Product Description: Sherman Smith saw the most terrible thing happen. At first he tried to forget about it, but soon something inside him started to bother him. He felt nervous for no reason. Sometimes his stomach hurt. He had bad dreams. And he started to feel angry and do mean things, which got hi m in trouble. Then he met Ms. Maple, who helped him talk about the ter rible thing that he had tried to forget. Now Sherman is feeling much b etter. This gently told and tenderly illustrated story is for childre n who have witnessed any kind of violent or traumatic episode, includi ng physical abuse, school or gang violence, accidents, homicide, suici de, and natural disasters such as floods or fire. An afterword by Sash a J. Mudlaff written for parents and other caregivers offers extensive suggestions for helping traumatized children, including a list of oth er sources that focus on specific events.
helpful for all sorts of trauma exposure Used this book with a girl who was not very verbal about her witness to domestic violence. She seemed to relate to the story and, even though still didn't talk much, drew pictures about the trauma, like the character in the book did. Because it never identifies what he saw, you can use this with all types of trauma experiences.
Great resources for child abuse cases I've been using this book in my practice for the past four months, incorporating it into my play therapy with child abuse cases. I've found that my clients can truly relate to some, if not all parts of the story. It is also a great way segway into art therapy for some small children. Additionally, because the story discusses how counselors help children, I've found that the children are more likely to trust in you more quickly as the helping professional.
Written in a language children can understand! Very helpful!
Young children who have witnessed various types of violence or suffered a trauma of any kind can be helped by this book. The book is written in language children understand, using loving animal characters that they can relate to. It shows them that there is hope if they don't lock their feelings inside, and it teaches them to find some caring person to talk to.
Another reason I like this book is because it teaches adults the signs to look for in disturbed children, and what to do to help the children who need counseling.
It's not only a great resource for parents, it's wonderful for professional counselors as well.
Highly recommended. - Betty Dravis, August 2007
How Terrible that We Need This Excellent Book I have not had a chance to use this book yet, but I have read it, along with many books on domestic violence and I think this will prove extraordinarily helpful to children who have witnessed and overheard the terrible things adults are capable of.
This book is stunningly, beautifully wrought, heartbreaking yet perhaps allows for the slightest opening of a door. I believe it can open a dialog when used appropriately.
child trauma This book is a great resource in working with at-risk children who have experienced violence, trauma, loss... Young children need help with learning how to grieve. Parents can also learn what is normal in mourning and bereavement processes. A Terrible Thing Happened is a great story aid for helping young children and their caregivers manages the gamut of feelings and emotions they experience in the midst of emotionally challenging situations. Young children need help and guidance with learning how to express their feelings and regulate their emotions. I would recommend this book to any parent and child/family you know that has been the victim of or experienced violence or trauma.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
