The Breaking News

When big news disrupts her family's normal routine, a young girl notices how it affects her parents' behavior and mood. Her mother and father become distracted by constant news updates on their phones and television. The girl wants to help make things better but isn't sure how. She tries various approaches to improve the situation at home while her younger sister watches and follows along. Through her efforts to help her family cope with troubling news, the girl discovers small acts of kindness and connection can make a difference. The picture book addresses how children experience and process difficult current events through a story that validates their feelings and observations. The Breaking News offers a gentle framework for families to discuss media consumption and emotional responses to disturbing events, while highlighting the power of simple positive actions during uncertain times.

Readers appreciate how this book helps children process troubling news events and teaches constructive ways to cope with anxiety. Parents note it opens discussions with kids about handling difficult emotions and taking positive action during challenging times. Many reviewers highlight the gentle, realistic approach to a complex topic. Teachers mention successfully using it in classrooms after distressing events. Multiple parents report their children requesting repeated readings. Main criticisms focus on the book being too vague about the actual news event and some readers wanting more concrete resolution. A few note it may work better for older children (6-10) versus younger ones. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.13/5 (1,089 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (284 ratings) BookPage: 5/5 Sample review: "Perfect for helping kids understand they can make a difference in small ways when big scary things happen." - Goodreads reviewer "Wish it had more specific coping strategies for children" - Amazon reviewer

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🔹 Author Sarah Lynne Reul was inspired to write this book after the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, when she noticed how difficult it was for parents and children to process frightening news events. 🔹 The book's main character was deliberately illustrated without specific ethnic features so that children from all backgrounds could relate to her experience. 🔹 The practical suggestions shown in the story—like helping with small tasks and being kind to others—are based on Mr. Rogers' famous advice to "look for the helpers" during scary times. 🔹 The author worked as an animator before becoming a children's book creator, which influenced her dynamic illustration style and attention to sequential storytelling. 🔹 The book has been used by teachers and counselors as a tool to help children cope with various community crises, from natural disasters to school lockdowns.