Ellen Javernick

What if Everybody Did That by Ellen Javernich was a really interesting read and I think it can have a lot of impact on a child. The art is engaging and the story has interesting characters and animals. The main focus of the book is that your actions have consequences which is reiterated on each page by saying “What if everybody did that” when the boy is doing bad behavior like feeding popcorn to bears. The author uses a lot of exaggeration to really make it interesting. I thought this show more was clever to get a child to understand how their behavior can affect others. show less

In a Nutshell: A picture book about changing your perspective towards a more positive outlook. Realistic characters, great story, cute illustrations, essential message that cannot be repeated enough. Much recommended.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Plot Preview:

Whenever anyone asks Andrew how his day went, he grumbles about something awful that messed up his day. After a few days, his sister Amelia points out that he only talks of the bad things that happened. She suggests that he start thinking of

show more

one awesome thing that happens to him every day, even if it is something small. Andrew knows this is a tall ask, but he still agrees to try. What do you think happens next?

“Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life”, from Monty Python's Life of Brian, might have been a comic parody, but its titular message is true if you want to live a happier life. It always helps to think of the positives in your life, no matter how minuscule, instead of obsessing over the negatives. The change in perspective from ‘awful’ to ‘awesome’ can make a vast difference to psychological and physiological wellbeing.

There have already been many books that espouse this moral. But what’s one more cute addition to the list, right?

While the story is fairly straightforward and enjoyable, I love how it highlighted that ‘awesome’ isn't just something that happened but also something that didn’t happen. We usually forget this bit when we have to think of the blessings in our day. I also appreciate how the book doesn’t depict a magical absence of negativity once you start thinking of the positives. Life still throws lemons your way regularly, but it is up to you whether you squeeze them in your mouth directly or make a tasty lemonade.

The characters work well for the plot. Andrew gets the main chunk of the narrative, and does a commendable job at being a normal kid: one who grumbles, plays, laughs, falls, fights, hates brussels sprouts, scores low on tests…. I love that the book made him relatable and realistic. Anyone too picture perfect or too obnoxious would have messed up the impact. Andrew’s sister Amelia also is really sweet.

The content is written in simple and understandable prose, quite easy for the target age group.
For once, I am more familiar with the illustrator than the author. I have loved Bhagya Madanasinghe’s illustrations in “Awe-samosas!” and “My Teacher Has Tattoos”. I would have anyway grabbed this book from the cover, but seeing her name listed as the illustrator sealed the deal. She didn’t let me down! I loved the way she sketched the two children (Yay for showing Andrew as wearing glasses!) and the animals. Andrew’s dad appeared too boyish, but the rest of the characters were superb. There is also so much detailing on every page! I loved how the page space appeared full without being cluttered. Don’t miss Andrew’s dog and cat in the background of the scenes set in his home.

Overall, this is a really sweet picture book. While it isn't ground-breaking in its message, it is still a great option in terms of plot, characters, and approach towards positivity.

Definitely recommended. The book ought to work well for ages 4-8.

4 stars.

My thanks to Two Lions for providing the DRC of “Awesome of the Day” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

The digital version of this book is currently available on Kindle Unlimited.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook || show less

A child displaying negative behaviors is admonished with a "What if everybody said that?" question so that she re-evaluates her choices.

I like the theory behind this book, in which negative behaviors are presented with their consequences shown immediately after so that children can gain empathy and think about how they would act/react in certain situations.

However, I'm not sure if the chiding question from all the adults in this book is really the most helpful response. In some cases, it show more doesn't even make the most sense. For example:
In art class we were drawing dogs. I looked at the other kids' pictures and said, "Those don't look like dogs to me," and I laughed. The art teacher made me apologize. "What if EVERYBODY said that?"
In this example, it doesn't matter if everyone says it or just one person -- it's mean no matter.

Other cases make more sense, such as this one:
When our teacher was in the hospital, the substitute suggested we make him get-well cards. I said, "Maybe later. I'm busy playing now." The sub held up the empty card box. "What if EVERYBODY said that?"
Yes, obviously, if everyone puts off a task, the task never gets done, so this time the question posed is at least logical.

In the end, the child finally takes the oft-repeated question to heart and realizes a poor choice on her own. She then rights her mistake and realizes that good behavior is something everybody should do. The messaging is positive in the end, but again I think some of it along the way wasn't perfect. Still, this is a good book for adult caregivers to share with young ones to open up discussions about caring for others through our words and actions.

The illustrations are just fine; nothing remarkable one way or the other. show less

Right from the start, you can't help but be drawn in. I mean, the title alone would do it with all the ponderings it brings to mind, but combine that with the cover, you just know something is about to go down, and you want to be a part of it...or perhaps not. You see, our little leading lady is being anything but angelic. Now don't get me wrong, people should be free to be themselves, but that goes for EVERYONE, and ridiculing, picking on, or name calling is for the birds...well, okay, not show more even them, but you know what I mean. No one likes to be on the receiving end of things in that type of situation, and no one should be. If only we would all take a moment to think about the other person's feelings, consider how our words might be taken...or pose the question, what if everybody said that?

It's a real eye opening story, and the illustrations really give it that 1-2 punch. You can see the feelings on both their faces when comments are made, almost hearing the judgment being passed, the hearts/dreams being broken. It really reminds us to CHOOSE KINDNESS in all our daily actions and reactions. Honestly, you never know how those words said in the heat of the moment, or without a passing thought, are going to impact the person they are being said to. You might stop the next Picasso from becoming the artist they were meant to be, the next scientist in training from discovering the cure to incurable diseases, or even simply put the extra dose of lighter fluid on someone's already "stellar" day that could have used your moment of kindness, encouragement, or even simply...silence. Hey, I don't know about you, but I was always told "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say it at all"...certainly can't go wrong there, but reaching out that helping hand, or extending that kind word is definitely a step up too.

Recommended read for kiddos of all ages because really...who couldn't use a reminder to think before we speak...especially in today's world?


**copy received for review show less