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When in Doubt, Play Dead: Life Advice from an Unexpected Source
Featuring 70 watercolor illustrations, this totally adorable gift of a book offers wisdom and insight from a delightfully unexpected the opossum.
Learn to live your life the opossum way with advice including the following.
The difference between a weed and a flower is often a matter of taste.It’s nobody’s business what’s in your pouch. Unless you’ve got snacks in there. In which case, you should share.A bit of risk is part of life. Cross that street, but ALWAYS look both ways beforehand.Smile! Unless someone tells you to, in which case you are well within your rights to scream.And more.
Written and illustrated by Ally Burguieres, creator of the popular Instagram account @ItsMeSesame, who spends her days as a wildlife rehabber caring for and learning from opossums, When in Doubt, Play Dead offers encouragement to embrace life’s weird, wild, and wonderful moments.
Learn to live your life the opossum way with advice including the following.
The difference between a weed and a flower is often a matter of taste.It’s nobody’s business what’s in your pouch. Unless you’ve got snacks in there. In which case, you should share.A bit of risk is part of life. Cross that street, but ALWAYS look both ways beforehand.Smile! Unless someone tells you to, in which case you are well within your rights to scream.And more.
Written and illustrated by Ally Burguieres, creator of the popular Instagram account @ItsMeSesame, who spends her days as a wildlife rehabber caring for and learning from opossums, When in Doubt, Play Dead offers encouragement to embrace life’s weird, wild, and wonderful moments.
131 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2023
6 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
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September 25, 2023I am 100% down with this approach. They always catch me when I crack my eye to see if they've left, though.
September 9, 2023
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
When In Doubt,Play Dead is just the most sweetest, most adorable, and uplifting book of life advice I've ever read and has fast become my favourite. The quotes are fun, relatable, and inspiring, and it is a great book to lift your spirits when feeling down. We all need a lift sometimes, and this just ooses happiness, good vibes, humour, and warmth. I definitely want a physical copy of this book to pick up whenever I'm having a bad day.
When In Doubt,Play Dead is just the most sweetest, most adorable, and uplifting book of life advice I've ever read and has fast become my favourite. The quotes are fun, relatable, and inspiring, and it is a great book to lift your spirits when feeling down. We all need a lift sometimes, and this just ooses happiness, good vibes, humour, and warmth. I definitely want a physical copy of this book to pick up whenever I'm having a bad day.
August 12, 2023
I love opossums, they're just so stinking cute. This is a cute, easy read for when you just need a pick me up.
The art style is so cute!
Read an arc from Edelweiss.
The art style is so cute!
Read an arc from Edelweiss.
January 30, 2024
The majority are the usual clichès and the usual statements that state the obvious which makes it seem like anybody could write this books. There are many which I disagree with and some are just dumb and I still confuse on why they're so popular. Spoiler alert it is the day that produces the brightest star we call it the sun and it is brighter than the pretty twinkling stars. I would never take these books seriously but they're fun to look at mainly for their creativity with the different themes authors choose. This book I am giving five stars just for the art and to say I want a book of just opossum art to browse on the bad days.
June 21, 2023
"When in doubt, play dead. Sometimes the best thing you can do is nothing."
Especially with how I have been feeling recently I definitely needed this book. It is a pick me up in both sense, when feeling down you can flick to any page to get an inspirational quote and learn about possums along the way. The illustrations are beautiful and have a magical feel about them- watercolour possums and other animals.
This book is a display book, that you can pick up when needed and don't necessary need to read in one sitting, but can easily be done. It shows you another way to view life, to have a different mindset to everyday life and not to over think things. It is perfect as a gift for friends and family.
"New perspectives bring new adventures."
Thank you Netgalley for a copy of the book for an honest review.
Especially with how I have been feeling recently I definitely needed this book. It is a pick me up in both sense, when feeling down you can flick to any page to get an inspirational quote and learn about possums along the way. The illustrations are beautiful and have a magical feel about them- watercolour possums and other animals.
This book is a display book, that you can pick up when needed and don't necessary need to read in one sitting, but can easily be done. It shows you another way to view life, to have a different mindset to everyday life and not to over think things. It is perfect as a gift for friends and family.
"New perspectives bring new adventures."
Thank you Netgalley for a copy of the book for an honest review.
December 26, 2024
Adorable, fun, silly. But also really great advice.
And wonderful art to boot.
