Item: Katie's Really Bad Day: A Book About Test Anxiety
Rating: 5
Author: Dee S

Anxiety can turn even familiar routines into moments of distress. In Katie’s Really Bad Day: A Story About Test Anxiety by Kathleen Jeffrey, illustrated by Susan Kilmartin, understanding and guidance help a child work through test-related stress, read my thoughts about the book below.

Review: Katie’s Really Bad Day: A Story About Test Anxiety

Katie's Really Bad Day: A Book About Test Anxiety by Kathleen Jeffrey
Illustrator: Susan Kilmartin
Published by Kathleen Jeffrey on January 29, 2025
ISBN: 9798218972660
Genres: Children's Picture Book, Education / General
Pages: 32
Format: Hardcover
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Katie is a cheerful student who usually enjoys learning, but tests trigger anxious feelings she struggles to manage. When a spelling test begins, her emotions escalate, making it impossible to focus or complete the work. Her reaction leaves her feeling embarrassed and unsure.

Rather than responding with frustration, Katie’s teacher offers calm reassurance and introduces practical calming tools. Through breathing exercises and supportive conversations, Katie learns to recognize and manage anxious moments. As she practices these techniques, she begins to understand that nervousness before tests is common. The story highlights emotional awareness, self-regulation, and supportive guidance.

MY THOUGHTS

Katie’s Really Bad Day is a wonderful “WOW!” book. The pictures are beautiful, and Kathleen writes with a lovely, poetic style. At first, I was upset with Finn, but as the story progressed, I came to better understand his role.

This book comes at the right time. It feels like everyone is dealing with some kind of stress or anxiety these days. When someone surprises me with a question, I often freeze and then say, “I don’t know,” even if I do. I’ve had to calm myself down in those moments.

Adults often don’t notice when other adults have anxiety, and they may not realize that children can struggle with it too. This book starts an important conversation and gives parents ways to help themselves or their children.

I really liked the teacher in the story. She used a tactile object to help Katie focus and made sure everyone in the class could use it. I thought the parents could have done more, but I understand the book is meant to show examples, not real life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Don’t go through tough times alone.
Show care and kindness to others.
When parents and teachers work together, children do best.
Try not to let one bad day affect the days that come after. As Scripture says, weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

MY RECOMMENDATION:

This book is helpful at home, in classrooms, or anywhere children are dealing with anxiety.

RESOURCES:

Find more resources here.

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About Kathleen Jeffrey

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 links below.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Instagram

Thanks to the author and The Children’s Book Review for the complimentary copy of this book. This review is written voluntarily. In addition, this post contains affiliate links. If you click the link I earn a small percentage of the cost of the book. This will not in any way increase your pricing.