Kite Day Review: A Heartfelt Picture Book About Living with a Parent’s Mood Disorder

 

"I don't ask if today is a kite day.. Mamuś's smile is hidden, a seed buried waiting to bloom again.." 

Kite Day by Lisa Varchol Perron is a cozy yet powerful picture book that offers young readers an honest and hopeful look at living with a parent who struggles with mood disorder. It’s the kind of story that handles a complex topic with care, empathy, and a lot of heart. 

The story follows a young boy as he navigates the emotional ups and downs of life with his mother. Some days are bright and joyful, while others feel heavy and confusing. Instead of explaining everything directly, Perron uses the simple act of flying a kite as a beautiful metaphor for these emotional highs and lows. Just like a kite rising in a good day and falling in the bad day, the family experiences moments of difficulty as well as moments of hope. 

The lyrical writing makes the story feel sweet but also reflective, allowing young readers to understand big emotions without feeling overwhelmed. The watercolor illustrations by Siski Kalla add even more emotional depth. They are expressive, soft, and full of feeling, perfectly capturing the atmosphere of each moment in the story. 

One particularly touching scene shows the boy and his mother repairing a torn kite together. As the kite is carefully stitched back together, the illustrations mirror the healing happening in their lives. The mother begins to share her feelings with others, reconnect with daily routines, practice yoga, and accept support from people around her. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder that healing often happens step by step. 

What makes Kite Day especially meaningful is how much compassion it shows for both the child and the parent. The story acknowledges the difficult moments that can come with mental health struggles, but it also highlights love, resilience, and the importance of support. 

The book also includes an author’s note and helpful back matter that explain mood disorders in language children can understand. These sections make the book not only a moving story but also a valuable resource for families and educators who want to start conversations about mental health. 

Overall, Kite Day is a beautifully written and thoughtfully illustrated picture book. It’s an important social and emotional learning (SEL) story that can help children understand complicated feelings, especially if someone they love is facing mental health challenges. More than anything, it reminds readers that even during life’s difficult moments, hope and connection can help us find our balance again. 

Thank you to Moon + Bird Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book.