Not Like Every Day: Finding Calm During School Lockdown Drills

by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, Gabrielle Grimard (illustrator)

For Henry, lockdown drills can be scary. Staying quiet and still is tough, but with the support of his teacher, he’s able to stay calm. This reassuring story explores the complex emotions surrounding school lockdown drills and includes helpful resources from a school psychologist and safety expert.

I wish today was like every other day.
But it isn’t.
Today my stomach is twisted in the middle
like a bunch of tissue paper butterflies.

During his school's lockdown drill, Henry tries to make himself as small, and still, and quiet as possible, but even though he knows it's just a drill and it's not real, he still doesn't like it. And even when the drill is over, it doesn't feel over for him. 

Luckily, Henry's teacher is there to offer guidance and reassurance. Together, they practice breathing exercises and focus on what Henry can smell right now to help anchor him in the present. And, most importantly, they talk about his feelings until he feels safe—until the tissue paper butterflies in his stomach untwist and fly away. 

With poetic prose and gentle artwork, this accessible picture book serves as an ideal starting point for discussions about lockdown drills and includes helpful resources for parents and teachers, such as discussion questions, a mindfulness exercise guide, and best practices for reducing the potential for trauma when conducting lockdown drills.

Genres: Picture Books, School, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published September 2, 2025

About the author

Stephanie has done a few things in life. She has sold women shoes and frozen yogurt as well as smelly, expensive body lotion and smellier, even more expensive cheese. She has worked on a Jacques Pepin cooking show and been a cookbook editor. She has written about books, food, parenting, TV, vampire dating habits, cocktail trivia, and picky eating.

She has lived in Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, Ann Arbor, England, Boston, and San Francisco.

She has attended a swank ball at University of Cambridge with Prince Charles (not that he was her date or anything just that he was also invited) and rebuilt trails with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

Now she writes children's books surrounded by a few kids, a few cats, and one husband. She loves reading books and watching television shows in equal numbers and thinks everyone should try pairing Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with bourbon.

Reviews

[Meghan Bohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

(lots of swearing and yelling)
This book is beautifully illustrated and helpful and therapeutically accurate but deity expletive deity it shouldn't have to exist and now I'm crying at work.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I continue to dream, hope, and work for a time when a picture book [3.5 for me!] like this will seem outdated because there will no longer need to be any lockdown drills in school, that likelihood seems far in the future. A great starting point for conversations about the topic, the book also provides some helpful tips about dealing with emotions during what can be a frightening experience. Although his teacher, Ms. Betancourt, has assured Henry and his classmates that this is just a drill, Henry is anxious, describing how his "stomach is twisted in the middle like a bunch of tissue paper butterflies" (unpaged). The text and illustrations, which are rendered in watercolors, gouache, pencils, and crayons, capture how the various students behave as the tension during the drill rises; in Henry's case, he tries to make himself as small as possible and not breathe much. Later, after the drill, he still feels unsteady, prompting his teacher to talk with him and share some of her own coping methods. This title would be a good choice to share before any drill, lockdown, fire or any other one.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

A touching story to help children deal with anxiety about lockdown drills.

Henry reminds himself that the lockdown is just a drill. It's not real. But that doesn't change how he feels about it. Even after the drill is over, Henry still feels upset and anxious. With the help of his teacher, he is able to talk about his feelings, get reassurance, and learn ways to cope with his feelings.

Fantastically written. The story validates children's emotions and offers ways to help them when they feel upset or anxious.

Sweet illustrations that nicely express the emotions of the characters.

Great themes of talking about your feeling, asking others for help, and ways to regulate emotions.

Includes discussion questions at the back for talking to children about various drills at school, how they feel about them, and how to respond to those feeling.

I am sad and angry that this book has to exist, but it is an excellent resource for talking about lockdown drills with children. Very well done.

[Carrie Kruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book that is deeply respectful of children and their emotions. Lucianovic explores a difficult topic with sensitivity and compassion, and the text is perfectly complemented by Grimard's rich illustrations full of warmth and feeling. Knowing the topic of this book, I was especially gutted by the simplicity of the illustrations on the front endpapers, and so moved by how they evolve into the beautiful and hopeful illustrations on the back endpapers (I'm being intentionally vague so you can experience it for yourself!). Children will see themselves reflected in the range of reactions shown to the lockdown drill in this story, and will be comforted by seeing how others deal with them. Mindfulness techniques are artfully woven into the story, and the back matter includes discussion questions and resources from a school psychologist. A must-have!

[Caroline Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Like Every Day is a powerful story that feels essential, especially in the aftermath of yet another devastating school shooting. In this book, Lucianovic gives voice to the often-overlooked feelings children experience during lockdown drills, reminding readers though the MC's perspective that what may feel like 'just another drill' to adults can stir up big emotions in young minds. The story validates those feelings, while also modeling how supportive adults can make a difference. The illustrations are soft, and shift in tone to reflect the emotions on the pages—subdued during the drill, then brighter as the main character regains a sense of safety and ease.
Not Like Every Day belongs in every classroom library, not only as a conversation starter but as a reminder that feelings matter, and that with support, children can find their way back to calm.

