Anxiety can turn a routine school moment into an overwhelming experience. Katie’s Really Bad Day: A Story About Test Anxiety by Kathleen Jeffrey, illustrated by Susan Kilmartin, focuses on how guidance and care help a child navigate stress.
Katie usually feels comfortable during her day, but tests trigger anxious feelings she struggles to manage. During a spelling test, her worry intensifies and prevents her from completing the task. Her reaction leaves her feeling embarrassed and confused.
The story follows Katie as her teacher responds with understanding rather than frustration. Through supportive conversations, Katie is introduced to calming techniques that help her regulate her breathing and focus her thoughts. With practice, she learns that nervousness before tests is common and manageable. The narrative emphasizes emotional awareness, patience, and practical tools that support children during stressful moments.
Kathleen Jeffrey is an author of children’s picture books, fulfilling her mission to create stories that shine with love, light, spirit, truth, and joy—helping children navigate life’s challenges, explore big emotions, and grow with courage, kindness, and wonder.
Visit Kathleen at her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
My Review
Katie’s Really Bad Day: A Story About Test Anxiety by Kathleen Jeffrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a sweet story about a young girl grapling with test anxiety. The topic is an important one for both adults and children as the emotions Katie experiences are relatable to many.
The story handles the issue with care and provides strategies to manage the anxiety and push through it to perform.
The illustrations are lovely and eye-catching.
This is a lovely story to read to any child who sometimes shows anxiety around performing and even those who don’t since it also included elements of showing empathy for our friends who are struggling.
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