And wonderful art to boot.
January 17, 2024
This was cute with fun illustrations and definitely had a few pages that made me smile and share with friends, but I never really understand books like this. It's basically a long greeting card... And then what? Or is that the point? I mean who wouldn't want a book instead of a greeting card??
June 8, 2023
* Thanks NetGalley for the advanced reader digital copy of this book.
This was an adorable and wholesome book filled with beautiful watercolor illustrations. It encourages the reader to think in different ways and perceive life from a new perspective. I enjoyed how the text on the page was often followed up by opossum facts. It made me think of the opossum that visits my porch a few times a week.
I had some issues reading this digital edition because it felt like some of the text would get cut off and I couldn't seem to locate where the ending of the sentence was. Though this is likely due to the technology, not the book itself.
#WheninDoubtPlayDead #NetGalley
This was an adorable and wholesome book filled with beautiful watercolor illustrations. It encourages the reader to think in different ways and perceive life from a new perspective. I enjoyed how the text on the page was often followed up by opossum facts. It made me think of the opossum that visits my porch a few times a week.
I had some issues reading this digital edition because it felt like some of the text would get cut off and I couldn't seem to locate where the ending of the sentence was. Though this is likely due to the technology, not the book itself.
#WheninDoubtPlayDead #NetGalley
July 25, 2024
A cutesy-wootsie illustrated book with uplifting messages and fun facts about opossums. I don’t know who is in charge of opossums’ PR, but they deserve a raise! As a farm kid, I always thought of them as growling, mangy, big rats who got into the animals’ food, but I have grown to see their important role in the ecosystem and to respect their ability to adapt. The art in this book will certainly help you to see their cute side if you never saw it before.
February 6, 2024
Simply delightful.
December 23, 2024
cutest thing i’ve ever read in my life im crying
June 20, 2023
A fun, feel-good read! This was such a cute little book. The quotes were lovely reminders and the illustrations were wonderful. I am a big fan of Ally Burguieres and all that she does
ARC courtesy of NetGalley
ARC courtesy of NetGalley
January 12, 2024
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I thought that this book was absolutely lovely.
The illustrations in the book were just magical and so beautiful.
The book is a really positive one and definitely one I would purchase for friends and family as well as keeping a copy for myself – every now and again you need a little pick me up and this book does just the job.
It is 5 stars from me for this one – loved the positive vibes
Very highly recommended!
I thought that this book was absolutely lovely.
The illustrations in the book were just magical and so beautiful.
The book is a really positive one and definitely one I would purchase for friends and family as well as keeping a copy for myself – every now and again you need a little pick me up and this book does just the job.
It is 5 stars from me for this one – loved the positive vibes
Very highly recommended!
February 2, 2024
This book was recommended to me and it is probably one of the best recommendations I have come across. I was hoping to read this book really quick so that it could be returned when my husband caught what I was reading and insisted I shared it with him. We then sat in the car before my job so we could finish the book. From there I took it into my job to pass the book to another coworker just before the day got started so yes this is most definitely a "you-need-to-share-this-book".
When In Doubt, Play Dead is one of the many self-help books that has all the same tips and thoughts but placed to a possum spin. Tucked into all the motivational cheerleading the reader will also find facts about these adorable animals and also information that provides a bit more into various responses to help the reader needing to learn self-care.
What really makes this book, though, are the adorable illustrations while with the size of the possum character in the book I was guessing that it had to be a joey. These illustrations are brightly colored, detailed and just so adorably soft looking. And altogether, though, there at least seems to be a few different opossum characters but unfortunately even with the additional information in the back there is no confirming or denying this theory to the reader.
This is definitely a book that needs to be shared more for its art value, especially with those who enjoy possums and/or just animals in general.
When In Doubt, Play Dead is one of the many self-help books that has all the same tips and thoughts but placed to a possum spin. Tucked into all the motivational cheerleading the reader will also find facts about these adorable animals and also information that provides a bit more into various responses to help the reader needing to learn self-care.
What really makes this book, though, are the adorable illustrations while with the size of the possum character in the book I was guessing that it had to be a joey. These illustrations are brightly colored, detailed and just so adorably soft looking. And altogether, though, there at least seems to be a few different opossum characters but unfortunately even with the additional information in the back there is no confirming or denying this theory to the reader.
This is definitely a book that needs to be shared more for its art value, especially with those who enjoy possums and/or just animals in general.
