when I see blue OCD books

12-year-old Ben has a bully in his brain who tells him what to do. It makes dealing with a new school, new town and parents who are falling apart seem impossible. This heartfelt story about a boy with OCD celebrates how friendship can make you brave and find the strength to overcome anything …


New town, new school, but the bully is in Ben’s head …

There are 4 things you should know about Ben:  
1. He’s 12 years old 
2. He’s the new kid at school
3. His special number is 4
4. He has a bully in his brain

Sometimes Ben’s brain makes him count to 4 to prevent bad things happening. Sometimes it makes him tap or blink in 4s. Mostly it makes the smallest things feel impossible. And with a new school, a moody big brother, an absent dad and a mum battling her own demons, Ben feels more out of control than ever. But then he meets April, and with his new friend, Ben might finally figure out how to stand up to the bully in his brain, once and for all.

An authentic and affecting #ownvoices story about living life with OCD, from the inspiring author and mental health activist, Lily Bailey. Perfect for readers of A Kind of Spark and The Goldfish Boy.

Duffy’s Thoughts On When I See Blue

I really enjoyed Lily Bailey’s memoir Because We Are Bad, and was intrigued to learn that Lily had written a fictional children’s book.

When I see Blue is as tender and heartfelt as it gets. My nephew struggles in some of the ways Ben does and for me, it was an enlightening read, giving me the opportunity to live my life through his eyes. As an adult, the threads of the story unfolding about Ben and the fight against the bully in his brain also resonated. After all, most of us suffer from moments of negative self-talk, anxiety, worry and that constant inner critic in our everyday lives.

When I See Blue is a sensitive, nuanced must-read for any child or adult struggling with OCD and anxiety.

If you enjoyed Space Hopper and Lenny’s Book Of Everything When I See Blue should be your next read.

when I see blue book about children with OCD
Available June 14th from Booktopia and all good bookstores