This is the story of Rupert who discovers that the mean, pesky voice in his head which is making him feel awful, belongs to a big black dog who represents his anxiety and depression. His journey learning to recognize, acknowledge and then to manage these is full of challenges with his sneaky, tricky and sometimes silly black dog. Rupert learns that he has more support than he first realizes, even though he feels completely alone, and that having a black dog does not mean that he is a freak, that he is weak or pathetic. With the help of a clever toolbox, his friends and family, Rupert learns to shrink his big black dog and to manage it each time that pesky dog starts to grow. Suddenly Rupert has a wonderful gift to share with others and encourage the conversations that we should all be having.
Rupert’s black dog is a story book about anxiety and depression, but the way it expresses the concept, makes it easy to understand to a young audience, but the more it is read, the more deep and meaningful it becomes. I would definitely recommend this book to those of all ages who are suffering from mental illness, or those who want to be more aware on topic, to enable them to support those they love.
Reeve, aged 13 years
It’s really good. I think it describes anxiety and depression so well for children. I love the coping tools you have used in the story. I think this story will help many children. I definitely think that tween age (10+) need something like this to relate to.
Nikita Weir
I loved it. You so perfectly put very adult ideas into words a child can understand. I wish I had read something like it when I was younger. So important to learn to manage these things, I am sure your book will help so many kids. . . . I love how he starts to help others at the end too, such a positive message.
Zoe Fitzpatrick