Two Black Mountain Police Department (BMPD) officers have turned their passion for protecting children into a creative new project. The pair wrote and illustrated, “Where Did Henry Go?”, a children’s book designed to teach kids about staying safe and understanding the role of law enforcement.
Officer Adriana Stewart, the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Black Mountain Primary School (BMP), has worked hard building relationships with students, listening to their questions, and helping them feel safe. Inspired by the curious conversations she often has with young children, she decided to write a book that would speak directly to them.
“I wanted something simple, friendly, and honest,” Stewart said. “A story kids could understand, but that also shows what officers do when a child goes missing. Most importantly I want children to know not to leave with a stranger.”
Knowing a book needs pictures as warm and engaging as the message, Stewart reached out to a trusted colleague - Officer Raquel Smith. Smith, who has a natural talent for drawing and visual storytelling, enthusiastically agreed to illustrate the project.
Together, the two officers created “Where did Henry Go?”, which highlights how police respond during emergencies, the steps they take to find missing children, and why trusting safe adults is so important.
The book officially debuted on November 13th at BMP to a packed auditorium of excited students. For many children, this was their first time meeting a real author - and the fact it was their SRO made the moment even more special.
Stewart says this is only the beginning. She already has plans for additional children’s books covering other safety topics, each designed to bridge the gap between students and the officers who protect them.
“My hope,” she said, “is that kids will see officers as helpers, and someone they can trust to keep them safe.”
