Once Upon a Time . . .

Like many parents, I’ve navigated the balance between motherhood & mental health. As my daughter began discovering emotions & language, I searched for a way to explain my own struggles in a way she could understand. When I couldn’t find a story that truly resonated, I decided to create one.

Mom’s Cloud and the Beach Adventure began as a bedtime story—using a gentle cloud metaphor to explore sadness & other big feelings, while teaching her, she wasn’t responsible for my cloudy days, but she can still love & support me.

Creating this story deepened the way my family talked about emotions. Through our nightly conversations, my daughter not only began to understand my feelings, but also started adding her own lines—many of which are now part of the book.

Ziggleoafing Books

*disclaimer: I’m not a licensed therapist- just a mom sharing a story about clouds & feelings. My hope is these pages resonate & encourage others to seek support if they need it, without guilt or shame.

I created Ziggleoafing Books, because children’s stories do so much more than “just entertain”. They help little hearts & minds explore, imagine, & feel.

I wanted to create a world of whimsical adventures, gentle lessons, & capture the magic moments that spark curiosity, empathy, & connection. While also encouraging pausing & emotional honesty.

Cloudy Day Chronicles

  • “Types of Clouds”: What Depression Really Feels Like

    The author shares personal experiences of living with depression, likening it to unpredictable clouds. Despite appearing fine, depression can involve profound emptiness and various symptoms. They emphasize the importance of empathy, understanding, and regular check-ins from loved ones, highlighting the need for connection and communication in mental health struggles.

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  • Behind the Scenes: Facing Imposter Syndrome and Fighting for the Cloud

    The author grapples with imposter syndrome while preparing for a contest, feeling torn between confidence and self-doubt. Despite presenting a strong front, the shift to a popularity vote complicates their journey. Ultimately, they choose to invest in themselves and advocate for mental health, inviting readers to feel supported.

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  • From Cloudy Days to Storytime: What If We Told Kids the Truth About Sadness?

    The author shares their journey of writing a book inspired by personal experiences with depression, transforming initial feelings into a relatable narrative with rhymes. After facing rejections from traditional publishers, the author opts for self-publishing to maintain authenticity. They engage in a contest, eager for support, emphasizing the importance of their story.

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

    First-time author Kendall Concini seeks funding for her mental health picture book, “Mom’s Cloud and the Beach Adventure.” This book aims to help children understand parental emotions like depression and anxiety. Donations will support illustrations, marketing, and community outreach, promoting emotional honesty and empathy in children’s literature.

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  • …Now I have a blog? Understanding Mental Health

    The author uses the metaphor of a cloud to describe their depression, highlighting its impact on both themselves and their daughter. They reflect on the journey of acceptance rather than eradication of mental health challenges, emphasizing that tough days shape their identity. The narrative aims to foster understanding through storytelling.

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