Happy Pants (Heather Gallagher, illus by Liz McGrath, Wombat Books)

Perinatal depression is a widespread problem experienced by parents of new babies. In Australia, it affects one in seven new mothers and one in ten new fathers. I approached this book with some trepidation, as it looked like it might be a book with a message that would dominate the pages. However, I found this story moving and enlightening in the simple but effective way it deals with this particular family’s experience of this problem. The little boy at the heart of this story enjoys fun times with his mother, especially when she wears her ‘happy pants’. So he is surprised when she comes home from hospital with the new baby and sleeps all day and cries a lot. This story, which is for four- to eight-year-olds, is told on a child’s level and is full of love and kindness, especially when it comes to the boy’s father, who gives perceptive, patient and sympathetic responses to his perplexed questions. The book’s message is ultimately one of hope, togetherness and prevailing love. The illustrations highlight the loving family, their happy and sad times, and how they stick together through this trying time in their lives. Useful information about obtaining support is also included on the last page.

Margaret Hamilton is a former children’s book publisher. She now runs Pinerolo, the Children’s Book Cottage in Blackheath

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

Category: Reviews