A Children's Book Council "Hot Off The Press" Selection of April 2019

"'A child sat on his island, looking out at the world and thinking.' So begins this beautifully illustrated, sparely worded picture book in which a child, on each new spread, envisions a more just, peaceful, and thriving world than the one he sees. [...] More meditative parable than story, this unusual and moving offering may be best suited as a prompt for reflection and conversation among readers who are asking questions about compassionate values, the power of individual action, and the role of imagination in creating a loving, life-sustaining world for all." --Publishers Weekly

What if it was the child who decided to be born? Here, from the belly of his mother, now round like an island, the child looks out at the world. Despite all of the trouble and heartache, he decides to be born, strong in his belief that he can help make the world a better place.

Stunningly illustrated by Olivier Tallec, with strong colors and sketchy lines, WHAT IF... is a book that gives us a sense of purpose in being born, reminding us that our task is caring for the world and for each other.