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What If...? Then We...: Short, Very Short, Shorter-than-Ever Possibilities
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.
"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.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published February 19, 2019
About the author
Rebecca Kai Dotlich
44 books49 followersRebecca is a poet and picture book author of such titles as What is Science? (a 2006 Subaru SB&F prize finalist), and Lemonade Sun (an American Booksellers "Pick of the Lists"). Her work is featured widely in poetry anthologies and textbooks. Rebecca promotes children's poetry, giving presentations and workshops to students, teachers, librarians and writers. She lives in Indiana.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 13, 2019
Solving humongous problems and using your imagination to do so makes for quirky stories and a whole lot of charm, definitely recommend this possibility book to all readers!
April 14, 2021
A pair of polar bears imagine possibilities. While one envisions all of the terrible doom-filled things that could happen, the other counters with a silver lining and a vote of optimism.
A wonderful experiment in learning to look on the bright side.
A wonderful experiment in learning to look on the bright side.
February 19, 2019
If you know the books One Day, The End or The Knowing Book, then you also know that Rebecca Kai Dotlich's imagination takes readers into marvelous worlds, just right books to use for delightful writing projects or simply to bring smiles to everyone in the audience!
This brand new book becomes Rebecca's new wonder with this adventure of two polar bears, off to become explorers and in the trip, they show courage and resilience as they encounter gorgeous sights and scary moments. It's also about the goodness of friendship. When a friend is there, one can face anything! Those bears travel on a ship imagined from an iceberg and when a city made of crayons melts, the bears use pencils to create a beautiful gray world. This is when eyes must pop while hearing the words, then seeing Fred Koehler's illustrations that bring the words to life. Next, words from the universe disappear, but those ready-for-anything bears invent their own language. They protect each other by holding hands when encountering the "big and scary". I read this to one granddaughter who laughed with wide eyes and said "wow" when other pages were revealed. A satisfying and perfectly OPEN ending makes me know that those reading will then shout "What's next?"
This brand new book becomes Rebecca's new wonder with this adventure of two polar bears, off to become explorers and in the trip, they show courage and resilience as they encounter gorgeous sights and scary moments. It's also about the goodness of friendship. When a friend is there, one can face anything! Those bears travel on a ship imagined from an iceberg and when a city made of crayons melts, the bears use pencils to create a beautiful gray world. This is when eyes must pop while hearing the words, then seeing Fred Koehler's illustrations that bring the words to life. Next, words from the universe disappear, but those ready-for-anything bears invent their own language. They protect each other by holding hands when encountering the "big and scary". I read this to one granddaughter who laughed with wide eyes and said "wow" when other pages were revealed. A satisfying and perfectly OPEN ending makes me know that those reading will then shout "What's next?"
March 26, 2019
I love the message here: reimagine how you see the world and what it throws your way. Great illustrations with details.
June 4, 2019
My parents often said that they regretted when I learned the word why, because I was always asking questions and then questioning the answers I received. That's a fairly common phase that kids go through. But these two polar bears explore all sorts of possibilities using the phrases, "What if? and "Then we."It is a wonderful book to use for introducing creative thinking and looking at alternatives. Whether it is what they might do if all the crayons in the world melted, or what would happen if something really scary occurred, there is always an answer or solution. But the best is saved for last. "What if we wanted to imagine a thousand more possibilities? Then we would!"
Combining the talents of Dotlich (The Knowing Book), and Koehler (Puppy, Puppy, Puppy), this picture book is an affirmation of friendship and creativity, as well as an exploration of what happens when we open ourselves up to the power of "what if?" This would make an excellent mentor text for classrooms who want to create a class book, or perhaps even to look a bit at some unlikely cause and effect situations. (I certainly hope all the crayons never melt.)
I read a copy provided by the publisher for review purposes.
Combining the talents of Dotlich (The Knowing Book), and Koehler (Puppy, Puppy, Puppy), this picture book is an affirmation of friendship and creativity, as well as an exploration of what happens when we open ourselves up to the power of "what if?" This would make an excellent mentor text for classrooms who want to create a class book, or perhaps even to look a bit at some unlikely cause and effect situations. (I certainly hope all the crayons never melt.)
I read a copy provided by the publisher for review purposes.
March 27, 2019
"For every WHAT IF, the imagination creates a possibility, and in that possibility lives a story."
From the creative team that brought us ONE DAY, THE END: SHORT, VERY SHORT, SHORTER-THAN-EVER STORIES comes a new mentor text in possibilities that follow the ubiquitous "What Ifs" of life and the quietly lurking "What Ifs" of our hearts' fears and longings.
