Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster

by Michelle Nelson-Schmidt

"Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster - by Michelle Nelson-Schmidt. Whenever Jonathan James finds himself in a new situation, he hears his Whatif Monster asking all kind of questions to stop him trying something What if it's scary? What if they laugh? Finally, Jonathan James has some questions of his What if they don't? What then? Paperback Picture Book. Age 3 and up. Rated 5 Stars!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Monsters, Emotion, Own, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2012

About the author

I write and illustrate books for children. I love to laugh, I love to have fun. I do not have time for mean people. Life is too short to not do what you love for a living. Or deal with mean people.

I like smiling. It's my favorite.

“Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
--Christopher Robin to Pooh”

Reviews

[A Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute story for kids about the "what if" questions that Jonathan James asks himself when worried about trying different activities. Then, the positive outcomes possible if he challenges that negative self-talk and tries something difficult!

[Rosa Hitchcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVERY small child should have this read to them! And again when they start middle and high school... And pack it up with them when they go off to college. Can't wait for more Monsters!

[Yapha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could be useful for discussing anxiety with children.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whenever Jonathan James thinks about doing something or talking a risk or chance to try something new or different along comes his whatif monster to discourage him. Told in rhyme, this tale is about overcoming one's fears and discovering what's inside of you.

[Taylor Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Jonathan James finds himself in new situations and hears his What if monster asking all kinds of questions to stop him from trying something new. What if it’s scary, what if they laugh, what if I fall, What if its yucky? Finally, Jonathan James gets the courage and asks the equations of his own such as What if its fun? What if I like it?

Characteristics that support the genre: This story is written in repetitive fashion. Each page starts with the What if question accompanied by a picture to illustrate that question.

Writing traits: The story has a great voice trait. When reading this story, you get a sense that someone is speaking and asking the What if questions throughout the entire story. I feel that this story has a great impact as it shows a moral to the story about you can do anything. You shouldn’t be scared, and you should try new things. Don’t let the What if monsters hold you back from enjoying yourself. This story does a great job showing a variety of emotions when Jonathan James is unsure of certain situations. You can see it in the words and the pictures.

This book would be a great to use in a classroom to teach your students about how it is okay to try new things. You may fail the first time, but you won't know unless you try.

[Kandice · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 4 year old's favourite book at the moment... Jonathan James has a "whatif" monster who whispers worries and doubt. "What if you tumble? What if you lose? What if she laughs?" etc.

But Jonathan James has some questions for the whatif monster, "What if I climb to the top of that tree, and I never slip or skin up a knee ? What if I run in a really big race, and have a great time no matter what place? What if the chance I take in the end is just how I find my very best friend?"

An adorable poem with simple illustrations. A great resource to encourage kids, especially those with anxiety.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an adorable book with a great message for kids 0-100. I love the rhyming scheme that eases off my tongue as I read it to my 2 year old. The illustrations are fun and there is a matching whatif monster plush that would make the perfect gift paired with the book.

The whatif monster attacks Jonathan James with all his doubts - what if it's hard, what if you look silly, what if they laugh. But in the end he overcomes his fears and asks some whatifs of his own. What if he succeeds, what if he has a great time, what if he finds a best friend. We could all use a little perspective on the whatifs in our life!

[Ashley Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the message of this book!! We all have those "what if" monsters in our head telling us all the terrible things that COULD go wrong. But what if it all goes right? What is we are successful? What if everyone likes us? What if we are good at it? What if.... The only regrets we should have in life are the chances we didn't take. This adorable little green guy reminds us that it's ok to try and that so many things can go right!

