"A Terrible Thing Happened" is a wonderful book for any child that might be coping with having witnessed something shocking or tragic, as well as a very nicely illustrated picture book. What actually attracted me to the book was its illustrations, but I was drawn in by the story as well.
The book is about Sherman, a young raccoon, who as the title suggests, witnessed something terrible. We don't find out what it was that Sherman witnessed, which allows the book to be used for a variety of situations. We do learn that keeping his feelings inside has affected Sherman in a number of negative ways, including feelings of anxiety, not sleeping well, and eventually acting out and hurting others. Fortunately, Sherman gets the help of a caring counselor at school. The language is simple but nevertheless straightforward and appropriately-detailed and the afterword section, "A Note to Parents and Caregivers," offers a number of a well-thought-out suggestions, as well as a list of other helpful reading material. The illustrations go well with the text, at times dark representing Sherman's feelings, but also very soft and tender, and bright as things start to look up. The counselor's office is presented as a very reassuring place that would be welcoming for a young child, with a soft, pastel-colored carpet, a vase of flowers, a small and tasteful display of stuffed animals on the top of the bookshelf and comfortable furniture.
One thing I really liked about this book is that despite the situation covered being very generic, the main character, Sherman, is not generic. Although it is somewhat subtle, he is given a personality. For example, we told that it is normal for Sherman to tease his sister. Perhaps not the most admirable thing, but nevertheless something that kids do. Also, when he is asked to draw a picture of how he felt when he is angry, it is said that it "seems strange" to him but that he did it anyway. Again, a subtle sign of personality, as for some children this may feel like a normal and natural way to express their feelings. Readers are also reassured that Sherman is not a "bad kid," that when he started getting into trouble at school for acting out, he felt bad, as this wasn't normal for him.
I think this book would be great for a variety of situations and audiences. Though it is clearly targeted at young readers, the story would resonate with anyone in a similar situation, as it is very well-presented. At the end of the book, readers are presented with a simple, reassuring message.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Image Unavailable
Image not available for
Color:
Color:
-
-
-
- To view this video download Flash Player
Follow the authors
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
 |
Frequently bought together
This item: A Terrible Thing Happened: A Story for Children Who Have Witnessed Violence or Trauma
$15.99
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jul 29
In Stock
+
$15.41
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jul 29
In Stock
+
$10.37
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jul 29
In Stock
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Frequently purchased items with fast delivery
Page 1 of 1 Start over
From the brand
-
Books for Kids from APA
American Psychological Association works to advance psychology as a science and profession and as a means of promoting health and human welfare. APA publishes books for young readers under its imprint, Magination Press, that aim to make navigating life's challenges a little easier. It's the synthesis of psychological science with informational fiction that makes an APA kids book distinctive.
-
Visit our Store
-
-
-
-
-
From the Publisher
Sherman Smith saw the most terrible thing happen. At first he tried to forget about it, but soon something inside him started to bother him. He felt nervous for no reason. Sometimes his stomach hurt. He had bad dreams. And he started to feel angry and do mean things, which got him in trouble. Then he met Ms. Maple, who helped him talk about the terrible thing that he had tried to forget. Now Sherman is feeling much better.
Bridge important conversations, don’t wait.
My son really appreciated this book. He was sexually abused and after a year of no contact with the abusers he was brave and spoke. I bought this book and a bunch of others (check out Jayneen Sanders) as a way of expanding our communication and to really help him know that he is not alone. This book is a great tool. Every child needs books like this on the shelf to help bridge uncomfortable, important conversations. Thank you!
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2016
- Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2013
Top reviews from other countries
- EddylineReviewed in Canada on December 11, 2019
This is a terrific book for working with children who have experienced trauma
-
JesusMReviewed in Mexico on July 25, 2024
Libro necesario para comenzar a hablar de secretos
