What If ... ?

Description

Issy uses the words 'what if...' a lot. What if there is a monster in my cupboard? she wonders before going to sleep. Or What if my floor turns into quicksand and swallows my bed? For her, 'what if...' are two little words that start worries and lead to uneasy feelings. But maybe they can be used for something a little more fun... Share Issy's wonder and excitement as her mum shows her that asking 'what if...' can lead to imaginative adventures far beyond the everyday. After all, What if trees had cupcakes hanging from their branches instead of leaves? Or the clouds were purple and orange and green? These kind of 'what ifs' are what this creative and hopeful story is all about. Showing children that their 'what ifs' can lead to feelings of fun, happiness and freedom is key in teaching them how we can change the way we feel simply by changing the way we choose to think. Written by an experienced author/clinical psychologist and illustrator/art therapist duo, What if...? is an exploration of how little worriers think, and how they can choose to turn those worries into wonders. Young children, parents, carers, teachers and therapists alike will find methods to manage anxiety and to open conversations about worry in this playful and accessible tale. Plus, kids will love the imaginative adventures their 'what ifs' can create!

Lynn Jenkins is a clinical psychologist, author and mother of three. She is passionate about early intervention in the social and emotional development of children, and has written several children's books on such topics. Kirrili Lonergan is a children's book illustrator, art therapist and mother of four. She has illustrated several picture books as well as creating designs for clothes, prints and pottery. She is passionate about illustrating picture books that have a 'healing' message.

"Why worry about monsters when you could wonder if clouds were purple. Explores managing anxiety by choosing where our imaginations take us." * Mindfood * "A valuable and practical resource to help an anxious child" * The Daily Telegraph * "A delightful book ... written by an experienced author/clinical psychologist and illustrator/art therapist. It's an explanation of how children think and how we can help them 'turn those worries into wonders'. * Literacy, Families and Learning * "What If (thinking) can lead to beautiful. Magical things if you choose" * The Space Magazine * "A valuable and practical resource to help an anxious child" * The Daily Telegraph * "Unlike many other worry themed books, this does not dwell on the fears of children which often tends to escalate the problem. The constructive and encouraging way that the mother promotes imagination into a positive narrative makes this a useful resource for families." * Buzz Words * "There has been much talk about the impact that the last 18-20 months has had on the mental health of our children and so this book, and the others by this couple, are more critical to know about and share than ever." -- The Bottomshelf * Edu Blog * "This illustrated hard cover story book for ages 6+ helps children to realise that their What If...? moments can be good things and that their fears can be lessened." * School Days Magazine * " This is the perfect book for any child (or adult) who worries too often about the 'What If's' in life." * Educate. Empower * "a perfectly comforting bedtime read for young children with racing minds." * Oh Creative Day *