The Sad Book

The Sad Book is a funny and heartfelt picture book that gives sadness a voice—and helps children see that sad feelings don’t last forever.

Everyone feels sad sometimes—even this book! The Sad Book speaks directly to the reader, at first moody and uncooperative, then slowly opening up about its feelings.

With humor, honesty, and gentle vulnerability, the book itself becomes the main character, guiding children to recognize sadness, breathe through it, and discover small ways to feel better—like sharing, drawing, or helping a friend.

Howard Pearlstein’s witty, compassionate text, paired with James Munro’s bold, expressive illustrations, makes for an interactive and reassuring reading experience. By giving sadness a voice, The Sad Book helps children understand that sad feelings are natural, don’t last forever, and can even lead to moments of connection and care.

Perfect for reading aloud at home, in classrooms, or in counseling sessions, this is an engaging companion to The Shy Book and The Worried Book in the acclaimed Emotions book series.