The Semicolon
by Britt Sayler

---

For one young child, nothing has been the same since losing their father. Words won't fit together. Playing soccer is no longer fun. And every night brings the same terrible dream... a black, slurping pit that looks just like the period their father taught about as a grammar teacher. Periods mean something has ended, forever. After receiving the gift of their father's old grammar book, other symbols appear in the dream. The comma that carries one idea to another might keep the child from being slurped up for a while, but to escape their nightmare for good, the child must make a startling discovery - one that will reach beyond dreams to help heal their grief and teach them the meaning of their father's favourite symbol of all. Written by Britt Sayler and illustrated by Dorota Rewerenda, The Semicolon is a compelling, sensitive picture book that gives voice to the experience of childhood depression. Inspired by the use of the semicolon by mental health advocates around the world, this story will help parents and educators begin conversations with children about big feelings, finding hope and building emotional resilience.

www.brittsaylerbooks.com

---

"A powerful picture book..." —Foreword Clarion Review, 5 out of 5 stars "A heartfelt story of navigating emptiness and finding hope for the future." — Kirkus Reviews "Highly recommended for public and personal library collections." —Canadian Children's Book News (Summer/Fall 2023)

---

Britt Sayler is a writer originally from Calgary, Canada, who makes her picture book debut with The Semicolon. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing from Humber College and has worked as a magazine editor, freelance writer, and leadership program manager. Britt was compelled to write about the difficult topic of childhood depression after navigating her own challenges with mental health and learning that 1 in 30 children within the average age range of picture book readers is currently depressed. She writes for both children and adults, and lives with a rescue dog who makes an appearance in The Semicolon! Learn more at www.brittsaylerbooks.com. Dorota Rewerenda is a UK-based illustrator. She studied Graphic Art at the Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice (Poland) and has illustrated more than a dozen books. Learn more at www.dorotarewerendaillustrations.com.

---

Contributors

Author

Britt Sayler

Illustrator

Dorota Rewerenda

---

Other eBook Editions

This book is also available in eBook format from these sites.

• Amazon Kindle Store
• Apple Books
• Google Play