A Terrible Thing Happened – A Story for Children Who Have Witnessed Violence or Trauma

A Gentle Story to Help Children Talk About Difficult Feelings After a Traumatic or Confusing Event

Some experiences are hard to talk about, especially for children. A Terrible Thing Happened is a comforting picture book that helps kids make sense of big emotions after something upsetting has happened. Without naming the event, the story follows Sherman, a young raccoon who begins to feel worried, angry, and confused. With patience, comfort, and support, Sherman learns that talking about his feelings can help him start to feel better.

Thoughtfully written and illustrated by child development specialists, this book gives families, caregivers, and educators a reassuring way to open conversations about big emotions. It validates children’s feelings, shows that all emotions are welcome, and reminds them they are safe, cared for, and never alone. This beautiful story helps children understand that healing begins when we share how we feel.

Key Features

• Supports Emotional Processing: Helps children ages 4-8 recognize and express feelings like sadness, worry, and anger after a difficult or confusing experience.
• Sensitive, Universal Storytelling: The upsetting event is never described, so the book can be used in many different situations without adding distress.
• Guidance for Adults Included: Features a supportive note with simple, practical suggestions to help grown-ups talk about feelings in a caring and age-appropriate way.
• Ideal for Emotional Learning & Healing: Encourages coping skills, resilience, and emotional understanding. Perfect for home, school, or counseling settings.
• Trusted Publisher: From Magination Press, the children’s imprint of the American Psychological Association, experts in child development and well-being.

Margaret M. Holmes has been writing inspirational and self-help stories for children for more than 20 years. She lives near Des Moines, IA.

Cary Pillo, a fine arts and design graduate from Washington State University, has illustrated many children’s educational materials and children's books, including A Terrible Thing Happened, Gentle Willow, Striped Shirts and Flowered Pants, and Tibby Tried It. She lives in Seattle, WA.