The Whatifs
by Emily Kilgore (Author) Zoe Persico (Illustrator)
Cora is struggling with her Whatif questions ahead of a big piano recital in this timely picture book about overcoming anxiety.
What if my dog runs away?
What if I forget my homework?
What if the sun stops shining?
What if my crayon breaks?
Cora is constantly worrying about everything. Because of this, the Whatifs love her. They sneak up to her and give her all kinds of doubts: big or small, silly or frightening, likely or impossible. As she prepares for an upcoming piano recital, the Whatifs cling on tighter and drag her down, making her anxious about messing up during the concert. Will she be able to change her worry-filled thoughts into hopeful ones?
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Publishers Weekly
In this picture book about anxiety, Kilgore anthropomorphizes nettling questions as small, erratic critters called Whatifs, who "slink in from unknown places and/ swiftly attach themselves to people," while relaying the life of Cora, "a nervous girl" of whom the Whatifs are particularly fond. Cora's looming piano recital causes an influx of grim Whatifs ("What if my fingers shake?.../ What if I make a mistake?"), until she nearly freezes backstage, covered in the critters. Classmate Stella offers an encouraging perspective, giving Cora the courage to go onstage, but when Cora hits a wrong note, she must decide how to confront the situation. Persico's atmospheric illustrations aptly reflect Cora's shifting emotions, and Kilgore successfully balances the whimsical with a tale grounded in reality. Ages 4-8. (Aug.)
Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Emily Kilgore is a teacher and the author of the picture book The Whatifs. She wrote The Christmas Book Flood by candlelight while in Sweden. She lives in Minnesota. Visit her website to learn more.
Kitty Moss is an artist, and the author and illustrator of Where Bone? She lives in Ireland. Visit her website to learn more.JUV039050 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emotions & Feelings
JUV031040 - Juvenile Fiction | Performing Arts | Music
Piano
Performance
Piano performance