August 25, 2023
Ally Burguieres did not intend to be an opossum rehabber. Sesame, her first opossum, came into her life by accident. In the process of learning how to care for him, since he was non-releasable, she came to learn the wisdom of these funny creatures. Opossums, slightly dopey, slow, silly beasts seem not to have a care in the world beyond getting snacks. There's an awful lot of wisdom in that.
WHEN IN DOUBT, PLAY DEAD is a collection of the wisdom she's accrued over her years of animal rescue. Delivered in a simple voice, and accompanied by some of the cutest artwork you'll ever see, this is a book every bit as precious and valuable as her previous one: POSSUMS ARE NOT CUTE! AND OTHER MYTHS ABOUT NORTH AMERICA'S ONLY MARSUPIAL. While the latter book was heavier on the facts about opossums, this book is more about the wisdom you can get from them.
The wisdom may be as simple as the title implies - or it may be something like "The difference between flowers and weeds is often a matter of taste." Regardless, it will be something that is bound to make you smile. There's something endearing about these little opossums and their other animal friends. Many of the animals within are actually pets from Ally's friends, something that only makes this book all the more special to those who know her.
I wholeheartedly recommend this sweet book to anyone who loves opossums, or those that are opossum-curious. This book is full of sweet reminders to slow down and eat the flowers - and to smile often, but if someone tells you to smile... you're perfectly within your rights to scream at them.
WHEN IN DOUBT, PLAY DEAD is a collection of the wisdom she's accrued over her years of animal rescue. Delivered in a simple voice, and accompanied by some of the cutest artwork you'll ever see, this is a book every bit as precious and valuable as her previous one: POSSUMS ARE NOT CUTE! AND OTHER MYTHS ABOUT NORTH AMERICA'S ONLY MARSUPIAL. While the latter book was heavier on the facts about opossums, this book is more about the wisdom you can get from them.
The wisdom may be as simple as the title implies - or it may be something like "The difference between flowers and weeds is often a matter of taste." Regardless, it will be something that is bound to make you smile. There's something endearing about these little opossums and their other animal friends. Many of the animals within are actually pets from Ally's friends, something that only makes this book all the more special to those who know her.
I wholeheartedly recommend this sweet book to anyone who loves opossums, or those that are opossum-curious. This book is full of sweet reminders to slow down and eat the flowers - and to smile often, but if someone tells you to smile... you're perfectly within your rights to scream at them.
August 18, 2024
It’s the sweetest book of life advice you’ll ever find! The illustrations are adorable and the advice might be just what you need! Some of it won’t make a lot of sense without the drawings that go with them (thanks Goodreads🙄) but you be the judge. Here are a few of my favourite little gems:
⭐ Let yourself be wild and curious.
⭐ Sometimes the best thing you can say is nothing. Just listen.
⭐ Expect nothing. Accept everything. (Except scam calls. Don’t accept those.)
⭐ Enjoy sun puddles when you find them. And warm summer nights.
⭐ Sometimes the darkest nights make the brightest stars.
The author is a wildlife rehabber and the creator of the Sesame the Opossum website and social media accounts. In addition to writing this book, she created all the illustrations, as well! It’s a glorious little thing! If you have an occasion to purchase a book for a little one in your life—especially one who loves cute little animals (and who doesn’t?)—may I suggest this book? I promise you’ll hear lots and lots of “ews and ahs”!
5 “awesome-possum” stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Let yourself be wild and curious.
⭐ Sometimes the best thing you can say is nothing. Just listen.
⭐ Expect nothing. Accept everything. (Except scam calls. Don’t accept those.)
⭐ Enjoy sun puddles when you find them. And warm summer nights.
⭐ Sometimes the darkest nights make the brightest stars.
The author is a wildlife rehabber and the creator of the Sesame the Opossum website and social media accounts. In addition to writing this book, she created all the illustrations, as well! It’s a glorious little thing! If you have an occasion to purchase a book for a little one in your life—especially one who loves cute little animals (and who doesn’t?)—may I suggest this book? I promise you’ll hear lots and lots of “ews and ahs”!
5 “awesome-possum” stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 27, 2024
Prepare to be charmed by "When in Doubt, Play Dead," a book that's as adorable as it is insightful. Filled with whimsical illustrations and wisdom from an unexpected source—opossums—this book is a delightful read from start to finish.
