BOOK REVIEWS

(Source: http://www.copmi.net.au/common/book_reviews.html )

Darcy Daisy and the Firefly Festival: Learning about Bipolar Disorder and Community
Lewandowski, L. and Trost, S.M.B.
First Page Publications, Michigan, USA
Year: 2005

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Review by: Julie Proctor, Information and Resources Officer
Mental health promotion and Prevention Unit
Greater Western Area Health Service, Orange NSW

In the Merrygrove School grounds, rumours and gossip abound! It seems that Ms. Zinnia has contracted a dreadful illness called buy-poles disease that is highly contagious and, as a result, she won't be able to organise the annual Firefly Festival. Whatever shall they do?

In this book, we follow the adventures of Darcy Daisy and her friends. Darcy is confused as she hears differing stories about Ms. Zinnia from her school friends and people gossipping in town. Darcy sees Ms. Zinnia talking fast, raising her voice, tapping her toe and waving her arms about. Darcy is worried about Ms. Zinnia and whether the magical Firefly Festival will come to fruition.

Darcy turns to her mother for answers regarding Ms. Zinnia and her illness. Fortunately, Darcy's mother has been talking to Ms. Zinnia about her Bipolar Disorder, and she is able to answer Darcy's questions in a matter-of-fact way. Darcy and her mother sort out the truth from myth and decide that the best way to help Ms. Zinnia is by being nice to her and accepting her.

Darcy rallies her friends and fellow Merrygrovers to support Ms. Zinnia in organising the Firefly Festival. Darcy and her friends attribute the success of the festival to Ms. Zinnia and the community spirit of Merrygrove.

This would be ideal for younger children (4-10) wanting to know more about Bipolar Disorder and mental illness. Darcy Daisy and the Firefly Festival is so vibrantly illustrated by Kimberly Shaw-Peterson that readers of all ages will enjoy the story playing out on the pages of this book. It could be read aloud to a group of children; discussed one-on-one with a child; or given to a more solitary child as a reading book. Darcy Daisy and the Firefly Festival is a starting point for discussions regarding Bipolar Disorder, mental health and well-being and social isolation.

The book addresses the concepts of stigma, mental health literacy, the importance of open discussions regarding mental illness, the positive effects of tolerance and acceptance, the power of community cooperation and the ability of small communities to overcome difficulties and succeed.

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Review by: Kellie O'Callaghan
Good Beginnings, Victoria

If you are looking for a book for a child that explores mental health issues in an appropriate way, Darcy Daisy and the Firefly Festival may be the book for you.

In the context of the planning of the Firefly Festival, Darcy the Daisy is introduced to the concepts of mental illness. Unfortunately in the initial stages Darcy is confronted with inaccurate and ill-informed information about Mrs Zinnia, a member of the community who is living with Bipolar Disorder.

As children work through the book they explore the impact of town gossip and the hurtful nature of misinformation that is rampant in the small community of flower people. Concerned about observing an interaction when Mrs Zinnia was distressed and agitated, Darcy approaches her mother for more information.

Darcy's mother present information about Bipolar disorder in a factual and comforting manner. This gives Darcy the confidence she needs to interact with Mrs Zinnia without any anxiety or judgement. The book concludes with a positive interaction between Darcy and Mrs Zinnia. They are both able to enjoy the Firefly Festival.

Suitable for primary school aged children, who will be supported by an adult in the initial reading, this book is accessible and relevant. The information provided is appropriate for children learning about appreciating difference or specifically discussing Bipolar Disorder. The illustrations are bright and inviting and can be used to encourage the younger reader to explore more than the text in an appreciating difference context.

This books encourages cooperation and communication with the primary character Darcy Daisy leading by example.