Tears

We all hurt, and, when we hurt, we cry. Crying is a perfectly normal response to a variety of situations. However, many times when children cry, they are told not to cry. Sibylle Delacroix's book Cry normalizes this natural response by showing readers that everyone cries.

Everyone cries. Little kids. Big kids. Once in a while, grown-ups cry, and crocodiles, with their thick, scaly skin, cry too.

She further highlights the different types of tears and shows that crying is an acceptable way to release what you are feeling inside.

Some tears are quiet and slow.
Some tears are so hot.
..some tears are silent.

The pencil drawings with pops of turquoise to highlight different types of tears complement the story perfectly. Some pages have just a few drops of tears while other pages are drowning in tears. Highlighting just the tears in colour helps children visualize different types and amounts of crying. There is also an image of a child finding the arms of a trusted adult to find assistance when crying becomes difficult. Including this image is important as it normalizes seeking help.

Given the uncertain times in which we are living and the variety of emotions people are feeling right now, Tears is a timely book that can help children see that it's acceptable to cry. This book is important for children and adults alike.