"Something Scary Happened" by Darby Strickland. A Review

 

Young ones and little ones can be traumatized too! I know someone very close to me who, when she was a little child, saw a step-father do things to her mother that still trouble this close relative of mine, half a century later. So I was delighted when New Growth Press asked to me to read and review this children's book, "Something Scary Happened (Comfort for Children in Hard Times)". Darby Strickland is a Christian counselor who has dealt with many abused and traumatized clients. She brings her experience and background to tell a story of a little lamb who experiences something rotten. This 32-page glossy kids hardback is perfect for moms, dads, grandparents or Sunday School teachers, to sit down with the little lamb wriggling at their feet, and read out loud to them. And the bright and lively illustrations by the Italian artist/illustrator, Carlotta Notaro, will keep everyone's attention.

The little lamb, Miles, is full of energy and fun and exploration. Most kids will giggle and identify  with the woolly Miles. In fact, it will be easier for little ones to identify - and feel safe to identify - because Miles is a young creature and not a child. Which all becomes important as the wee lamb has something unspeakable happen to him. What that unspeakable thing was isn't stated, thus opening the door for the listening kids to fill in the blank. Abuse, a death in the family, surviving a car accident, life-threatening health problems, or whatever the children have experienced. 

And as Miles deals with the unspeakable something, his tummy aches, sleeplessness kicks in, anger fits surface, dark loneliness arrives, and more. "But Miles wasn't alone. Right there in the deep, dark valley was his good Shepherd." The story takes the reader and listener deeper into the hopeful truth that the Good Shepherd is with those, like Miles, who experience unspeakable things that scare them. I'm near tears as I write those last few words!

The story is all wrapped up with Psalm 23 and John 10. It beautifully recounts the goodness and closeness of our Good Shepherd, even when we have gone through - or are going through - very scary times. And the book ends with a useful section for the adult readers (not the kids listening) to let them know that they have a role in helping the little Miles-lambs wriggling around on the floor. There are things you can, and should, do. Things that will protect and heal and help. I am glad the book is out there. I'm glad I read it. And I'm very glad to recommend it to you.