NOT LIKE EVERY DAY

A young boy worries during a school lockdown drill.

Told from a first-person perspective, the tale makes Henry’s inner turmoil seem immediate and authentic. The evocative language—his stomach feels “twisted in the middle like a bunch of tissue paper butterflies”—creates vivid imagery that captures the emotional weight of the experience. As Henry struggles to remain small, still, and quiet despite his mounting anxiety, the rhythmic, flowing text mirrors his journey from fear to gradual calm, guided by his attentive teacher, Ms. Betancourt, who introduces breathing exercises and sensory-awareness techniques. The reassuring narrative pairs perfectly with Grimard’s soft-lined illustrations in a comforting, pleasing palette that visually conveys Henry’s emotional state throughout this challenging experience. Henry is dark-haired and appears to be of East Asian descent, while Ms. Betancourt is brown-skinned, and the other kids vary in skin tone and hair types, all rendered in a gentle mix of watercolors, gouache, pencil, and crayon. Particularly valuable are the helpful resources provided by school psychologist Dr. Christina Chester, including discussion questions and mindfulness resources for adults to use when preparing children for these unfortunately necessary drills.

A compassionate resource for those seeking to support children through school safety preparations.