But What If?: A book about feeling worried

by Sue Graves, Desideria Guicciardini (Illustrations)

Daisy’s family is moving, and Daisy is very worried. What if she doesn’t like her new home? What if her cat runs away? What if her new teacher isn’t nice? A conversation with her grandpa helps Daisy learn that many worries don’t come true—and if one does, someone will be there to help her solve the problem.

Our Emotions and Behavior series
The Our Emotions and Behavior series uses cheerful brightly illustrated stories to help kids understand how their emotions and actions are related—and how they can learn to manage both. At the end of each book, a two-page series of pictures invites kids to tell a story in their own words. A special section for adults suggests discussion questions and ideas for guiding children to talk about their feelings.

Genres: Picture Books

28 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2013

Reviews

[Briana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basic book of concerns and worries. Provides basic strategy for what to do, but is fairly quick and wasn't super notable.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daisy’s family is moving, and Daisy is very worried. What if she doesn’t like her new home? What if her cat runs away? What if her new teacher isn’t nice? A conversation with her grandpa helps Daisy learn that many worries don’t come true—and if one does, someone will be there to help her solve the problem.
But What If? uses simple, easy-to-read text to address worry in children and introduce coping skills. The book also includes a two-page series of pictures that invites kids to tell a story in their own words. A section for adults suggests discussion questions and ideas for guiding children to talk about their feelings.
Connected Books: Feeling Worried! by: Kay Barnham and Penelope Perfect by: Shannon Anderson

“But Daisy wasn’t excited at all, she was nervous"

[Pip · Rating 5 out of 5]

When is time to move house and place, great book to teach kid tackling worrinness

[Shayiri Kowlassur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shy read on her own. We bought this to help deal with her anxiety

[inas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read and very inspiring 😆🙈

[Kendra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just really don't know enough about child psychology to know if this book would be effective in alleviating fear of change in a young child. When I was that age, having that conversations with Grandpa would have been a life saver, but reading about it probably wouldn't have done much for me.
I would give this book to a parent looking for ways to prepare their child for a big change. Lots of information and "prompts" for them to start a conversation with their child.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice framework for starting a conversation with a worried child, especially about moving. I like that part of the solution is positive attitude and part of it is asking someone to help. Seems like a good balance for a child.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical worries, yes, but the story is too predictable and dismissive of the child's anguish; concludes with helpful resources for addressing worry by parents, teachers, and caregivers.