My Daddy's Shadow by Riley M. Rodgers - Ethicool Kid's Books

Every now and then, a children's book comes along that changes everything. This is that book.

An adorable and heartfelt picture book about our darkest shadow, depression, told gently, endearingly, and with touching warmth.

Outside, the world is bursting with colour, light and wonder. But inside the house, Daddy has a big secret. A dark shadow is following him around, and it just won't leave him alone.

From the park to the breakfast table, Daddy's shadow continues to threaten and overwhelm him. Jokes aren't funny to him anymore. He won't come out to play. His sunshine has been stolen, and there's no telling when it will come back - that is until a particularly driven daughter shines her brightest lights into the dark.

Effortless and enchanting poetry, combined with otherworldly watercolour illustrations, this powerful and uplifting book is for anyone who has ever been overcome by sadness or witnessed the dark shadow of depression take hold.

Above all, though, it's for those who know that love and support can make all the difference.

Why do we need a kids' book about depression?

One in four adults will experience mental illness at some point in their lives. Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, but also one of the most misunderstood - and often, invisible.

For children, depression can be confusing, sad and a little frightening. Children often (mistakenly) believe that they are the cause of their parent, grandparent or carer's sadness. This beautiful book shines a light on the illness that affects so many of us, and helps little ones understand it in a way that is meaningful and accessible to them.

• Recommended ages: for 0 - 6yrs old
• Author: Riley M. Rodgers
• Illustrator: Sid Meireles
• Size: 11" x 8.5" landscape (27.5 x 21cm)
• Cover: heavy softcover (300GSM)
• Pages: medium inside pages (200GSM)

An excerpt from the story

My world is bursting with so much colour, I look outside and see so much wonder.

But when I look inside, something isn't right, my daddy's world lacks colour, it isn't quite so bright.

There's this big, dark shadow that follows his around. It doesn't talk or laugh, It doesn't make a sound.

There was a time when there was no shadow in our home, but now I wonder if it will ever leave poor Dad alone.

Most Ethicool Books are designed for ages 0 - 6 years old, but are frequently read by much older children, too.

All our stories average 500-750 words in length.

About the Company

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Hey world! We're Ethicool.

We create remarkable children's books about the world’s big issues, inspiring kids to create positive change.

Why the big issues? Well, because our little ones are ready. They get it. They're perceptive, intelligent and capable; they're ready to grow up and make the world a better place. They have the answers, the solutions, and the motivation to not only fulfill their own dreams, but to make our planet more equitable and sustainable.

And we have the stories to get them started.

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Creating a better world is an important mission, so we partner with the world's most talented authors and illustrators to create books that are not just meaningful, but truly BEAUTIFUL to read and stunning to look at.

The potential of little ones

Ethicool was founded in 2020 by Australian husband and wife team, Teigan Margetts and Stuart French.

When tucking their two young sons into bed every night, they would often invent stories about the world's big issues, with their little ones playing the starring role of saving the day.

They quickly realised that their children not only understood the issues, but wanted to do more about them.

Wanting to teach their sons more, Teigan and Stu turned to children's books. But, as they browsed through the hundreds of books they owned, they couldn't find a single one that inspired great change.

And so, Ethicool was born: a children's book company that helps little ones change the world.

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Creating books usually requires cutting down even more trees.

But not ours! Ethicool’s books are printed using recycled or sustainably-sourced papers, as well as soy-based inks.

Our books have been extensively tested for durability by the most unforgiving testers (toddlers!), so you won't be looking to throw them away after a few weeks' reading.

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Ethicool Books is immensely proud to be a partner of 1% for the Planet!

1% for the Planet members have given back more than $US265 million to the environment, simply by donating 1% of their revenue every single year, regardless of whether they've made a profit.

It's an incredibly simple model, but one of immense value - financially, environmentally, and culturally.

It means we're actively invested in living our beliefs and contributing to a cause that is passionate about solving the right problems, and on a global scale.