Rebecca Kai Dotlich mastered micro-fiction in her companion text with illustrator, Fred Koehler four years ago. Now, she brings it back in its expanded view to create a mentor text for readers young and old.
In the new book, Indiana treasure Dotlich sneaks in internal rhymes into what appears to be micro-prose allowing two characters to do the "heavy lifting" of the "What Ifs" that present to them as they float adrift into adventure.
Koehler pulls out every stop as a seeming imagery-laded allusion to the best picture books of the day. We have sailing. We have ice. We have crayons. We have octopus. And we have rockets.
Our polar bears ship looks remarkably like a shoe fastened to the tip of an iceberg (an illustrative metaphor about stepping out on the ice if I have ever seen one). The "What Ifs" begin getting lost and the clocks that stop tick-tocking. Dotlich is taking us on a journey to see how we might respond to these questions facing both the bears and ourselves.
As the iceberg becomes a small chunk of ice, it is traded off for an origami sailor's hat reminiscent to classic picture book lovers of Sam Reavin's 1971 title, HURRAY FOR CAPTAIN JANE!
Towering crayon skylines greet our travelers who sail with origami birds and fish to come ashore to ask questions of words and language and hopes and dreams. And when words fail our heroes, new languages appear filled with paints and turtles and music and maps and laughter.
This book is about the "Then Wes" of being brave and having no bedtimes and fishing and whistling and holding hands and sharing something amazing in response to the "What Ifs" that will come and the "What Ifs" we conjure.
As a possibility for readers of all ages, think about using WHAT IF. . ." THEN WE. . .as a "Proposed Problem. . .Poetic Possibility" stem to invite writing. The classroom teacher might use this stem to present clear and present problems or conflicts from the text the class is considering and have students write possible solutions both practical and poetic (get that critical thinking going). Point the problem at the group from the text to build lessons and explorations into empathy and opportunity.
Instant classic that I hope all of my friends find to share with readers of all ages.
From the creative team that brought us ONE DAY, THE END: SHORT, VERY SHORT, SHORTER-THAN-EVER STORIES comes a new mentor text in possibilities that follow the ubiquitous "What Ifs" of life and the quietly lurking "What Ifs" of our hearts' fears and longings.
Rebecca Kai Dotlich mastered micro-fiction in her companion text with illustrator, Fred Koehler four years ago. Now, she brings it back in its expanded view to create a mentor text for readers young and old.
In the new book, Indiana treasure Dotlich sneaks in internal rhymes into what appears to be micro-prose allowing two characters to do the "heavy lifting" of the "What Ifs" that present to them as they float adrift into adventure.
Koehler pulls out every stop as a seeming imagery-laded allusion to the best picture books of the day. We have sailing. We have ice. We have crayons. We have octopus. And we have rockets.
Our polar bears ship looks remarkably like a shoe fastened to the tip of an iceberg (an illustrative metaphor about stepping out on the ice if I have ever seen one). The "What Ifs" begin getting lost and the clocks that stop tick-tocking. Dotlich is taking us on a journey to see how we might respond to these questions facing both the bears and ourselves.
As the iceberg becomes a small chunk of ice, it is traded off for an origami sailor's hat reminiscent to classic picture book lovers of Sam Reavin's 1971 title, HURRAY FOR CAPTAIN JANE!
Towering crayon skylines greet our travelers who sail with origami birds and fish to come ashore to ask questions of words and language and hopes and dreams. And when words fail our heroes, new languages appear filled with paints and turtles and music and maps and laughter.
This book is about the "Then Wes" of being brave and having no bedtimes and fishing and whistling and holding hands and sharing something amazing in response to the "What Ifs" that will come and the "What Ifs" we conjure.
As a possibility for readers of all ages, think about using WHAT IF. . ." THEN WE. . .as a "Proposed Problem. . .Poetic Possibility" stem to invite writing. The classroom teacher might use this stem to present clear and present problems or conflicts from the text the class is considering and have students write possible solutions both practical and poetic (get that critical thinking going). Point the problem at the group from the text to build lessons and explorations into empathy and opportunity.
Instant classic that I hope all of my friends find to share with readers of all ages.
October 21, 2020
A wonderful book of possibilities that children may worry about but with a spin that makes them less daunting, and even fun, to children. This book allows children an understanding of how sometimes scary possibilities can be seen as an opportunity to learn or do something different. I enjoyed trying to think of some of my own possibilities which each "What if...?", something I think children would enjoy thinking about too!
