Writing Through the Clouds: Why I Wrote a Children’s Book About Parental Depression (and How You Can Help)

https://gofund.me/af3ec8eb

or venmo @kendall-concini

Writing Through the Clouds:

My Journey to Publish a Mental Health Picture Book

Hi, I’m a first-time children’s book author passionate about storytelling, mental health, and emotional connection. Stories have shaped my world in many ways; from themed rooms in my home to meaningful tattoos and even the names I chose for my children. They aren’t just something I enjoy; they’re woven into who I am.

Now, I’m writing one of my own: a picture book that helps children understand parental depression with empathy and love.

This fundraiser is your chance to be part of the journey behind the very first edition of Mom’s Cloud and the Beach Adventure—a heartfelt picture book about love, sadness, and showing up, even when skies aren’t clear.

Where Did the Cloud Come From?

When my daughter and I began exploring the library, she eagerly searched for horse books, while I was looking for something harder to find: picture books that could help her understand the complex feelings I was living with.

As a mom who experiences depression and anxiety, I wanted to show her that feeling sad doesn’t make someone less loving, strong, or magical. While there are many books about children’s sadness, I couldn’t find one that shows what it’s like when a parent is the one struggling.

So, I wrote the book I needed.

More Than a Book

Mom’s Cloud and the Beach Adventure helps children understand that adults can have cloudy days, but love is always there.

My plan is not only to tell a story and create something visual, but to spark a movement that encourages us to talk openly about our cloudy days instead of making excuses or feeling shame. It’s about embracing our feelings, not denying them.

I invite you to follow @cloudydaychronicles for ongoing support and resources as I build a village of understanding and connection.

“It is a tool to not deny but embrace, using a highly sophisticated but easy to grasp setting, message, and strong model for empathy. I would read to teach children emotions outside their world experience.” -Ben, Senior Literary Agent

I’ve found that even young children can grasp the idea that feelings, like clouds, pass through. They might not always have the words, but they do have the wisdom. This book offers them both—words and wonder—to understand that love stays, even when moods shift. And sometimes, just being near someone you love is the sunshine they need most.

—Tatum Carter, MA, MFT

Why a Fundraiser?

Your donation plays a vital role in bringing the full vision of Mom’s Cloud and the Beach Adventure to life. When you support this project, you’re helping to:

• Fully fund the illustrations, so every page shines with warmth and magic
• Support early marketing and outreach to connect the book with families, therapists, educators, and librarians
• Create creative resources like read-aloud videos and materials for community pop-up reading events and author visits
• Demonstrate real market interest to build momentum and open doors for future publishing opportunities

Every donation is a vote for emotional honesty, empathy, and representation in children’s stories. It’s a powerful way to say, “We want more books like this.”

Pre-Ordering Levels

As we work to bring this colorful hardcover book to life, we’re thankful for every bit of support. To show our appreciation, we’ve come up with a few creative ways to share our sunshine happiness with pre-orders!

$20 — a cloud will appear!

-1 Hardcover copy of the book (first edition!) mailed directly to you

-Access to book publishing updates (timeline updates, sneak peeks, & more!)

$40 — sunshine will support (everything with the cloud appearing +)

-1 upgrade to an Author-signed copy with additional cloud doodles by Alma & Max

-Personalized “thank you” video reel on @cloudydaychronicles (you’ll get the original video file too)

$60 — you feeling sunburn?! (everything in sunshine support+)

-1 handcrafted mini cloud inspired keepsake

-Includes digital e-book copy

$80+ — you brought the rainbow (everything from sunburning +)

-Cloud-themed surprise gift! (assorted merch rotating picks by Alma & Max)

-This is mainly for my mom (hi, Mom ), but if anyone else feels super inspired (or just really into clouds) we’ll absolutely appreciate you as much as her

***If you know me personally and want to donate without processing fees, VENMO @kendall-concini (the photo is me & Unk) any level you would like to donate at

Risks and Timeline

While I don’t anticipate any major risks, printing and shipping timelines can sometimes shift. I promise to keep all backers updated and be transparent every step of the way.

Once this fundraiser ends, I will personally cover any remaining costs needed to finalize and publish the book.

Realistic Timeline:

Updates will be posted via subscribers on the blog, Instagram, and Facebook.

That said, goal:

Publisher selection by end of June

Illustrator choice finalized by July

(illustration usually takes 6–9 months)

While You Wait!

You have FULL permission to share this with every single person you know, and a few you don’t!

Follow along at:

Instagram: Cloudy Day Chronicles

https://gofund.me/10f7d549 or venmo @kendall-concini