What sets this book apart is its unique blend of fun facts, uplifting anecdotes, and honest, funny banter. Each page offers a nugget of wisdom or a dose of encouragement, delivered with the charm and wit of our furry friends.
Despite its light-hearted tone, "When in Doubt, Play Dead" is packed with valuable life advice that resonates with readers of all ages. Whether you're looking for a quick pick-me-up or a dose of inspiration, this book has something for everyone.
One of the things I loved most about this book is its accessibility. It's a quick read that you can pick up and enjoy at any time, whether you're in need of a little boost or just looking for a smile.
Overall, "When in Doubt, Play Dead" is a super cute gem that's sure to brighten your day. With its adorable illustrations and heartwarming wisdom, it's the perfect book to keep on your shelf for those moments when you need a reminder to keep on playing dead—or, you know, to keep pushing through life's challenges with resilience and humor.
What sets this book apart is its unique blend of fun facts, uplifting anecdotes, and honest, funny banter. Each page offers a nugget of wisdom or a dose of encouragement, delivered with the charm and wit of our furry friends.
Despite its light-hearted tone, "When in Doubt, Play Dead" is packed with valuable life advice that resonates with readers of all ages. Whether you're looking for a quick pick-me-up or a dose of inspiration, this book has something for everyone.
One of the things I loved most about this book is its accessibility. It's a quick read that you can pick up and enjoy at any time, whether you're in need of a little boost or just looking for a smile.
Overall, "When in Doubt, Play Dead" is a super cute gem that's sure to brighten your day. With its adorable illustrations and heartwarming wisdom, it's the perfect book to keep on your shelf for those moments when you need a reminder to keep on playing dead—or, you know, to keep pushing through life's challenges with resilience and humor.
August 13, 2023
This is a beautifully illustrated book, providing lessons and wisdom for living, and this fount of wisdom is coming from opossums. These are marsupials which can grow to the size of a house cat. They have been described as a cross between a chinchilla and a squirrel but I have never seen one to be honest because we don’t have them in the UK.
Who would have thought that they could teach us such wisdom?
Well they can and do.
These marsupials appear to be much maligned but the author shows us how they can teach us wisdom. This is a lovely book with beautiful illustrations which help us see the world in a simple way and it provides simple advice which we can listen to if we are courageous enough. I am always sceptical about books that seek to give advice but I did enjoy this one and I think this book will make a great present for a few people I know.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Who would have thought that they could teach us such wisdom?
Well they can and do.
These marsupials appear to be much maligned but the author shows us how they can teach us wisdom. This is a lovely book with beautiful illustrations which help us see the world in a simple way and it provides simple advice which we can listen to if we are courageous enough. I am always sceptical about books that seek to give advice but I did enjoy this one and I think this book will make a great present for a few people I know.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
June 12, 2023
Just a charming and wholesome book that will have something for anyone in any mood to make your day a bit better.
I adored everything about this book. From the gorgeous watercolor illustrations of sweet possums and other wildlife, to the thoughtful genuine advice learned from observing and caring for possums, this book is maybe perfect? I loved the intermix of advice/life lessons mixed in with science facts about animals. I also appreciated that there were lighthearted funny advice and more serious heartfelt advice (never bordering on toxic positivity but instead feels like just a quick talk with an old, wiser, friend).
I want to buy this book for everyone I know, and I know there are so many people this small book will appeal to.
I adored everything about this book. From the gorgeous watercolor illustrations of sweet possums and other wildlife, to the thoughtful genuine advice learned from observing and caring for possums, this book is maybe perfect? I loved the intermix of advice/life lessons mixed in with science facts about animals. I also appreciated that there were lighthearted funny advice and more serious heartfelt advice (never bordering on toxic positivity but instead feels like just a quick talk with an old, wiser, friend).
I want to buy this book for everyone I know, and I know there are so many people this small book will appeal to.
November 24, 2023
You could do a whole lot worse than take advice from a creature that's managed to survive since the Cretaceous Period. There are plenty of true possum facts scattered among the words of advice from these prehensile tailed stars. It's a charming, feel-good read for you or maybe a friend who's feeling down.
What a great way to learn to roll with the punches, and live your best, most possumy life.
And, the author sure draws an adorable possum!
Thanks to NetGalley and Quirk Books for the read.
What a great way to learn to roll with the punches, and live your best, most possumy life.
And, the author sure draws an adorable possum!
