What If...

Creativity, the power of imagination, and the importance of self-expression are celebrated in this inspiring picture book written and illustrated by real-life best friends.

This girl is determined to express herself! If she can't draw her dreams, she'll sculpt or build, carve or collage. If she can't do that, she'll turn her world into a canvas. And if everything around her is taken away, she'll sing, dance, and dream...

Stunning mixed media illustrations, lyrical text, and a breathtaking gatefold conjure powerful magic in this heartfelt affirmation of art, imagination, and the resilience of the human spirit.

“"This inspirational read-aloud provides ample opportunity for discussion and creation from beginning to end." -- School Library Journal”

*"A testament to the power of an imaginative mind. ...This extraordinary book will make it hard for any child reader to settle for the mundaneness of reality."
--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"A true celebration of creativity and art in all its forms."--Brightly
"Curato's collaged and found-object illustrations meet the creative challenges [Berger's] text all but demands with moments of giddy inventiveness."--Publishers Weekly
"Curato's collages, featuring ink, pencil, acrylics, and more, make beautiful backdrops that pop, contrast, and fill each spread with life. What's more, Berger's inspiring message...uplifts and demonstrates the unstoppable spirit of creativity. ...[Y]oung artists will come away connected and affirmed."--Booklist
"The mixed-media illustrations fully communicate the glory of artistic passion."
--School Library Connection
"This inspirational read-aloud provides ample opportunity for discussion and creation from beginning to end."
--School Library Journal
A Bank Street College Best Children's Book of 2018
An Atlanta Parent Magazine Best Book of 2018
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2018
2019 International Literacy Association/Children's Book Council Children's Choices List

Samantha Berger (Author)

Samantha Berger has written numerous picture books including Crankenstein, A Crankenstein Valentine, Witch Spa, Snoozefest, and Martha Doesn't Say Sorry, which won a Parent's Choice Award Honor. When she isn't writing, she's doing voice-overs, traveling the world, and helping rescue dogs. Samantha splits her time between New York City and California, and she invites you to visit her online at samanthaberger.com.

Mike Curato (Author)

Mike Curato is the author and illustrator of the beloved polka-dotted elephant, Little Elliot, who appears in his books Little Elliot, Big City; Little Elliot, Big Family; Little Elliot, Big Fun; and Little Elliot, Fall Friends. He is also the illustrator of Worm Loves Wormby J.J. Austrian and All the Way to Havana by Margarita Engle. Mike lives in Northampton, Massachusetts, and he invites you to visit him online at mikecurato.com.

Creativity, the power of imagination, and the importance of self-expression are celebrated in this inspiring picture book written and illustrated by real-life best friends. This girl is determined to express herself! If she can't draw her dreams, she'll sculpt or build, carve or collage. If she can't do that, she'll turn her world into a canvas. And if everything around her is taken away, she'll sing, dance, and dream...Stunning mixed media illustrations, lyrical text, and a breathtaking gatefold conjure powerful magic in this heartfelt affirmation of art, imagination, and the resilience of the human spirit.

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