Reviews
The Children's Book Review
Katie really loves school, but she has one big problem—tests make her really REALLY anxious! One day, when it’s time to take a spelling test, Katie gets so anxious that instead of taking the test, she scribbles all over her desk instead. Another kid tells the teacher. Embarrassed and frightened about her terrible day, Katie doesn’t want to go to school the next day. Luckily, Katie’s teacher knows just how to deal with Katie’s anxiety. Together, they practice special techniques to help Katie calm herself down, and when the next test rolls around, Katie and her whole class practice calming belly breaths—and Katie gets a WOW on her test!
The story reassures readers that being nervous in school is a normal thing that happens to everyone, and that’s okay. Seeing Katie’s fears treated with compassion and support by her teacher will send a clear message to readers that their anxiety is not something they need to hide or be ashamed of—an important first lesson in managing anxiety. The beautiful, old-fashioned artwork helps readers relate to the different emotions Katie experiences and provides a visual illustration of how breathing boards and belly breaths work.
Katie’s Really Bad Day is not just a story, but an instructive and accessible tool for helping readers identify and manage anxiety in school. It’s a valuable resource that can be easily integrated into any educational setting.
The US Review of Books
After a fun recess outside with friends, Katie returns to the classroom and experiences severe anxiety during a spelling test. An upset tummy, sweaty palms, pounding head, and teary eyes lead her to scribble aggressively with her pencil on her desk. A fellow classmate calls attention to Katie, only exacerbating her fear and embarrassment. Miss Julie, their teacher, encourages her to meet with her after class. Sobbing, Katie apologizes for scribbling on her desk and confesses that she “felt sick” at test time. She discusses with her teacher that this has developed as a pattern response nearly every time tests are given. Katie begins to be apprehensive about going to school each morning and discusses her fears and test anxiety with supportive, reassuring parents.
After Miss Julie introduces Katie to a calming “belly breathing” exercise, acknowledging that getting nervous before tests is not uncommon, things begin to change for the better. A fun board game involving tracing images and slowly breathing in and out becomes a favorite classroom activity for the entire class.
There are few children’s picture books focusing specifically on the phenomena of test anxiety, especially written for an elementary school audience. Therefore, Jeffrey’s book fills an important niche. Young children with whom this title is shared could be provided the healthy opportunity to learn they are not alone in experiencing such a phobia. This could help facilitate discussion among parents, children, teachers, and school counselors, serving as a helpful pathway to addressing such issues. As the author notes in an afterthoughts section, young students need not suffer silently, as numerous resources and tools are available for teachers and caregivers assisting anxious children. With issues of mental health affecting record numbers of populations—including children—this book could undeniably serve as a beneficial resource.