Davey the Deer is Feeling Down

A young deer named Davey is feeling very sad. He no longer enjoys the things he used to, is sleeping more than usual, and isn’t very hungry.

When he shares his feelings with his mother, she decides to take Davey to the family doctor for a check-up. Because the usual ways of cheering up Davey haven’t worked, his Mama knows it’s time to see a professional. Davey is referred to a psychologist, an expert in children’s mental health.

By the end of the story, Davey isn’t quite his usual self, but is well on his way to feeling better.

Davey’s book opens the conversation for adults and children to talk about sadness in an open and honest way.

Rosaleigh Neal teaches French Immersion to elementary school students at the York Catholic District School Board in Ontario, Canada. She holds a Specialized Honours in French studies, a minor degree in psychology, and earned a degree in education.

Dr. Grace Vitale is a registered psychologist who obtained her Ph.D. in 1999. She has been a school psychologist at the York Catholic District School Board for the past 20 years, and is now a supervising psychologist. She also runs a private practice focusing on the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families.

Both live with their families near Toronto. “This is our first book and the first book in the Healthy Minds Series, books dedicated to children’s mental health. Each book will feature an endearing, fictional character who is struggling with a particular mental health disorder. We are currently working on the next book about obsessive-compulsive disorder, featuring Ollie the Octopus.”