What If Everybody Did That? – A Must-Read for Little Ones
You know those evenings when bedtime feels like a sprint through an obstacle course? With two little ones to wrangle, the chaos can be a lot to handle. Recently, as I was flipping through our ever-growing stack of books, "What If Everybody Did That?" by Ellen Javernick caught my eye. I thought, “This could be a good foundation for some nighttime calm.” Little did I know, it would quickly become a cozy family favorite.
This delightful picture book tackles a significant theme: the impact of our actions. The premise is simple yet profound: what if everyone chose to ignore rules and boundaries? The story unfolds with relatable scenarios, prompting children to think about the consequences of careless behavior—like tossing a soda can out of the window. The illustrations are vibrant and engaging, employing a mixed media style that my kiddos found captivating. As we turned each page, giggles erupted as they fully embraced the funny, exaggerated outcomes of “what if” scenarios.
Both of my children, ages 4 and 6, were drawn in by the charming illustrations. They loved pointing out the little details in each picture, such as the exaggerated consequences. For instance, one page depicts chaos at a pool with splashes and unruly kids, sparking an animated discussion about swimming pool etiquette. "Can you imagine if everyone did that?" my daughter exclaimed, eyes wide with curiosity. It opened the door to a heartfelt conversation about why rules exist and how they help keep us safe and happy.
One of the great things about this book is that it’s incredibly read-aloud friendly. The rhythm of the text and the humor interspersed with a gentle message kept my boys engaged. I found myself soaking in their laughter, enjoying their reactions as they processed serious concepts in a light-hearted manner. “I don’t want a world where everything is a mess!” my little one chimed in, and I couldn’t help but smile, realizing how much they were absorbing.
There’s a particularly memorable moment in the book with a funny illustration where everyone ignores a stop sign. My son burst into laughter as he exclaimed, “That’s a disaster waiting to happen!” This reaction turned into a mini-lesson on traffic safety, showcasing how a simple book can lead to meaningful conversations about being responsible.
I wholeheartedly recommend "What If Everybody Did That?" for preschoolers to early elementary-aged kids, particularly those who are just starting to grapple with rules and good manners. It’s perfect for parents seeking not just a simple story, but also a way to teach values in a relatable context.
This book has made its way into our nightly routine—it’s become a go-to bedtime favorite that I’ll cherish for years. I love how it transformed our reading time into a heartwarming discussion about behavior and expectations. With its humorous illustrations and valuable lessons, it’s one we’ll return to time and time again, making it a precious addition to our family library.
So if you’re looking for a book that captures the love and parenting chaos beautifully while instilling lessons on consideration and kindness, pick this one up. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Discover the charm of What If Everybody Did That? >>
