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Sunday, June 2, 2019

The Little Book OF BIG WHAT-IFS. Written and illustrated by Renata Liwska. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Raincoast. 2019. $19,99 ages 4 and up


"What if you get lost?

What if someone can help?

What if you make the time?

What if you had a long way to go?

What if it was worth the wait?"

If you have children of your own, or you teach young children, you will have been bombarded at many points in time with the 'what if?' question. Their imaginations can take little children from depths of despair to pinnacles of joy. They are constantly wondering about the workings of their world, and not afraid to ask the questions that express their immediate feelings or show concern for any number of things.

The what-ifs come fast and furiously in this thought-provoking book for young readers. The characters are animals who have many of the same questions they share with children who read this book. If you have seen other books by Ms. Liwska you will recognize the warm soft edges of each of her signature characters. They are a group where one watches out for the other, and together they form a supportive community of friends.

Beginning with a what-if about a birthday is highly appropriate from an author who knows her audience very well.

"What if you slept through your birthday?"

At my age, I wouldn't mind. A five year old would be devastated. Someone has surely considered that concern for such a special day. The snowy illustration shows animal friends playing music, admiring a birthday cake, and bringing a present while a tiny bear cub snuggles sound asleep in the trunk of a nearby tree. (Of course, a bear would be sleeping if it's winter time!)

There are many charming moments when one character shows concern for the other. And there are many, many what-ifs to be considered ... each equally important.  The imagination of the young is endless. The animals who stand in for them gives them an opportunity to see that others share some of those same concerns. Some are silly, some are very serious ... that is in keeping with children as they live their lives.

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