Happy Book Birthday, When I Feel Lonely by Britta Teckentrup!

It's time to shoutout another book birthday! YAY! 

This one is a picture book with poetic flair and should cover the theme of loneliness. I was taken in by the lovely artwork on the cover and hope that this carries throughout the read. As my readers know, I'm very careful about picture books, which carry distinct messages surrounding children's emotions, mindfulness, and other such issues. So, I'll tend to be very critical when I pick this type of read up. But this one is giving me lovely vibes.

Find a comfortable spot because it's time to see what these pages hold!

WHEN I FEEL LONELY

by Britta Teckentrup

Prestel Junior

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

With luminous, evocative illustrations and rhymed texts, this book gently explores the feeling of loneliness through the perspective of a young girl.

In a world where many children, and adults, are grappling with such intense emotions, When I Feel Lonely provides a calm, compassionate and understanding voice, helping young readers to recognize and name their feelings.

This newest book about emotions from a beloved author and illustrator is a powerful and timely exploration of childhood loneliness.

• It acknowledges that, while feeling alone is natural and something everyone experiences, it also conveys how unsettling and scary the sensation can be.

• In her characteristically sensitive style, Teckentrup explores the quiet moments when the world seems distant and we are left grappling with the heavy silence that surrounds us.
• The narrative doesn’t shy away from the intensity of these emotions, instead offering an honest portrayal of how loneliness can feel like an all-encompassing shadow.

The book reassures children that while loneliness can be sad and difficult, it is a part of life that everyone experiences. And best of all it offers a glimmer of hope, showing that even in the darkest moments, there is the possibility of light and connection ahead.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON      /      PRESTEL

MY TIDBITS

With beauty and grace, these pages explore the heaviness of feeling lonely, while leading into hinting scenes of hope.

This is a gorgeously illustrated book with scenes, which pack emotion and depth. The dreary forest creates a meaningful setting for a child, who feels alone in life. Every corner echoes these sentiments, and yet, there's a wolf. The beautifully eerie wolf approaches and becomes a companion, and this dances along a double-meaning...at least, it hit me that way. One, the wolf acted as loneliness, a constant companion which was there but the child still felt alone. Or it might have been a leading sense of companionship to highlight that the child was never really alone, although it never realized it. Even at the end, the sense of loneliness and dreary atmosphere holds despite the nods at hope. It creates a meaningful read, which hits home.

The text is poetic and accompanies the mood to add a familiar tone, which readers/listeners can see examples in their own lives. The text captures and adds a dreamy touch. The impact of this, obviously, will depend on the child, but sensitive ones will enjoy it, and the older readers (adults) can enjoy every moment and bring it into their own lives as well. 

As with all books which hit upon these heavier emotions, it is wise for adults to read through it themselves first, especially when fragile listeners are involved. This book does carry a dark tone as it expresses the isolation, and the ending isn't clear happiness. Rather, the last pages hug irony and point to the stepping-stone to a way out. 

This book is very impactful and beautiful, and for the right reader, leaves a lasting and meaningful impression.

And here she is...

Born in Hamburg, Britta Teckentrup studied art and illustration at Central Saint Martin's College of Art and Design and the Royal College of Art in London. She is an author and illustrator of numerous books and has received many awards. She lives in Berlin with her Scottish husband and her son Vincent. Her books have been translated into several languages.