Ayer Children's Books Featuring Mental Health Awareness

Niko loves to draw his world: the ring-a-ling of the ice cream truck, the warmth of sun on his face. But no one appreciates his art. Until one day, Niko meets Iris . . . This imaginative and tender story explores the creative process, abstract art, friendship, and the universal desire to feel understood.

Full-page illustrations and simple text portray an emotion for every letter of the alphabet.

"When Mario asks his mother why we cry, her answer comes in sweet imagery. She speaks of grey storm clouds, locked boxes and a vast ocean. She explains that we cry for many reasons -- sometimes cry because we're sad. Other times we cry because we're lonely. Often we cry because we're frustrated. And through all these emotions, our tears can calm us, heal us and help us grow. Vivid illustrations and lyrical prose combine perfectly in this sensitive,...

"Meet a boy with a heart so big, his feelings glow from his cheeks, spill out of his eyes, and jump up and down on his chest. What good is this giant heart?"-- Provided by publisher.

"Maggie Edkins Willis's Smaller Sister is a debut middle grade graphic novel about body image, confidence, and the everlasting bond of sisterhood. Lucy's always looked up to her big sister, Olivia, even though the two are polar opposites. But then, Lucy notices Olivia start to change. She doesn't want to play with Lucy anymore, she's unhappy with the way she looks, and she's refusing to eat her dinner. Finally, Lucy discovers that her sister is not...

Moon is convinced that they do not belong to this world: that most of the time they are invisible (unless they stay still too long), that they belong to the stars, and wants to go back to them--they live entirely in their imagination with an imaginary spirit guide who can appear in any shape and refuses to speak to anyone, lest their words tie them to a world they rejects.

"A girl with social anxiety becomes the secret voice of the advice column in her middle school newspaper"-- Provided by publisher.

Llewellyn, a little rabbit overwhelmed by his emotions, hides away his feelings in glass jars, until he discovers life is more colorful when he sets his emotions free.

"Coen is having a sniffling, sighing, sobbing kind of day. His family thinks they know how to cheer him up. His dad wants to go outside and play, Mom tells her funniest joke, and his little sister shares her favorite teddy. Nothing helps. But one by one, they get quiet and begin to listen. After some time, space, and reassurance, Coen is able to show them what he needs"-- Provided by publisher

Brock is worried about going to his friend's superhero birthday party alone, but while he is hiding he meets Nelly, who is just as frightened as he is.