When Something Terrible Happens

A parent would reach for this book when their child has experienced a sudden or frightening life event, such as a natural disaster, a community tragedy, or a personal loss. It is an essential tool for when a child seems 'stuck' in their feelings or is struggling to find the words to describe what they saw or felt. Rather than a traditional story, this is an interactive workbook that guides children through the process of externalizing their internal world. The book focuses on normalizing the wide range of reactions to trauma, including fear, anger, and confusion. It uses a secular, therapeutic approach to help children aged 6 to 12 understand that while they cannot change what happened, they can manage their responses. Parents choose this because it provides a structured, safe way to open difficult conversations through the low-pressure medium of drawing and creative expression.