Abstract
A Terrible Thing Happened is a picture book recommended for children of ages 4–8 years, where the main character, Sherman, witnesses something horrible. Children and adults of all ages can learn something from this book. In ∼550 words, Margaret M. Holmes describes the impact of a traumatic event on a child's life and offers strategies for adults to help children work through their experience. The story is appropriately simple for a picture book aimed at a school-age audience: to make himself feel better after witnessing the horrible thing, Sherman decides to not think about it. Things in Sherman's life are fine for a while, until he starts having stomach and head pains, difficulty sleeping, and begins to get in trouble in school. Fortunately for Sherman, there is a kind bear at his school named Ms. Maple who gives Sherman an opportunity to talk about his feelings and express them through art.
This book would be an appropriate conversation starter between an adult and child who has witnessed or experienced a traumatic event such as watching their sibling or family member receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), going by ambulance to the hospital, or living through violence at home or in their community. The aftermath of these events is often the times when adults are most at a loss for words and may be working through feelings of their own. Sherman never shares what he witnessed; thus, his story can be used to draw from a child (or adult) their lived experience. For children who may be experiencing physical symptoms such as stomach or headaches, or who are having trouble sleeping, this book may help them understand how these symptoms could be related to the emotions they are holding in. Children who read this book may start to understand that even though it may seem like the right thing to do in the moment, keeping feelings inside can have problematic consequences that they may not even be aware of, such as being angry and getting in trouble more easily in school. Conversely, adults reading this book can learn that encouraging children to express their emotions after a traumatic event can prevent many of these unfortunate consequences.
The best part about this book is seeing what happens to Sherman when he begins working with Ms. Maple. Sherman's experience with Ms. Maple normalizes and destigmatizes the process of seeking help from a trusted adult, be it a teacher, parent, health care provider, or caregiver. It is important to note that Ms. Maple's work with Sherman starts off slowly: they spend a lot of time together drawing pictures of his feelings and working through his confused emotions before they get to discuss the traumatic event and his more sensitive feelings related to it. This process can be a reference for parents and providers about the utility of artistic expression as a method for helping young children explore their inner worlds. In addition, Sherman's experience with Ms. Maple shows the power of creating a safe space for children to explore their emotions in a nonjudgmental space. Fostering an environment in which children can feel free to express themselves in any way that feels right for them can be a powerful tool in the process of working through and healing from a traumatic event.
In the back of the book, there is a note to parents and caregivers with suggestions for how to work with a child who has been traumatized. Sharing the story of Sherman with children is one way to show them that they are not alone, and that they have someone in their life who they can trust to work through difficult feelings. Palliative care providers are often in the position of helping parents and caregivers find the best ways to talk to their children about difficult topics, and could benefit from sharing this book with families who are struggling. It is very helpful to provide families with this book in anticipation of a conversation. When you know “something terrible” is about to happen, share this invaluable book. Joining Sherman on his journey will leave you racing to the end and asking, “For whom can I become Ms. Maple?” Without question, A Terrible Thing Happened should be required reading for anyone who works with children and families