Waking Ben Doldrums

by Heather Smith, Byron Eggenschwiler (Illustrator)

“Ben Doldrums, are you sad? Are you mad? Are you confused?"

Frida Bellows lives in a big house made up of four apartments. Every morning, she gets on her father’s shoulders and taps on the ceiling with a broomstick. This wakes her neighbor, a student named Ben Doldrums who knocks on the wall to wake the Mercredis, who in turn knock on the floor to wake the Reynolds. Frida likes this morning tradition. It makes her feel like she’s part of something big. Things change, however, when Ben stops getting out of bed to wake the Mercredis, which throws off the whole routine. Frida notices that Ben Doldrums is not himself and she wants to help. But how?

Waking Ben Doldrums is a story of community, compassion and hope. It is a reminder that, while we can’t always fix another person’s problems, a simple act of kindness can go a long way.

Genres: Picture Books, Mental Health

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 14, 2023

About the author

Originally from Newfoundland, Heather Smith now lives in Waterloo, Ontario, with her husband and three children. Her Newfoundland roots inspire much of her writing.

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting book. It tells the story of four apartments in one building, with a little girl who lives below a university student. The tenants of the apartment share a tradition where they wake each other up in turns in the morning. When Frieda, the girl, tries to wake Ben one day with a broomstick against his floor, she doesn't hear him get up. The other families all work together to help Ben once they realize he is depressed and struggling to get up. I love the concept, and the idea that even if someone is depressed and struggling to get out of bed, they are a part of something. The waking each other up and the focus on creating all of these secondary characters in a picture book was a little unusual and might lose some readers, but in general I think that the story was well written. I think I would recommend this book to families of children in the age 6-10 range who might benefit from some stories about mental health and depression. I am not sure I could see it in my grade 3 classroom library, but perhaps resource teachers or guidance counsellors could find a good fit for it when working with younger students. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!

[Kay S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

While a touch over long for a picture book, I really like the story. It tackles depression really nicely in a way kids can understand and grapple with while seeing a community gather around a person suffering with mental health issues. Kids get to see the characters grapple with trying to understand what's going on and trying various things that just don't work. The end, with someone providing a tool to help Ben take part in his community instead of ignoring him is extraordinarily touching.

[Bri Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually review picture books on here, but this one made such an impression. A beautifully written and illustrated story about community, mental health, finding acceptance, and meeting people where they are. Big fat tears shed at the end!

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful depiction of community care and how the most helpful thing to offer someone in the doldrums is often a simple accommodation.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was pretty warming for my frosty little (depressed) heart.