Sometimes Stormy by Amanda Davis

 

The first thing that struck me about this children's book is the cover. A difficult and complicated topic like alcoholism and how children are often the ones who take the brunt of it.

Then of course, came the dedication. I cannot imagine what it would have been for the author to have lived with a parent who struggled with alcohol usage, leading to depression. Amanda Davis comes across to me as a kind, loving and understanding person; and that is what is needed the most in this world where people are beginning to live in silos or with a don't care attitude.

This is a cute book for really young children who witness alc*h*lism on a regular basis. What I like about such books is that it normalizes that "storms" enter people's homes and going to a counsellor or talking to a trusting adult would be a good idea. In some countries, we are worried about what will people say or think or whatever. But, do we realize, we have bigger problems to solve than sit and worry what our neighbours think of a situation?

These are good books to introduce to your child and make them aware that life is not exactly hunky dory and that every once in a while a storm comes by and takes away all the peace. "But remember, the storm will pass. You are strong. You are resilient. You are loved."