[Sabrina Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trigger warning: School danger/intruder/emergency etc

This story is so right for the times we live in (and also so wrong because we shouldn't even NEED to be worrying about such things)

Stephanie's writing has put such an important topic to the reader in such a gentle and mindful way.
These situations in school are a very scary part of American kids normal life and (not coming from the US) I can't believe how resilient kids are during lockdown drills.
She's done a beautiful job with her lyrical words to convey a child's anxiety of dealing with a high tension, scary emergency and the illustrations are gentle, soothing.

Great job! And definitely a story to read with discussion

[Jessica Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations are warm and the text is comforting in this important picture book. Though it's unfortunate we need a story like this to share with school kids, the reality is that we do. The cadence of the text is calming in itself, and the author offers realistic suggestions for calming down. Sometimes we need to know we're not alone in what we're feeling. The child in the story is not able to turn off the anxiety when the lockdown drill is over, like the other kids can. The teacher character reassures the child that they're not alone. This is a perfect read-aloud to reassure young students.

[Christine Alemshah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate it this important story on so many levels. Anxiety is something that can feel lonely, and confusing, especially for young children. It keep feel even more isolating when we observe others around us seemingly able to cope "better." I love how this story serves as a lovely, lyrical reminder that we can all feel this way is scary situations, that our feelings are valid and heard. I love that it teaches about mindfulness and deep breathing. I think we all wish lockdown drills were not something we had to practice with our students, but this book approaches it in a realistic yet gently way.

[Alison McGauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Like Every Day shares a child’s experience with a lockdown drill. As an elementary teacher who has gone through many of these drills with my own classes, I can say that this book shares the experience realistically, and that there are students who feel big emotions from these drills. I love how this book shares the importance of talking about and working through big thoughts and feelings. The realistic and soothing illustrations are perfect for the subject matter, and this would make a wonderful classroom read aloud.

[Christina Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply important and relevant book for our children. While this story focuses on a child's experience with a lockdown drill, it is applicable to all children who have felt anxious or scared. The book is like an understanding hug, offering a soft place to land, validation for feelings that don't always make sense, and easy to apply strategies to help when anxious feelings arise. Even our less anxious children can benefit from learning empathy through this story. This is a must read in all classrooms for all children.

[Meneka Repka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a heavy one, but it belongs in every classroom. Lockdown drills are never fun, but some children, like Henry in the book, are more sensitive and anxious than their peers might be. After a lockdown drill, Henry has a hard time switching back to being loud and having fun outside. Henry’s kind and supportive teacher offers words of understanding and some tangible strategies to help Henry feel less alone. I loved how the artwork in this book mirrored the feelings- darker and muted colours during the lockdown drill, and brighter, more playful images afterwards.

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A softness of words and illustrations bring a gentle accessibility to this tough topic of school lockdown drills. The additional layers of mindfulness techniques and easing anxiety that are woven into the story, make it a useful read for managing challenges beyond just school lockdowns as well. The story also highlights the compassion and calm our educators need to or expected to display when sometimes faced with their own anxieties about scary and unthinkable situations. This book is a wonderful and important resource for parents, families, school communities, counselors, and beyond.

[Kirsten Pendreigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's tragic this book needs to exist but it is a vital and wonderful resource for the millions of kids who endure lock-down drills at school. I'm glad the author braved this topic. She has crafted an empathetic, helpful guide to what can be a terrifying experience for many little ones. The painterly art is just gorgeous, with a soft muted palette and gentle characters. The book also provides professional advice for kids who can't simply move on from the jarring experience of drills. I highly recommend this as a tool for any classroom or home.

[Deirdre Laide · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Like Every Day is a deeply poignant and important book in today's world. The comfort in Henry's gentle relationship with his teacher allows him to open up about his anxiety around lock-down drills. My heart ached for these little children who live in an imperfect world where violence can be a factor. Even though the book deals with a serious topic, each spread brims with joyful moments as the children celebrate a return to normality after the drill. The illustrations are stunning and powerful.

[Kristin Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that needed to be written. The author handled this tough topic well. She dances on the line between adding unneeded worry during these necessary school moments and understanding anxious kids. At first, I thought she might have gone too far, but then I considered that I might have children in my classroom feeling exactly the same as Henry, and I want those kids to feel seen and understood. And I'd want them to hear the conversation Henry and his teacher have. The illustrations are cheery enough to balance out the serious topic. And I liked the butterflies! <3

[Suzy Levinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important, sensitive book about the very real feelings that come with school lockdown drills, and some healthy ways to talk about and work through those feelings. This story is told with great empathy by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, with simply gorgeous art by Gabrielle Grimard. An excellent foreword and back matter by Dr. Christina Chester, a school psychologist. Every school should have this book!

