Get more from reading Listen, Run, Hide

As I’ve visited classrooms and done author events, I've learned I use tricks while reading Listen, Run, Hide aloud to kids. These strategies help us connect, lighten heavier moments, and emphasize important safety takeaways.

I’d love to share these tips with you! They’ll help you get the most from your purchase and your time reading this book! Let’s jump in…

1. Read it first - by yourself.

Start with the foreword by the creator of the FBI’s active shooter program, Katherine Schweit, and read all the way through the “Further Discussion” page at the back. This will give you a clear understanding of where you are headed and remove any surprises for you. You’ll stay calmer for your child.

Also, you may decide to use some of the questions in the “Further Discussion” section as conversation starters during the story.

2. Notice the playful, reassuring details in the illustrations.

When the family begins role-playing, take time to explore the illustrations with your child.

• Did you catch that Willa is dressed like a teacher? Dad is helping her pull the costume together. Can your child guess where she got each item? (Hint: look at previous pages!)

• What's up with Mom's belly? She's pregnant! Illustrator Melanie Bess added this detail to make "bad guy" Mom less scary. Plus it's a fun point of connection for kids who've had a pregnant parent.

• And don't forget the pup! He's nervous - which some kids may relate to.

3. Point out who's doing what during the pretend lockdown.

On the page where Willa is stacking chairs to block the door, I ask, "Where's Dad?"

He's hiding under the counter, while Willa (pretending to be the teacher) locks the door. In a real lockdown, a teacher would secure the classroom while the kids hide - just like Dad.

Also, where is the pup placing his toys? He's helping, too!

4. Use the classroom lockdown scene to spark conversation.

This fully illustrated page shows a typical lockdown: the teacher turning off the lights and kids gathered silently in a corner.

If your child has already practiced a lockdown at school, this page might feel familiar. Ask:

• "Did your teacher turn off the lights like this?"

  
  

• "Where did you go during your drill?"

• "Where were your friends?"

• "How did it feel?"

Whether your child shares something simple of something significant, this page is a great tool to open the door to that conversation.

Illustration from the picture book Listen, Run, Hide of children participating in a lockdown drill in their classroom at school.

5. Talk through questions your child will likely have - "locked out" scenarios.

Jump to the page where Willa and her friends run from the school.

This can make some adults nervous but Katherine Schweit (mentioned above) regularly encourages us to shift our thinking about this. If there is a real threat in your child’s school, and they are locked in the hallway, their chances of safety are likely better outside the building. This was one question I asked Kate specifically and she clarified her recommendation over email. Katherine often says, “you can’t get shot if you aren’t there.”

Ask your child:

• "Where do you think Willa and her friends will go next?"

• "What should you do if you see a police officer or a mom with little kids?"

On this page I also like to talk about how fast these kids are moving. They are not just walking fast, or jogging. They are speedy! "Running in the hallway?! Is that allowed at your school?"

Use this to explain that in emergencies, it's okay to break rules to stay safe. You'll never be mad at them for doing that.

Illustration from the children's picture book called Listen, Run, Hide of children prioritizing their safety above typical school rules.

6. Explore Willa's cozy room

This next page is a treat because we get to experience Willa’s adorable bedroom brought to life by Melanie!

I like to explore what stands out to students by asking, "What do you see in her room?" Also, I totally want to grab a book and sink into that snuggly hug-of-a-chair!

7. Discuss "off-limits" places and how they become "on-limits" during an emergency.

In another scene, we see two kids hiding in a teacher work room - typically an off-limits space for students. But in an emergency, off-limits rules don't apply.

Ask your child:

• "Have you ever seen a room like this in your school?"

• "Have you been inside it before? Why or why not?"

Then talk about what other spaces are usually off-limits - like the principal's office, teacher's lounge, or even the opposite-gender bathroom. Let your child know that in an emergency, those rules don't matter.

I often expand this message outside of school too. I ask kids where else they regularly go (various stores, church, gym daycare, etc) and we discuss “off limit” places and how they may be safe spaces during an emergency.

Illustration from the children's picture book called Listen, Run, Hide of children staying safe in a teacher work room.

8. Notice the humor.

Next up we see “bad-guy” mom searching for Willa and Dad. Kids are always delighted to notice the pup is pretending to be a stuffed animal!

9. End with comfort and confidence.

As you finish the book, take time to reassure your child.

You might say:

• "It's okay to feel nervous. These conversations can be a little scary, but you're not alone. You have people who love you and are always thinking about how to keep you safe."

• "Emergencies are rare but we like to prepare anyway. Just like we wear seatbelts or have fire extinguishers at home, being ready helps us feel strong."

• “I am always thinking about your safety when I make decisions. I will never send you somewhere that I think is dangerous.” 

I hope these tips make your read-aloud experience even more powerful. Listen, Run, Hide was written to start conversations - and you're the best person to have them with your child.

If you found this post helpful, you may also like my post: Lockdown Drills: 10 Steps to Help Your Child Feel Safe and Supported.

Until next time!

Em