Beautiful book that delves into fears of a lockdown at school coupled with a grandparent relationship. Book includes information and resources on further discussion in an age appropriate manner.

Every school and public library should have a picturebook on hand that discusses lockdowns in an approachable manner for young children. This is a beautiful book that gently introduces the idea of being scared and sad after a lockdown, but I don't think it goes far enough. It's just enough to introduce the topic and allows caregivers an opening for deeper conversations, but if that caregiver is looking for more direction this isn't the right book.

This is a sweet book to read with a child who is scared of lockdown drills. Ava's grandfather helps her process her feelings. Recommend to parents and to teachers of younger students. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Written with beauty and kindness, this picture book handles gently the fear school children face every day. Lockdown drills are becoming a part of school routine, but how do our kids feel once they realize their classroom is not the safe place they assumed it always would be? Grandad's example of patience and creativity offers a way for caregivers to know that sometimes the best response is just to listen.

One Thursday Afternoon
Barbara DiLorenzo
When Granddad picks Ava up from school one Thursday afternoon, it’s clear that something is troubling her. Grandad has packed a picnic and their paints, but Ava says she had a bad day and just wants to be alone. Grandad does not press her; they sit quietly, alone together. When they begin to paint, Ava opens up to tell her grandfather that she is scared; they had a lockdown drill at school.
This book was conceived after the author experienced a lockdown drill at the school she was visiting. The story is sensitive to the fear and uncertainty Ava feels; Grandpa is patient and understanding and does not minimize her fears, instead telling her about “duck and cover” drills he experienced, and that he too felt afraid - and sometimes still does. His compassion, quiet acceptance, and heartfelt listening reassure Ava that although the world can be a scary place, it is also a warm and beautiful place full of love.
The illustrations are exquisite and perfectly compliment the story; Barbara DiLorenzo has captured the beauty and healing of the nature trail grandfather chooses. The book includes a note from the author/illustrator with suggestions for helping children manage difficult feelings.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

First off the illustrations in this book were amazing and well done. I loved them and they really brought the story together. The plot of the story was very creative and an easy read. I liked how it incorporated a tough topic but in a very light way due to dealing with a child. It showed child's response to the situation very well. I wasn't expecting it to be about a lock down drill when the girl mentioned it. I thought this book was well written and would be good for a parent to read to their child.

One Thursday Afternoon
While it is a kids' b0ok, an adult reading the book to or with the child will also benefit from the book.
A good, thought-provoking story. To be read and re-read.

This book is a great way to discuss school lockdowns with children. Unfortunately, in today's world this is becoming a normal occurence. Young children need a safe place to talk and let their feelings out.

The author uses Ava and her grandfather to show readers that it is perfectly fine to feel scared and lonely. It is best to talk with someone you love about those feelings.

This book would be a great addition to any classroom or school counselor's library. This book would be a good way to open up conversation in the classroom about the topic of school lockdowns and drills.

As an edcuator, I would highly recommend using this in your classroom!

A great picture book that can be helpful for any age group. This story is powerful and a great way to get a conversation started when it comes to lockdown drills. They are becoming more and more a part of our children’s daily lives and sometimes it affects them deeply. This can help students who are scared and anxious and let them know that it's ok.

This is a tough topic to stomach, but the reality is that this is a major problem and fear of parents, teachers and kids too. Not talking about the topic won’t make it go away. Books are a great way to Segway into scary topics for kids.

Ava is waiting at school for her grandfather. When he picks her up he says “what’s wrong” which she replies “nothing.” He tells her that he has a surprise for her. He has brought a picnic and paints. Ava tells grandfather she just wants to go home as she has had a bad day at school. Grandfather takes her to a nature trail and Ava asks to go home but grandfather says no. They sit down to eat but Ava has no appetite. Why? Ava finally tells grandfather about the school lockdown practice — how it scared her and she is afraid. Will grandfather know what to say and do to help Ava?

This picture book shows adults reading this story to their children how they might help their children how to deal with good and bad in the world. I think it would be a way to discuss why there are school lockdown practices now. The illustrations and writing work together perfectly. It is a sweet story.

Grandpa goes to pick up his granddaughter from school. She's sad and unhappy just wants to go home. But he has a picnic and paints and takes her to the country. She doesn't want to talk and he says OK.
Flyaway Books and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It has been published and you can get a copy now.

