Sam's Sadness Slips Out

A new picture book about sadness, coping, and hope

Follow Sam as he moves through a day colored by sadness. Sam finds that bits of his sadness slip away during parts of his day, helping him to imagine a future with less sorrow. He is still sad as the book closes, but he is able to hear that he is loved and that his feelings are accepted during times of sadness and times of healing.

For those seeking to support a child through sorrow or grief (including parents, caregivers, friends, therapists, counselors, or teachers), this beautifully illustrated picture book authored by a pediatrician is an excellent addition to any social-emotional learning bookshelf. The source of Sam’s sadness is not stated, and his sadness is not resolved at the end of the story, making this a good option for meeting children where they are in their own experience of sadness and healing.

In classroom settings, Sam’s Sadness Slips Out can also open up conversation about how sadness feels in our bodies, how sorrow can wax and wane, and how to support each other through difficult times.