When the Sky Feels Heavy by Luciana Valbuena, illustrations by Catalina Bobadilla

When the Sky Feels Heavy is a picture book with a difference. It’s a book for all the family, and it deals with mothers who are experiencing emotionally heavy days, providing understanding for children and comfort for mums. The story follows a mother fighting a hidden enemy, a shadow lurking in her mind.

This is a very personal book for the author Luciana Valbuena, who experienced postpartum depression, and she found that to be more complex than she could have imagined. But Luciana has taken this challenging experience and created a book that is a beautiful story that will create a safe space for families to have honest conversations about maternal mental health, in a way that is child-friendly, but also supportive of mothers.

There is a dreamy quality to the illustrations in this beautiful picture book, which is written just as much for mothers as their children.

The book offers encouragement and comfort to mums who might be battling with post-natal depression, or just some down days. It acknowledges the challenges and reminds them they are not alone.

When the Sky Feels Heavy is a special book, written with a great deal of care that will spark meaningful discussions with children at home.

Reviewer: Karen McMillan

PaperWave Publishing