Why Do We Cry?

Mario’s mother continues to explain examples of why one might cry, including, for example, loneliness, pain, or challenges one must overcome. Eventually, she explains that there doesn’t always need to be a reason and that’s okay, and sometimes the reason for crying is actually from happiness. While some of the reasons may be a bit metaphorical for children, they’ll nevertheless resonate with adults and will create helpful discussion points. The beautiful full-spread illustrations feature whimsical animals and creatures and focus on a different colour scheme for each reason that is discussed. The illustrations are easily the highlight of the book and make the poetic words transcend into something meaningful. Like the text, some of the illustrations are rather metaphorical, and it is not immediately clear what they represent, but, again, they will help create interesting discussion around their meaning.

This picture book is so important right now with today’s children. As mental health issues rise, more and more parents are coming into libraries looking for books that talk about feelings, and Why Do We Cry? is an excellent book to recommend. What is perhaps my favourite aspect of the book is that it features a male child asking about crying. The helpful answers his mother gives him trample the stigma surrounding males and crying and reinforce the message that it is okay for everyone to cry.