In the classroom I think this would work really well to indirectly address an unsettling/ worrying time for children- such as a transition to a new year or school (infant- junior). Children would enjoy making their own suggestion for a possible eventuality and could showcase these using drama.
This was a wonderful book, however I found it quite short and I would have enjoyed more scenarios.
In the classroom I think this would work really well to indirectly address an unsettling/ worrying time for children- such as a transition to a new year or school (infant- junior). Children would enjoy making their own suggestion for a possible eventuality and could showcase these using drama.
This was a wonderful book, however I found it quite short and I would have enjoyed more scenarios.
June 24, 2019
Is there a phrase more packed with potential than "What if..."? Two bears with vivid imaginations pose question after question and always come up with a possible and positive outcome. If they became lost they would simply become brave explorers. Well, what if every crayon in the world melted? Then the bears would grab their pencils and fall in love with the color gray. This is an excellent resource for inspiring elementary students to think creatively and solve problems in their writing. The detailed mixed media illustrations are full of energy and practically leap from the page. Best suited for a class read aloud.
February 24, 2021
As a mom I really liked this book because not only did they talk about good things that can happen but also talk about if bad things happen to. It shows how to change a bad thing to a good thing. I also love how it's a cause and and effect story. This book is short and really easy to read aloud to all age. My kids really loved the illustrations in this book in how it's colorful and keeps their attention. This book had a lot of fun things in it. They really enjoyed this story and were thinking of different possibilities for each thing. I love this book and can't wait to keep reading it to my kids.
March 17, 2024
What a great book about seeing the upside of tough situations. Two super cute polar bears ponder the what-ifs of life. With every seemingly impossible situation, the two bears come up with an upside to the situation. Illustrations didn't wow me, but those two bears did leave a smile on my face at a couple of the then-we responses.
January 19, 2019
A fun tribute to imaginative thinking with terrific illustrations by Koehler. Fun as a lap book or a class room read that could lead to lots of discussion. Good choice as a writing prompt.
February 10, 2019
Gorgeous and perfect, a definite writing mentor text to add to your collection!
February 21, 2019
Quick, short - more of a discussion starter than a real story. Would be good for writing prompts.
February 26, 2019
I would give it a 3.5 if we could do 1/2 stars. It was imaginative and figured out great solutions to problematic situations
March 3, 2019
An amazing, beautiful, creative way to help kids solve problems and use their imaginations in cool ways!
March 27, 2019
Liked the illustrations and the concept of the story. It will get children thinking about the "What if..." "then we..." situations.
April 4, 2019
This fun, cute story of conditionals helps kids see different endings and adaptability.
April 4, 2019
3.5 stars
Interesting way to approach If, Then statements with little ones. Fun illustrations.
Interesting way to approach If, Then statements with little ones. Fun illustrations.
April 20, 2019
Two polar bear friends have fun imagining clever solutions to a variety of possible situations.
May 3, 2019
Imaginative.
May 18, 2019
On your own program book - inspire conversation
June 4, 2019
I didn't love this one as much as their first book, but still a fun mentor text that could be used as a writing springboard!
June 19, 2019
So a couple of resolutions might make the anxious more anxious, but overall, I think this will be a great book to share and a good companion to "Fortunately."
July 26, 2019
A what if then this book where short problems are presented with a simple solution. Elementary and up
May 24, 2020
I would give this book a 3.5 if I could. This was a cute story and good illustrations. My 3 kids enjoyed me reading this to them.
December 19, 2020
Good for teaching cause and effect.
March 16, 2021
A wonderful way to help children start writing and telling their own stories by using their imaginations and a power of what if.
January 19, 2022
Cute but not what I was expecting. I was hoping for something closer to One Day The End, which is an all time favorite of mine.
April 9, 2019
What a great way to teach kids to make the best of a bad situation. I think this would work for older kids.
March 31, 2019
Rebecca Kai Dotlich and Fred Koehler are a super team! I love so many of their books without each other and their books together are only that much more special. Their imagination will take readers on adventures through places they’ve only dreamt of and will help them realize that their imagination can take them anywhere they can dream of. This newest book by the duo not only promotes imagination but also grit, courage, resilience, and friendship. These two polar bear cubs go on a fantastical adventure which will leave the readers wanting to know what is going to happen next. This book is full of possibilities in story that will be adored by so many readers!
Full review with teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1...
Full review with teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews