About The Book

Issy uses the words ‘What If…’ a lot. What if there is a monster in my cupboard? She wonders before going to sleep. Or What if my floor turns into quicksand and swallows my bed? For her, ‘What If…’ are two little words that start worries and lead to uneasy feelings. But maybe they can be used for something a little more fun…

Share Issy’s wonder and excitement as her mum shows her that asking ‘what if…’ can lead to imaginative adventures far beyond the everyday. After all, What if trees had cupcakes hanging from their branches instead of leaves? Or the clouds were purple and orange and green? These kind of ‘what ifs’ are what this creative and hopeful story is all about. Showing children that their ‘what ifs’ can lead to feelings of fun, happiness and freedom is key in teaching them how we can change the way we feel simply by changing the way we choose to think.

Written by an experienced author/clinical psychologist and illustrator/art therapist duo, What if…? is an exploration of how little worriers think, and how they can choose to turn those worries into wonders. Young children, parents, carers, teachers and therapists alike will find methods to manage anxiety and to open conversations about worry in this playful and accessible tale. Plus, kids will love the imaginative adventures their ‘what ifs’ can create!

About The Author

Lynn Jenkins is a clinical psychologist, author and mother of three. She is passionate about early intervention in the social and emotional development of children, and has written several children’s books on such topics.

Series by the Author

About The Illustrator

Kirrili Lonergan is a children’s book illustrator, art therapist and mother of four. She has illustrated several picture books as well as creating designs for clothes, prints and pottery. She is passionate about illustrating picture books that have a ‘healing’ message.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Exisle Publishing (September 1, 2021)
  • Length: 32 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781925820973
  • Ages: 3 - 8

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Raves and Reviews

“There has been much talk about the impact that the last 18-20 months has had on the mental health of our children and so this book, and the others by this couple, are more critical to know about and share than ever.”

– Bottom Shelf – Edu Blog

“A valuable and practical resource to help an anxious child”

– The Daily Telegraph

“A delightful book … written by an experienced author/clinical psychologist and illustrator/art therapist. It’s an explanation of how children think and how we can help them ‘turn those worries into wonders’.

– Literacy, Families and Learning

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More books from this author: Lynn Jenkins

More books from this illustrator: Kirrili Lonergan

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