What do you do when you feel like a puzzle piece stuck in the wrong box, when you feel like you don’t fit in anywhere anymore?
The signs of depression were becoming more and more apparent; a shadow followed her. And one morning, for no apparent reason, the tears just started flowing and wouldn’t stop. There were a mother’s hands to stroke the hair she no longer had the courage to wash, a brother who found the words to ease her pain, a psychologist to help her dispel the clouds. And despite all the distress, there remained the hope that joy would return. But first, she had to heal, to mend herself. Much like kintsugi, that ancient Japanese tradition of repairing broken objects with gold. It takes time and patience to piece back together the broken parts of oneself.
A delicate picture book that captures what depression—and then healing—looks like in everyday life.
From 12 years old
Finalist - 2026 Espiègle Award (12-17 years old)
