What If . . . ? Then We . . .: Short, Very Short, Shorter-than-Ever Possibilities - Hardcover

Dotlich, Rebecca Kai

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1629799092 ISBN 13: 9781629799094

Publisher: Astra Young Readers, 2019

Synopsis

Two polar bear friends have a thrilling adventure as they imagine solutions to a variety of possible situations; their story will show readers how to create their own tales in response to the question "What if...?" in this ingenious picture book.

"What if . . . we got lost far, far, far away, and couldn't find our way home? Then we would become the bravest explorers in the world." So begin the adventures of two intrepid polar bears. Traveling on a ship imagined from an iceberg, the bears encounter magnificent sights and scary situations. When a city made of crayons melts, the bears use pencils to create a beautiful gray world. When all the words in the universe disappear, the bears invent their own language. When something really big and really scary happens, they whistle and hold hands until it's not as big or scary anymore. And when they find their way back home, they're ready to imagine a thousand more possibilities. This companion title to the Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book One Day, The End. is ultimately a book about imagination, friendship, and finding possibilities in the smallest moments.

About this title

About the Author:

Rebecca Kai Dotlich is the author of many children's poetry and picture books, including One Day, The End; The Knowing Book; and Lemonade Sun. Her books have won various honors, including the Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award and the Golden Kite Honor Award. She lives near Indianapolis and gives presentations and workshops across the country. Visit her at rebeccakaidotlich.com.

Fred Koehler is the author and illustrator of How to Cheer Up Dad and Super Jumbo. He is the illustrator of One Day, The End, which won a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award; Flashlight Night; Puppy, Puppy, Puppy; and This Book is NOT About Dragons. He lives with his family in Lakeland, Florida. Visit him at ilikefred.com.

Review:

“This is a surrealist romp through the limitless possibilities of storytelling. The text is simple, and the illustrations use vibrant colors and a mixture of styles to greatly enhance the fanciful storytelling, allowing readers to discover how seemingly everyday objects are transformed by the imagination. (A)n emotive, dreamlike exploration of the imagination with vibrant illustrations that will encourage young readers to build their own narrative.” – School Library Journal

“This ode to imagination features two little polar bears...The lively artwork...accentuate(s) the action. With much to look at and think about, this is a good choice to discuss as well as enjoy.”
— Booklist

About this edition

• Publisher: Astra Young Readers
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 1629799092
• ISBN 13: 9781629799094
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Koehler Fred