment and this book has been a comfort. It's nice to know someone has the words/illustrations to describe it. It can make it a smidge less lonely and overwhelming.
June 10, 2021
“Night skills: the ability to survive inside my own darkness.”
There are some shades of Shaun Tan in the drawing here, and Gliori does a good job of articulating her suffering with the black dog, in this short, sharp graphic offering, which has a poignant little afterword which ties up the book well. Its almost what's not said which makes this so potent, the spaces between and bits left to the imagination which give this book its power.
September 5, 2017
Important, Moving and Encouraging!!!
The few images and words are very powerful and relatable to those who suffer with depression. I am speaking from someone who suffers myself with sever depression and anxiety and this book was like peeking into me and seeing me and knowing bu yet offering hope and comfort.
The few images and words are very powerful and relatable to those who suffer with depression. I am speaking from someone who suffers myself with sever depression and anxiety and this book was like peeking into me and seeing me and knowing bu yet offering hope and comfort.
May 17, 2020
Rated low because of one of the quotes. Thinking of those who are less fortunate than us in dark times does NOT make you feel better about your situation(s), it will only make you more sad and down in the dumps than before. Been there, done that, and have gotten many T-shirts in the process.
Liked the artwork and the concept of the story, however.
Liked the artwork and the concept of the story, however.
January 12, 2023
Metaphorically accurate, this book, although short in size and narrative, brings understanding to this complex topic. The fog of depression does take one's breath, and it is hard to see through it. Kudos to Debi and her illustration. I want to have this book on my bookshelf.
June 4, 2017
I love the illustrations & how few words there is. Many feel a depth of despair, or inadequacy, or loneliness, or any other negative emotion that leaves them with a loss for words, and Debi Gliori portrays this beautifully in Night Shift.
November 7, 2017
Review to follow
November 11, 2017
This is such an amazing and beautiful book. I am able to relate to it so so much with my mental disorder too. Highly recommend.
October 21, 2019
An interesting outlook on suffering with, and fighting off, depression. Some detailed images.
February 2, 2020
3.5 stars
June 23, 2020
This book is so beautiful and powerful
'Night skills: holding fast to nothing in the knowledge that nothing will last forever'
'Night skills: holding fast to nothing in the knowledge that nothing will last forever'
February 15, 2020
I definitely recommend this. It's an illustrated look at what it can be like to live with depression. It's something that those of us suffering from depression can relate to and maybe it's something for those who know someone with depression to give them an idea of what it's like. The main character is illustrated in such a way that she looks both younger and older and I think this book could be useful for younger readers who are struggling to express or understand how they feel, as well as for adults. It won't take much time to read the 30 pages and I think it's well worth it.
September 23, 2020
Absolutely beautiful.
Just read it. If you have depression, know someone who has depression, or just want to understand depression a little bit more, read it!
Just read it. If you have depression, know someone who has depression, or just want to understand depression a little bit more, read it!
October 20, 2020
A powerful explanation of how it feels to have depression. The pictures tell the stories that words struggle to.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews