Book Review of Katie’s Really Bad Day: A Story About Test Anxiety
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The Children’s Book Review
Katie’s Really Bad Day: A Story About Test Anxiety
Written by Kathleen Jeffrey
Illustrated by Susan Kilmartin
Ages: 5+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: Kathleen Jeffrey (2024) | ISBN: 9798218968427
What to Expect: School, anxiety, social-emotional learning, and teacher support.
Anxiety is a common problem for many children, and knowing how to manage it is crucial for both educators and the children themselves. In this practical and relatable picture book, readers will not only empathize with Katie’s journey but also learn specific techniques that can be immediately applied to help children calm themselves down.
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, and Katie is asked to stay after class. 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.
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About the Author
A mother of three, Kathleen Jeffrey earned her BA in Elementary Education/Psychology from Rhode Island College. After a career in US & international media sales, she left the corporate world to work for Glastonbury Abbey Bookstore in Hingham, MA, enjoying a 12-year indie bookstore adventure. She is now writing children’s picture books to fulfill her vision of bringing “Love, Light, Spirit, Truth, Joy” to little ones’ beautiful hearts. Kathleen lives in Massachusetts with her husband, lab and westie.
Learn more https://kathleenjeffreyauthor.com/
A note from Kathleen…
Like Katie, I was a cheerful child. However, I had my own bout with early elementary school anxiety, which inspired me to write this book.
Eventually, my anxiety developed into test anxiety that stayed with me through college. It didn’t matter if I knew the answers; the panic still set in!
Many children experience anxiety in school for various reasons. In researching for this book, it was wonderful to learn of the many resources and tools available today for teachers to help their anxious students. Some children are very good at concealing their anxiety and may suffer needlessly while also thinking they are the only ones. Test anxiety can also lead to a pattern of underachievement.
I hope Katie’s gentle story about a real issue with real solutions will help children identify their own anxious feelings, know they are not alone and encourage them to tell teachers and caregivers what is going on so test anxiety does not lead to a “A Really Bad Day!”
About the Illustrator
An award-winning artist, Susan Kilmartin grew up in various mining camps around the world, from Taxco, Mexico, and Cuba to South Africa and Pakistan. Her favorite was the Grand Canyon in Arizona, where her dad was president of Western Gold and Uranium Co. Her art training ranged from private portrait lessons to a BFA (Studio) and graduate work in Printmaking at the University of Maryland. She is a portrait painter, calligrapher, muralist, plein air painter, and illustrator. This is the third book she has illustrated. Susan and her husband, Hugh, live on Cape Cod, Mass.
You can see more of her work at www.susankilmartin.com.
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