[Emily Byrd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about the Whatif Monster trying to convince Jonathan James not to do lots of fun things throughout the day because he might fail, or be embarrassed, the monster lists lots of "what it" things that might happen. Eventually Jonathan James turns it around saying "what if" he loves doing all of these thing, and has so much fun.
I really liked this book because it encourages you to be brave even if sometimes you are scared about what might happen. It also turns the negative "what if" into a positive, listing all the things that might go right for Jonathan James.
This book could be used in a lesson for students about trying new things and stepping out of their comfort zone. The teacher could have the student write down things they are anxious about and have them turn it into a positive "what if" statement. I highly recommend this book!

[Amanda Malek-Ahmadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan James and the What If Monster was our first introduction to Michelle Nelson-Schmidt. We now own the majority of her books and aspire to own all of them. This story is so great to share with children who may be experiencing all these what ifs and not know how to express them. Her illustrations are so vibrant and fun. They seem to jump off the page. At the same time that we discovered this book we found Miss Michelle’s weekly Wednesday StoryTime Live via Facebook. Miss Michelle is a true light in this world and her books speak to children both young and old. By old I mean adults!

[Courtney L Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for anxious kiddos who are prone to worry!! The whatif monster points out all the things that could go wrong for Jonathan James in various situations, but then he flips the script and comes back at the Whatif monster by pointing out all the things that could go RIGHT in each situation. There's a plush toy you can get as well that I encourage my daughter to talk to when she's worried. She loves him!

[Emily Griswold Bunty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is as profound as it is accessible—a little boy asking himself about what could go wrong throughout his day, and then reframes it all at the end—what it it all goes wrong… but what if it doesn’t? This is a reframing that has taken me over the decades to make a habitual practice. Such see wisdom in a short little book.

Also, this book has delightful illustrations and great rhythm and rhyming.

[Christine Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever been scared to try something? Even if you wanted it a lot!? What stops you from giving it a go? Most of us are afraid of the "What if."
Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster addresses this issue in an easy to understand book for children and adults alike. Teach children to overcome the "what if monster" and go for their dreams!

[Alysha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that adults need to read as well. How often do we not do something because we're scared of failing or looking silly, or dumb? Probably more often than we'd like to admit. This is such a good reminder to think about the positive what ifs! Can't recommend this book highly enough.

[Christina Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If worry or anxiety is something you or someone in your life deals with, this book is amazing for (re-) gaining perspective.

Beautiful illustrations accompany the prose that is not too serious but packs a punch. We also have the adorable little "What if Monster" plush.

[Josephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it. Jonathan is a little boy with a “what if” monster that asks what if various scary things happen. Jonathan challenges the monster that the monster has no more evidence the bad things will happen than Jonathan does that good alternatives will! A fantastic book about anxiety for kids!!!

[Nicole Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a what if monster, and I’m 29!

Great rhyming book for the kiddos who worry too much. Came with a stuffed “what if monster”

The only negative is that the illustrations aren’t very good.

Recommend age 2-4

[Stacey Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much! One of my favorite children's books that helps to overcome fears and anxieties.

[Chris H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet & practical book for talking with kids about fears or anxious thoughts.

[ash | · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every child should read this book at some point in their life.

[Jacob Dreiling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m buying a copy of this book for every damn kid I know. As a counselor and play therapist, this is going in my bibliotherapy rotation.

[Pamela Kinslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book alot

[Jane Ridgewood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an adorable story with a positive message for younger readers!

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

We liked this story. The only reason it scores 4 out of 5 for me is that it’s story seems somewhat simple to me. However, I think the lesson is a super important one that kids should learn!

[Brooke Box · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book encourages you to think about what you can accomplish if you don’t let the what ifs get in your way.

[Amanda Wrazien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sort of book I needed as a child! It has helped my daughter immensely with her severe anxiety. I can’t say enough about how much we love this book.

[Carrie hales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a family favorite.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book to help explain anxiety to little kids. The Whatif monster is so cute that it helps personify “anxiety” as well as make it less scary.

[Jill Merriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son and I LOVE the Whatif Monster!! 💚💚

[Theo P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars because the surprise is at the end!

Spoiler: What Ifs can be GOOD!