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Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite
Tom Shark’s life seemed perfect from the outside, yet he was constantly battling negative emotions. He struggled to maintain a veneer of toughness while feeling dejected inside. Doctor Octopus correctly diagnosed his condition as depression and implored him to open up, but Tom was reluctant to share his troubles with others. Engulfed in his daily depressed feelings, Tom finally chose to swim away. How would his friends and family cope with his loss? Is it possible to conquer mental illness? Find out in Tom Shark: Oceans of Emotions by Teighan Laino.
The book left a lasting impact on me due to its profound message. When we talk about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we often concentrate on physical health and choose to ignore mental issues. This can be especially worrisome in young children as they are often unsure how to process negative emotions or freely express them. The book teaches us the importance of never suppressing emotions and letting them consume us from the inside. Teighan Laino guides us in the process of reaching out and communicating freely. Conquering depression is not an overnight process, nor is it solely about having good self-care habits or acting tough. Laino urges us to talk with professional therapists and find support groups if necessary since the battle against depression demands a concerted effort. The beautiful illustrations by Alejandra López feature underwater life rich in biodiversity and deserve special mention. Her use of darker colors when highlighting Tom’s gloomy feelings drives home the message. I loved the list of questions Laino included to determine a child’s mental health condition. The positive affirmations and detailed discussions of the happy hormones were helpful. I would urge everyone to read Tom Shark.
