A Terrible Thing Happened

A Terrible Thing Happened A Story for Children who Have Witnessed Violence or Trauma by Margaret M. Holmes; illustrated by Cary Pillo Sherman Smith saw the most terrible thing happen. At first he tried to forget about it, but soon he began to feel anxious. Sometimes his stomach hurt. He had bad dreams. And he started to feel angry and do mean things, which got him in trouble. Then he met Ms. Maple, who helped him talk about the terrible thing, and he began to feel better. This gently told and tenderly illustrated story is for children who have witnessed any kind of violent or traumatic episode, including physical abuse, school or gang violence, accidents, homicide, suicide, and natural disasters. An afterword, written for parents and professionals, offers suggestions for helping traumatized children. Hardcover.