They had a practice at school for how to hide if a shooter appears. It scared her. She thought her classroom was safe. Grandpa tells her about his fears when he was in school. Soon she is feeling better.

She gives him a hug and they paint. There may be danger but she knows what do now. And Grandpa is going to take her on a picnic and paint again the next day!

I’ll begin by saying that I wish that we did not need this book but, since we do, all credit to the author/illustrator for this sensitive title. As can be seen in the cover art, Ava is not smiling. At first, she does not want to tell her Grandad what is wrong. Wisely, he gives her time, and time in nature, to let Ava share at her own pace.

What is bothering Ava is school lock down drills. They must be very scary for schoolkids.

Grandad empathizes and listens. He reminds Ava that there is beauty in the world too and that he is always there for her.

As the school year begins, teachers may want this book in their classrooms. Families may also want to share this one with their children. Counselors know that it can be easy to want to avoid the tough topics but think about getting this book for your child. It is not less scary to ignore reality. In fact, perceptive kids know what is going on and wonder why adults don’t acknowledge it.

Thank you to this author for taking on a hard topic in a soft way.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Flyaway Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed the beautiful illustrations, the diversity, and that this children’s book speaks on real fears children have to go through during today’s society. Unfortunately lock down drills, while scary, must be taught in school and children have to be informed of the seriousness and precautions that must be taken in order to stay safe. A good reminder to all not to take drills and safety for granted.

Thank you Flyaway Books and NetGalley for the ARC of One Thursday Afternoon. This book shows a side of our children's school days that have become normal in our times. Lockdown drills for intruders can be a scary thing but we do need to make sure our children are prepared. It is Grandparent's like Ava's in this book that do a good job of comforting these children that worry due to these drills. It is very important to have these conversations with our children and this book does a wonderful job of helping to fill the gaps for all the children that don't have someone that will take the time to have that conversation or know how to comfort their child.

4.66 ⭐

This children's book about feelings after a lockdown drill is practically perfect in every way. Ava's Granddad supports her most magnificently, allowing her space for her thoughts, encouragement to use all her senses in a natural environment, and listening to her without judgment or invalidation. The author also illustrated the book, with gorgeous, expressive, warm art. Don't miss the author/illustrator's note at the end, sharing the inspiration for the story and tips for all ages for managing feelings of fear and anxiety.

Thank you, NetGalley and Flyaway Books, for the eARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected September 6.

I love the concept of "One Thursday Afternoon". Ava was frightened after a school lockdown drill. Her grandpa picked her up from school and patiently waited until she was ready to talk about it.

I work in an elementary school. The day after I finished this book there was an email thread about students who were concerned about an active shooter in the school. We will also have our first lockdown drill tomorrow.

I believe this book can be a valuable resource for students, parents, educators, and counselors.

Source:. I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

The fact that this book even needs to exist...my heart is broken.

Ava leaves school feeling troubled but not ready to share what she's feeling. When her granddad picks her up (presumably advised by the school about what was happening that day) he takes her to the park and brings her painting supplies. With quiet support, he creates a safe space for her to tell him about the lockdown drill they had that day and how scared and uncertain it made her feel. He gently validates and reassures her, offering support and a listening ear any time she needs it. He encourages her to be mindful and use art to help process and express what she's feeling.

This would be a good resource to have on hand at school, on the bookshelves of school psychologists, and at home for kids who are exposed to lockdown drills. It would be a great conversation-starter and helpful reminder for kids that it's normal to find the experience disconcerting and that it's ok to express it. It's honest about the world we live in while also helping to soothe fears and anxieties.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. How a child reacts when they have to practice uncomfortable things like lockdown and how parents handle it.

As a teacher, I can really feel this book. Lock Down drills aren’t new. We’ve been having them in our city for the entire 26 years I’ve been teaching. Most of our students have been through the real thing. We have been locked in our classrooms for everything from police action nearby to a murderous rampage that cut across many cities and towns to a terrorist attack. Most of our students put on a tough face for these. The laugh through them and do not show their fear. This book would make a nice little story to let them know that there is nothing wrong with being scared. We all get scared and we can talk about it. Very low key and calming.