In the Blue

An emotional and tender award-winning picture book that accessibly explores depression within a family, through the use of color.

I've always been my dad's little sunspot.
But one day, his world was no longer bright and yellow--it was a deep, dark blue.

As one father embarks on an emotional journey, his daughter will navigate life lived in and around his depression. Most days the sun won't be able to peek through the clouds. But with each new wave of change, love will always bond them together.

This poignant and important story, with its use of color to indicate the ups and downs of one family's emotions, is an accessible way to discuss mental illness with young readers.

Author: Erin Hourigan
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 05/03/2022
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.8lbs
Size: 8.80h x 9.10w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780316497626
Audience: Baby-Preschool

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 2.1
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 518705 / In the Blue


Award: Schneider Family Book Award - Honor Book


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 02/01/2022
Booklist 04/15/2022 pg. 49
School Library Journal 06/03/2022 pg. 1

About the Author

Erin Hourigan is the author-illustrator of the Schneider Family Book Award Honor winner In the Blue. In high school, Erin first learned of her dad's clinical depression. As she grew up and embarked on her own emotional journey, she wanted to make a book that could spark conversations in families who may not always talk about such big emotions. She lives in Portland, Oregon. Erin invites you to visit her at erinhourigan.com or follow her on Instagram @erinnicholeart.