Thanks to NetGalley and Quirk Books for the read.
July 3, 2023
I loved this little book so very much!
It is so very sweet with the illustrations. I love when I learn something new too.
My favorite thing about this book is that it's message is so strong!
I would love to get this book for several of my very young family members and even for one of my adult family members who had such obstacles and troubles the last couple years.
I am thankful to publishers and netgalley for allowing me to read and review this. My honest review of it is I love it. I hope I can get a physical copy of it at some point to hold onto and share. Beautiful!
It is so very sweet with the illustrations. I love when I learn something new too.
My favorite thing about this book is that it's message is so strong!
I would love to get this book for several of my very young family members and even for one of my adult family members who had such obstacles and troubles the last couple years.
I am thankful to publishers and netgalley for allowing me to read and review this. My honest review of it is I love it. I hope I can get a physical copy of it at some point to hold onto and share. Beautiful!
November 14, 2023
One of those gnomic little gift books, with the sayings and aphorisms to guide you to a self-helped place delivered by opossums. We are invited to take to the world with the explorative eye, the ignorance of failure and the friendly cuddling of the opossum, but we can also scream and play dead if we have to. Pretty artworks and the usual one sentence per page are added to by real facts about opossums hiding away here and there. A novelty, and a whimsy, but a heartfelt one and one done rather successfully.
October 23, 2025
This charming book is filled with good advice and delightful illustrations. The opossum in this book is quite insightful, and so very cute. Sometimes there is no right or wrong answer, you are entitled to your own opinion, but you should look both ways before you cross the street. Smile if you feel like it, but not because someone told you to. This opossum is glad to share his (or her?) advice, and you might just feel better if you take it. Well written, and hopefully often read, this book is a gem.
June 6, 2023
Self- help, life advice taken from an opossum. Opossums are not always well perceived, but as this book points out, they are gentle creatures. The books serves as a cute and informative reminder that everything in life is about your mindset and how you choose to react or perceive things. Sometimes we are a lot harder on ourselves because we believe others. When in reality, others could be a lot gentler too. Opossums are one of my favorite animals. Sometimes I just want to scream too!
September 2, 2023
“Heart explosion” This is just the cutest book! With so much amazing yet simple advice! And the illustrations are just precious. In today’s crazy, stressful world this book is an antidote! And the author’s story at the end is the cherry on top! This is the perfect gift for almost everyone including you! You really, really need to read this book! It will make even the most curmudgeonly smile!
June 26, 2023
“Live. Laugh. Scream”
I LOVE this book so much. It is SO CUTE. I am enamored with these beautiful, cute watercolor illustrations of possums. This little book of life advice is unlike any other. It feels genuine, kind and loving, not fake and stuffy like a Pinterest board. I will definitely be buying it to flip through on my darkest days.
I LOVE this book so much. It is SO CUTE. I am enamored with these beautiful, cute watercolor illustrations of possums. This little book of life advice is unlike any other. It feels genuine, kind and loving, not fake and stuffy like a Pinterest board. I will definitely be buying it to flip through on my darkest days.
October 21, 2023
This book is perfect for a friend who just need a soupçon of wisdom and a smile to lighten their day. This small book is also full of insight and surprisingly good advice for your friends struggling with anxiety and/or depression.
The illustrations are well done, charming, and magical. They will bring a smile to your lips no matter how many times you read the book.
The illustrations are well done, charming, and magical. They will bring a smile to your lips no matter how many times you read the book.
October 1, 2025
Oh, my gosh! This is one of the best little books I’ve ever read. In it, you follow a group of opossums who give you advice on how to live happily and peacefully. They teach you how to eliminate – or at least curb – those stresses in your life that are holding you back. It is so charming and filled with humor. And, of course, the little opossums are so endearing! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 20, 2024
Live. Laugh. Scream.
Yep. Enjoyable this one. Adorable too. Made me laugh, endeared me even more to opossums, taught me some things, and even struck a tear or two to the eyes with statements made in simplicity.
Yep. Enjoyable this one. Adorable too. Made me laugh, endeared me even more to opossums, taught me some things, and even struck a tear or two to the eyes with statements made in simplicity.
January 5, 2025
A charming, amusing little book! The illustrations alone are uplifting. But don't let that charm and humor fool you: the wisdom gleaned from observing an opossum's life is profound. This will be a book I look at again and again and also gift to others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews