'The Blue Day Book Illustrated Edition: A Lesson in Cheering Yourself Up' by Bradley Trevor Greive was originally published about 20 years ago and now has new illustrations by Claire Keane.

Everyone has bad days, and this book takes the reader on a journey through the different things we do when we are sad. It also offers comfort that better days are ahead. The new illustrations tell the story through the eyes of a large blue elephant.

This book offers pretty simple, but true advice. Certainly there are situations in life that can be pretty dire, but one's perspective can help a person get through them. I never read the older book, but the addition of illustrations can't help but improve the focus of the story.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review ebook.

This book uses visuals and short, descriptive writing to show what being sad looks like. It then uses the same format to show how we can rise/grow from our sadness. I think this is a powerful book for anyone struggling with sadness in their lives and/or for someone who needs a friendly reminder that being sad is a part of life, but you can overcome it.

For many years I kept a stack of the original Blue Day Book and it's sister volumes in my office. As primary manager of more than 100 associates, there was always someone having a blue day. Never once did the book fail to lift the spirits of the recipient. It's too bad I'm retired now. This illustrated version would be greatly appreciated by all. A great gift, whether for someone who is having a rough day, or simply for yourself, you will be glad you read this book.

When I was reading this book I was going through a hard time. The book made me cry. It is innocent in some ways. Strongly suggest to read it. A little pick me up which in these times is needed.

I am in love with this book! Beautifully illustrated and explains bad days and emotions so very well. I will return to this book time and time again. I wish everyone on the planet would read this book!

This illustrated edition of The Blue Day Book was a bit of a strange read for me. I have a well-worn copy of the original book that I pull out a couple of times a year (or as needed). Being so familiar with the material, I was excited to read this version, but I don't find this edition to be as universal as the original.

In this version of the book, all of the phrases are the same as the original, but we follow an elephant who is a bit down on his luck and bemoaning his lot in life. Elephant is a musician and things just are not going right for him.

For me the musical aspect didn't resonate, and I prefer the silly antics of the animals in the photos in the original version. That said, I suspect I'm weird and most people will find the elephant endearing. But I also think this will appeal most to those who are a little more musical than I am.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing me with a DRC of this book.

This is an illustrated book for adults. It recognizes that everyone has a bad day at one time or another. It encourages us to reassess what is bringing us down, take a positive attitude and try to do something that brings you joy.

This is a good book for someone who is struggling with a sad day. However, I would hesitate to give this book to a teen or child. I am uncomfortable with the phrase, “. and you feel like shouting ‘Will someone please shoot me?’’ I would also not feel right about giving it to someone who suffers from depression. It could appear that you are making fun of something that is very real to them.

That said, it the right circumstance, I believe this book is nice. Keep it around for when you are having a bad day to remind yourself that everyone has an off day and that you will get through it.


I received an ARC from Andrews McMeel Publishing through NetGalley in exchange

I received a copy of this arc from NetGalley for an honest review. I remember when the first Blue Day book came out and still have my own copy so I was interested in reading this new one as well. This is similar to the first books but instead, it's an illustrated version.

I really appreciated the introduction to this illustrated edition. I gained some insight into how ‘The Blue Day Book’ came to be in the first place and learned some of the journey of its creator in the years since its publication. I understood why there was one central elephant rather than a zoo of creatures telling the visual story.

No one is immune from painful life experiences. This book acknowledges those and then makes a point about perspective. The author notes in the introduction “but when I really took stock of my life I realized it actually wasn’t that bad”. While I’m a fan of looking at your circumstances from different perspectives and trying to make the best out of bad situations, there are things in life that really are that bad and all the perspective in the world won’t change that.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks NetGalley!

This book was originally published 19 years ago and is being republished with new illustrations. This classic a great read .

The Blue Day Book was published nineteen years ago and is now being republished with illustrations. While I never heard of the book before, I can readily see how it could easily become a classic that is loved around the world. The text completely and accurately captures the feelings of depression. The elephant’s expressions and situations are a great complement to the words on the page. In the beginning, the book made me feel sad but by the end, I was happy and satisfied. It is amazing how a few words and pictures can make us feel so much — in fact, it is a testament to the author’s skill vis-a-vis the quality of the words chosen and to the power of the pictures to evoke such an emotional response.

The Blue Day Book Illustrated Edition is perfect if you’re feeling down or to give as a gift to someone you know that is going through a rough patch in their life. I guarantee you that you won’t feel down after reading this book!

Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book isn't what I was expecting from the beautiful illustration on the cover; I was expecting something more aimed at children, though obviously beautiful children's books can still be enjoyed many times over by all ages. Instead, this book is more geared for an adult audience. Its gorgeous illustrations, satin words, and deep thought about bad days and how outlook can affect them, and how there is always hope, make for a joyous read (even on those blue days).

As a HUGE fan of the original Blue Day Book, I was so pleased to see they made an illustrated version. I simply couldn't wait to get my hands on it, and as always, Bradley Taylor Greive did not disappoint. I love the adorable elephant, and the illustrations were done beautifully. I feel like this illustrated version may resonate with younger children more than the original version, although personally I prefer the first edition more. Anything by Bradley Taylor Greive gets an automatic recommendation for me!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I truly appreciate it!

A book of two halves here, as I really did like the new graphic form, and the narrative of a sad-sack elephant getting a positive mental attitude through the love of a nice woman. As for the rest, well – I'd never heard of the author, I'd never heard of the original book, and I really don't think it's that special, being a series of trite platitudes (the one about living each day as if it's the last the most serious offender). Also, in focussing on romance as something to hold out for, I would never have benefited from that philosophy at any point in my past low moods, so I can see many people for whom this just would plain not work. Three stars, and they're pretty much all down to the visual narrative.

Does a great job at describing feelings and depression, and is an overall pretty good book however the suicidal mentions were a tad unexpected.

The Blue Day Book is so awesome! The artistry is great, the story resonates, and the advice is wonderful! A must-have for kids and adults alike!

The Blue Day book is truly lovely. It’s sweet, inspiring and a great book to have on your shelf when life is less than optimal. It’s a reminder of better times past and the hope of better things to come. Buy s copy for yourself and lots more as gifts for those you love.

I was fortunate to receive a complimentary digital copy of this book (through NetGalley) in return for an honest review.

Unfortunately this book showed up blank for me when I downloaded it, so I am unable to read and review it.if this error gets fixed I'd be happy to review it.

Greive really understands to deep dark hole of despair and uses charm, wit and lightheartedness to show people ways to overcome the challenges one small action at a time. The illustrations were excellent.

I was so excited about this one for a couple of reasons. Obviously the cover was a big one because it’s gorgeous! I loved the elephant and wanted to give it a massive hug; I couldn’t wait to see the rest of the illustrations. Then there was the fact that ‘The Blue Day Book’ and I have history. After much thought I deleted three rambling paragraphs outlining my history with the original. You’re welcome!

Let’s just say I had high expectations for this new edition and it guts me to say that I’m disappointed. The text from the original book seems to be intact but there are also additions; when I read the original I didn’t think it was broken and I still prefer it. Because I loved the cover illustration of this edition so much I assumed I’d fall in love with every illustration but that wasn’t the case.

I really appreciated the introduction to this illustrated edition. I gained some insight into how ‘The Blue Day Book’ came to be in the first place and learned some of the journey of its creator in the years since its publication. I understood why there was one central elephant rather than a zoo of creatures telling the visual story.

No one is immune from painful life experiences. This book acknowledges those and then makes a point about perspective. The author notes in the introduction “but when I really took stock of my life I realized it actually wasn’t that bad”. While I’m a fan of looking at your circumstances from different perspectives and trying to make the best out of bad situations, there are things in life that really are that bad and all the perspective in the world won’t change that.

Twenty years ago I probably would have flung the original book at anyone who had pretty much any crappy life event but I’d be hesitant to do the same now as I know the impact platitudes can have when you’re not in a good place.

My favourite quote is from the introduction, which reads in part “so often it’s the little things that matter most. It’s the endless little setbacks that finally break us, the fleeting gestures of kindness and moments of levity that lift our spirits, and the small personal victories that spur us on to far greater endeavors.”

While I’d happily share the photographs in the original book with kids, I wouldn’t put the illustrated edition in their hands. My sensitivity may be showing here but I really didn’t like the wording and illustrations that accompanied the pages that allude to suicide. I also wasn’t a fan of the drunk elephant with bloodshot eyes that’s trashed the bar and don’t get me started on the “pathetic, sniveling victim” page.

I spent more than half of this book glad I wasn’t reading it when I was having a bad day. Then when the positivity began to trickle in it started with becoming rich and famous before announcing that “best of all, there’s romance.” Thankfully it moved on to positives I can get behind like getting outside and going for a walk but by then the book had lost me. I really hope I’m an exception and look forward to reading reviews written by people who adore this edition.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. I’m rounding up from 2.5 stars.