What If... ?

As you can see this book is getting mixed reader reviews. Why is that? Because it is certainly different and actually quite original. When Joe is invited to a birthday party but can't find the invitation his mom helps him locate his friend's house. Looking in the front windows from the street is a rather odd way to figure out where the party is but it does make for some interesting illustrations!The key here is how Joe's mother deals with his fear that this party thing might not be a good idea. Many youngsters experience this when attending their first party. She does a decent job dealing with the boy's doubts and there's a little humor towards the end when she has a few "doubts" herself.Is this book worth reading? Certainly! But it is a tad different but that's not a bad thing.Book provided by publisher.

This book is worth reading. It has two stories. One story is serious. It is about a boy going to a birthday party. The story will help kids not to be afraid to go to parties and experience new things.However, kids will like it when the mom is silly at the end. But this book has a trick—there is another story. Look carefully at the pictures because you will find some surprises that will make you laugh. If you like hidden picture puzzles, you will like this book.Review by Young Mensan Henry L., age 5, North Texas Mensa

This book speaks to me. I love the way he captures children's (and moms) anxiety about going to a party. The illustrations are odd but my kids loved them.

The text is comforting and the illustrations beautifully and expertly done, some of them based on illustrations from classics. But the scenes depicted range from terrifying to incomprehensible. I wouldn't give this to a child, but I look forward to seeing what these autors do next.

I ordered the wrong What If? book!!!! Book ok I just wanted another version!!!

Decent

I found the story kind of strange. The idea I liked, but I thought them wandering through the dark street, peering into people's windows while Joe voices his concerns was weird. His mother is very comforting, but then she too begins to worry when she drops him off at his friend's house, which I wouldn't think would inspire confidence in kids who worry about going to new places. I also thought the end was a bit contrived. The illustrations are beautiful, just not sure about the story.

This is a very disturbing and odd book for adults and especially children. I borrowed it from the library to read to my 7year old son and found it so unbelievably odd, strange, and even scary, that I had to Google it. The pictures are inappropriate and disturbing. The picture of the older couple, they are aliens. Look closely. This is alittle strange but the pictures of the men shoving a man in a pot and the other devil/dark picture of snakes on the floor and men forcing men to the ground is disturbing and dark.I plan to return the book tomorrow to the library and tell the librarian about this and to suggest that it be removed from the children’s section.I was forced to give at least one star inorder to submit this review. It deserves no stars.

Good messages

Another fantastic book from Anthony Browne with great illustrations. It touches on the subject of anxiety and worries; a great starting point when talking to children about their fears.

My little boy loves this book... great for exploring worries about going new places!

Another excellent book with a fascinating story and delightful illustrations. Will be enjoyed by many of my grand children and others.

Great book which has uses with a wide audience.