Sad Sushi

Description

Explore the complex realm of depression and sadness through stunning illustrations that will touch your heart. Providing parents and children the words, wisdom and courage to navigate big emotions. This beautifully crafted tale is not just for children but a precious resource for everyone, helping them equip their little ones to face life's challenges with empathy, self awareness, and the power to seek help.A stunningly illustrated book about depression for children, and adults alike. Through the eyes of the imaginary character Sad Sushi. A realistic, yet light hearted tale of what depression may feel like, it's affects on life, and moving through it. Mental illness can impact anyone, at any age. This story gives children and adults alike an outlet for understanding big feelings and events in their lives, the words to describe what depression and anxiety may feel like, and how it may feel inside themselves.For parents wanting to equip their children to face the real world, this is a story that describes what it may feel like for someone experiencing depression, sadness, anxiety, shut down, social withdrawal, and difficulty asking for help.

Awards

Finalist in the Russell Clarke Award for Illustration Category, New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults 2025    

Reviews

"Sad Sushi is a powerful yet accessible exploration of the experience of depression, with illustrations that convey complicated emotions and mood shifts in a way that young readers might otherwise struggle to identify or understand. Complex, dreamy and at times almost ukiyo-e-like in its composition, this is a beautifully crafted picture book." - New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults

 

"Sad Sushi is a heartwarming story about a little sushi discovering its happiness. The beautiful illustrations brings the story to life. The book encourage readers that it's okay to seek help when they feel sad. A delightful and meaningful read for all ages" - Rachel

 

"An absolutely gorgeous book that discusses mental health in an easily accessible way. Highly recommend." - Caroline

 

"Such a lovely illustrated book, the colours and paintings are so beautiful. Love the story and all that it represents, very meaningful. I will treasure this book" - Mae

 

"Lovely story and beautifully illustrated. It's a wonderful book." - Maxine

Author description

Anna is from Aotearoa New Zealand and has been drawing, painting, and creating all her life.

Attending one of the top Fine Arts Universities in Aotearoa but unknowingly suffered from and left the university.

After that experience she spent nearly 9 years never picking up a pencil or brush. After years of chronic illness that had been ignored by doctors, and a lack of support or understanding for mental health. She had reached a point of often being unable to speak. It was then that Anna painted Sad Sushi, it was a way to communicate when there were no words and from that moment life slowly took on a different trajectory.

Since then, Anna has painted murals internationally, had illustrations and designs used on products sent around the world, and continued to create just for herself. The Sad Sushi illustrated book was created over 4 years, each illustration. It was never for commercial gain, there was no deadline to produce this artwork as a product.

In Anna's eyes the Sad Sushi illustrated book is not only a children's book. It is a collection of important art that communicates deep emotions in an approachable and comforting way.