INTRODUCTION:

Some days unfold exactly as planned, while others take an unexpected turn. Katie’s Really Bad Day: A Story About Test Anxiety by Kathleen Jeffrey, illustrated by Susan Kilmartin, explores what happens when internal pressure overwhelms a child who usually feels prepared.

Katie enjoys learning and usually approaches her day with enthusiasm, but test days stir up uncomfortable feelings she struggles to control. During a spelling test, her anxiety becomes overwhelming, making it hard to think clearly or stay focused. In a moment of panic, Katie reacts in a way that draws attention and leaves her feeling embarrassed.

With thoughtful guidance, Katie begins to learn why her body reacts the way it does under stress. She is introduced to calming strategies that help her slow down and refocus. As she practices these tools, Katie gains confidence in her ability to manage anxious moments. The story gently shows how understanding and practical techniques can transform a stressful situation into a learning experience.

MY REVIEW:

I was offered the chance to review Katie’s Really Bad Day by Kathleen Jeffrey, a children’s book. I decided I would because many of my friends and followers have young grandchildren. I kind of wished this kind of book was available when I was a young child.

Kathleen Jeffrey has written an important book for parents and children. She has a wonderful Illustrator which takes this book up another notch. She is Susan Kilmartin. I especially enjoyed her beautiful illustrations. 

I highly recommend Katie’s Really Bad Day written by Kathleen Jeffrey and Illustrated by Susan Kilmartin. In my opinion, this book can be a great learning tool to teach coping skills and other children how to be concerned and help their friends.

Please remember to support the authors you read by leaving a review. Even a few words help.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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.

Amazon: https://bit.ly/4qDMemF

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210447560-katie-s-really-bad-day

GUEST POST:

My inspiration for writing this book…

I was an anxious child in school. Eventually this 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 students are very good at concealing their test anxiety feelings and may suffer needlessly while also thinking they are the only ones. In addition, test anxiety can lead to a pattern of underachievement.

I hope Katie’s story will help children identify their own anxious feelings, know that they are not alone and encourage them to tell their teachers and caregivers what is going on before their anxiety leads to “A Really Bad Day!”

Who and what ultimately inspired you to become a writer?

About 23 years ago, after my dad passed away, I had a divine inspiration to write a spiritual children’s picture book. I started planning, thinking, praying on it, but the timing was never right to dig in and get it done. Life was busy, my children were young, and I worked full time. 

Eventually I left my 28-year media sales career and ended up working in the bookstore at Glastonbury Abby, a benedictine monastery. Researching and buying books for the store was fun, inspirational and kept my book idea alive. Finally, I wrote a very long manuscript. Through working with critique groups, I concluded it was really two books.  Out of that came Katie’s Really Bad Day. The next book is also about Katie and relates to my original inspiration for a spiritual picture book. 

Between journaling for the past 23 years, joining the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) to learn how to write a picture book, and writing poetry during covid, I was finally ready to leave my twelve-year bookstore adventure and get on with writing and getting the book published!

QUESTIONS &ANSWERS:

What’s a detail, theme, or clue in your book that most readers might miss on the first read—but you secretly hope someone notices?
Empathetic, concerned faces of Katie’s teacher, Mom & Dad, and her classmates when Katie is upset. No one is making fun of her.

When did this story or idea “click” into place for you—was there a single moment you knew you had to write it?
During critique group sessions with a long manuscript, I discovered I actually had two books to write. The first became Katie’s Really Bad Day: A Story About Test Anxiety, to identify Katie’s character with school & test anxiety, which is based on my personal story I had to tell for authenticity. The second book will feature Katie once again and will be illustrated sometime this year.

Which character or real-life person surprised you the most while writing this book, and why?
Katie’s sidekick Finn turned out to be quite the entertaining cut up as well a very concerned and empathetic friend.

If your book had a soundtrack, what three songs would be on it and what scenes or moments would they pair with?
“Inside Out” by Michael Giacchino, (From joyful school yard to Katie’s sudden test anxiety.)
“When I Breathe” by Stephanie Leavell (Learning belly breathing with Miss Julie and later with the class.)“When I’m Nervous” (A song for kids about overcoming anxiety.)
Overall story wrap up. Would play at the end of the book.

What’s one belief, question, or emotional truth you hope readers carry with them long after they finish your book?
That many students are anxious in school or before tests so you are not the only one. Because you are anxious before a test does not mean you are not smart or capable.

Tell us about a moment during the writing process when the story (or message) took an unexpected turn.
I was determined to have Mom take Katie into school the day she did not want to go because that was my personal experience. Through teacher critique partner advice and their experiences with children in today’s classrooms, I realized Katie would have to take the bus, work through it and tell Miss Julie what was going on.

If your protagonist (or the central figure in your nonfiction) could give the reader one piece of advice, what would it be?
Lots of kids get anxious before tests! Let your teacher and caregivers know when you are anxious. There are always solutions!

What real-world place, object, or memory helped shape a key element in your book?
My second grade elementary classroom and getting caught having scratched on my varnished desk was a deep rooted memory. A boy noticed it and yelled out to the teacher. She was very angry and scolded me in front of the class. I was so embarrassed I refused to go to school the next day so my mom had to bring me in and talk to the teacher.

What’s something you had to research, learn, or experience to write this book that genuinely shocked you?
Through my research on childhood, school and test anxiety, I learned test anxiety can start as early as second through fourth grade and may lead to underachievement. Between this research, writing my bio, interviewing my mom, older sister, adult neighbor and childhood classmates, I was able to make connections. The seeds of my overall school anxiety started with significant separation anxiety my first three weeks of kindergarten. By fourth grade my overall school anxiety did lead to test anxiety and eventually underachievement. Anxiety triggers fear and panic which makes it hard to concentrate when learning new concepts or taking notes while trying to keep up with the teacher or actually taking a test.

If your book were invited to join a shelf with three other titles, which ones would make you happiest—and what would that shelf say about your story?
Wilma Jean The Worry Machine by Julia Cooke (Classic, Funny, Popular)

The Big Feelings Book for Children: Mindfulness Moments to Manage Anger, Excitement, Anxiety, and Sadness by Sharon Selby MA (Respectable, Useful, Popular)

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst & Ray Cruz Total Classic! (Happiest)