[Nathan Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an emotionally intelligent and comforting approach to a difficult topic. The story follows Henry as he navigates the anxiety of school lockdown drills. With his teacher's support, Henry learns to manage his fears through breathing exercises and mindfulness. The illustrations are soft and warm, perfectly complementing the reassuring tone. This book will be very helpful for kids to understand and manage their feelings during anxious situations, and adult readers will likely benefit as well.

[Stacey Byer · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOT LIKE EVERY DAY is about a young boy named Henry who is trying to cope with his fear and anxiety during a school lockdown drill.
Lucianovic’s reassuring words and Grimard’s soft illustrations guide readers through this story in the same way Henry’s teacher gently helps him navigate his feelings. This book brilliantly tackles a tough topic while providing thoughtful coping tools. Highly recommend!

[Della Ferreri · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this reassuring story, a young child experiences anxiety during a school lockdown drill, with the unsettling feelings lingering even after it ends. Through a gentle and thoughtful conversation, his teacher acknowledges and validates his emotions, offering breathing exercises and other mindfulness techniques to ease his anxiety and help restore his sense of well-being. Beautiful artwork accompanies this important story. Highly recommended for all elementary school libraries.

[Audrey Perrott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devastating and beautiful; a comfort to children and adults who sadly live in the reality that is going to school in America. I'm grateful for the team that believed a book like this was important no matter how unfortunate that a book like this is necessary. It's sensitive and subtle without glossing over the very real feelings lockdown drills have on the psyche of kids. I especially appreciated the note up front, and the discussion questions by psychologists in the back.

[Jenna Waldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book is 100% needed in today’s world. Lucianovic beautifully tackles the reality of our children’s school lives while giving practical tools to help them not only manage the anxiety from classroom safety drills, but anything else that makes them feel anxious in their day to day. Grimard’s color palette is calm and soothing, and I love the way she shows emotions in her character’s faces. Lucianovic knows how to write about difficult topics in a child friendly way!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well done book about school lockdown drills. This is a book that was much needed as many kids get anxious about them, and many parent don't know who to talk about it. The book repeats many times that a lockdown drill is not real and shows what kids will do in one. It also discusses that some kids get scared and shows some calming down techniques to help an anxious kid. All this i a story that is appropriate for a smaller kid. Well done and needed.

[Chloe Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOT LIKE EVERYDAY gently explores the anxiety that children often face when enduring and processing school lockdown drills. Lucianovic does a great job of juggling the seriousness tone of the situation with a lovely lyrical rhythm that ultimately feels encouraging and hopeful. The illustrations are a perfect match, they're detailed, warm, and comforting.

Unfortunately, this is a much-needed picture book, one that belongs in every home, school, and library.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie V. W. Lucianovic boldy takes on the school lockdown drills in this timely picture book. Through the eyes of a young student named Henry, we see the anxiety that the drills can cause in some students. We are also shown that students can react in different ways. Henry's thoughtful teacher comforts Henry, acknowledges his feelings and provides him with some strategies to address his anxieties.

[Kelly Crull · Rating 5 out of 5]

School counselors and teachers, if you're looking for a book about lockdown drills, look no further! This book serves as a great conversation starter about the difficult-to-identify feelings that arise during drills at school. It also offers practical steps children can take to stay calm during these drills. And as a bonus, the illustrations are beautiful!

[HELEN ZAX · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOT LIKE EVERY DAY is a sensitive, lyrical look at the anxiety lockdown drills may cause students. The students' reactions to drills and their loving teacher’s suggestions for coping with anxiety offer comfort for readers who may be processing the terrifying need for lockdown drills. Grimard’s illustrations vividly capture the students' varied emotions of hope, fear, mindfulness, and joy.

[Moniza Hossain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtfully written book about a sad but necessary part of the school experience: the lockdown drill. With empathetic and lyrical prose, the book gently explores the anxieties felt by a student over the course of a day when a drill is planned. The art is warm and comforting. A must have for all school libraries.

[Dano Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an important book that will help many children feel seen and comforted. The teacher in the story helps a child experiencing anxiety after a school lockdown drill. She acknowledges his feelings, talks, and breathes with him - strategies that kids can use in other situations too. The text and illustrations are gentle and soothing. Highly recommend.

[Claire Bobrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I wish we didn't need to have this book. But clearly, we do. The author and illustrator tackle a tricky and horrifying subject with sensitively and care, giving comfort to young readers who must endure the unthinkable--and definitely not normal--addition of lockdown drills to school schedules.

[Amanda Calatzis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book certainly fills a need. A sensitive boy has a hard time with the school's lockdown drill. His classmates breeze through it and go out to play, but he's left with lots of feelings. Luckily, his attentive teacher notices and gives him tools to calm his mind. I love the soft artwork, which is a perfect match for his sensitivity. Extra points for the gorgeous sweater he wears.