A Terrible Thing Happened Verified listing

When something frightening or upsetting happens, big emotions can be hard to handle. It’s tough for kids to process trauma or difficult experiences, and even harder for parents to know how to begin offering support or starting a conversation.

A Terrible Thing Happened by Margaret Holmes is a thoughtful, therapeutic story designed to help children understand and cope with tough emotions after experiencing a traumatic event. This book provides a safe, approachable way for kids to process fear, sadness, or confusion, making it easier to open up about their feelings.

With gentle, relatable language and a reassuring message, this book guides children through their emotions, helping them know they are not alone in their experiences.

🧡 Best for parents who...

• Want to support their child through grief, trauma, or distress
• Are looking for a gentle way to introduce conversations about big feelings
• Need a resource to help their child understand and express difficult emotions
• Are seeking a tool to comfort and reassure their child after a tough experience

💛 Best for kids who...

• Have experienced trauma or a difficult event and need help processing
• Feel scared, sad, or overwhelmed and don’t know how to talk about it
• Benefit from a story with relatable characters and calming guidance
• Need a supportive way to understand that it’s okay to feel upset

🧠 Why It Helps:
This book offers a compassionate approach to trauma and emotional healing, providing a gentle introduction to tough conversations. It’s designed to help kids process emotions in a safe, supportive way while reassuring them that healing is possible.

💡 What’s Inside:

• A reassuring story about dealing with difficult feelings
• A simple, relatable narrative that kids can connect with
• Encouraging, non-judgmental language to normalize tough emotions
• A helpful tool for parents and caregivers to guide healing conversations

A Terrible Thing Happened helps kids understand their emotions, cope with challenging experiences, and feel supported as they process their feelings—helping families heal together.