When a Friend Needs a Friend

Reach for this book when your child seems to be under a gray cloud and is pulling away from social interaction. It is specifically designed for those moments when a child feels a heavy sense of sadness but cannot quite explain why, or when they feel pressured to 'cheer up' before they are ready. The story follows Oskar, who is feeling low, and his friend Aya, who tries various ways to help him feel better. Through gentle prose and evocative illustrations, the book validates the need for space and quiet reflection. It teaches parents and children alike that sometimes the best way to support a friend is not by 'fixing' their mood, but by simply being present and waiting for the sun to come out again. It is a beautiful tool for normalizing the ebb and flow of emotions in children aged 3 to 7.