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Whatever Comes Tomorrow
We might not know what the future holds, but the lyrical rhyming text in this beautiful book reassures readers that they have the resilience and strength to face whatever comes their way. Whimsical illustrations make for a captivating read-aloud or bedtime story. Inspired by the author’s own experience with anxiety, this book offers gentle wisdom applicable to both children and adults. End matter includes a discussion guide and activity ideas for managing worries.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 7, 2023
4 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
February 20, 2023
In a Nutshell: A beautiful book about handling ‘whatever comes tomorrow’ without worry.
The content is written in a conversational style, mixing questions of uncertainty and apprehension and feeding in answers of reassurance and hope. The simple rhythmic prose adds to the impact of the content, with the questions covering varied scenarios and how children could possibly handle them.
I remember reading this below thought a long time ago:
“There are two things you can do when you are faced with worry.
1. If you can do something about it, do it. Don’t waste time worrying.
2. If you cannot do something about it, it’s not in your control anyway. Why waste time worrying?”
This book is the perfect manifestation of this principle.
I loved the easy-going way in which the author delivers a powerful message. In today’s chaotic world, worry and anxiety aren’t restricted only to adult minds. The little gem teaches children how to manage their anxieties and deal with uncertainties.
The purpose of the book is, by itself, a great reason to pick it up. But what elevates the experience even further are the amazing illustrations. Each page glows in a burst of rainbow hues, and the colours are further enhances by the sketches of children in various actions and activities. The representation is as diverse as today’s books ought to be, with not just varied skin and hair colours but also varied body sizes.
At the end of the book, the author has included a note about the message and core purpose of the book, while also presenting techniques on managing worries.
While having an author’s note is a common feature of books, for the first time ever, I read a book with an illustrator’s note as well, describing the challenges of depicting sensations and emotions through art. I appreciated this inclusion. Rarely do we get to hear the illustrator’s voice, even though they are so instrumental in enhancing our experience of picture books.
Strongly recommended to every little child and their parents. It will also work well at counselling centres. The writing level will suit the age group of 4-9 years.
5 stress-free stars.
My thanks to Barefoot Books and Edelweiss+ for the DRC of “Whatever Comes Tomorrow”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
The content is written in a conversational style, mixing questions of uncertainty and apprehension and feeding in answers of reassurance and hope. The simple rhythmic prose adds to the impact of the content, with the questions covering varied scenarios and how children could possibly handle them.
I remember reading this below thought a long time ago:
“There are two things you can do when you are faced with worry.
1. If you can do something about it, do it. Don’t waste time worrying.
2. If you cannot do something about it, it’s not in your control anyway. Why waste time worrying?”
This book is the perfect manifestation of this principle.
I loved the easy-going way in which the author delivers a powerful message. In today’s chaotic world, worry and anxiety aren’t restricted only to adult minds. The little gem teaches children how to manage their anxieties and deal with uncertainties.
The purpose of the book is, by itself, a great reason to pick it up. But what elevates the experience even further are the amazing illustrations. Each page glows in a burst of rainbow hues, and the colours are further enhances by the sketches of children in various actions and activities. The representation is as diverse as today’s books ought to be, with not just varied skin and hair colours but also varied body sizes.
At the end of the book, the author has included a note about the message and core purpose of the book, while also presenting techniques on managing worries.
While having an author’s note is a common feature of books, for the first time ever, I read a book with an illustrator’s note as well, describing the challenges of depicting sensations and emotions through art. I appreciated this inclusion. Rarely do we get to hear the illustrator’s voice, even though they are so instrumental in enhancing our experience of picture books.
Strongly recommended to every little child and their parents. It will also work well at counselling centres. The writing level will suit the age group of 4-9 years.
5 stress-free stars.
My thanks to Barefoot Books and Edelweiss+ for the DRC of “Whatever Comes Tomorrow”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
March 19, 2023
We never know what tomorrow has in store for us. It can be anything and make a kid happy, sad, or worried. The book deals with this theme with a gentle and assuring touch. It helps kids learn not to fear tomorrow but embrace it.
The writing is simple, poetic, and soothing. With no more than a couple of short lines on each page, the text is woven into the layout with wonderful illustrations. I like how different emotions are mentioned together for kids to understand that we cannot always separate or categorize them into good or bad. Worrying makes it worse, and maybe all the anxiety and worry weren’t even necessary in the first place.
The illustrations are just wow. I have always been a fan of colors, and this one fills me with so much positivity. The sweeping expanse of watercolors blending into one another and the diverse (plus inclusive) rep are a treat for the senses. Kids can understand the emotions of the text even without reading it. I could stare at these illustrations all day!
To summarize, Whatever Comes Tomorrow is a beautiful bedtime book that can ease little ones into a happy sleep. The author and the illustrator’s notes add extra charm to the content. The author has also shared useful tips for kids to manage their anxiety.
I received an eARC from Edelweiss+ and Barefoot Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
**
P.S.: Thank you, Rosh, for the recco.
The writing is simple, poetic, and soothing. With no more than a couple of short lines on each page, the text is woven into the layout with wonderful illustrations. I like how different emotions are mentioned together for kids to understand that we cannot always separate or categorize them into good or bad. Worrying makes it worse, and maybe all the anxiety and worry weren’t even necessary in the first place.
The illustrations are just wow. I have always been a fan of colors, and this one fills me with so much positivity. The sweeping expanse of watercolors blending into one another and the diverse (plus inclusive) rep are a treat for the senses. Kids can understand the emotions of the text even without reading it. I could stare at these illustrations all day!
To summarize, Whatever Comes Tomorrow is a beautiful bedtime book that can ease little ones into a happy sleep. The author and the illustrator’s notes add extra charm to the content. The author has also shared useful tips for kids to manage their anxiety.
I received an eARC from Edelweiss+ and Barefoot Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
**
P.S.: Thank you, Rosh, for the recco.
November 18, 2022
An absolutely beautiful book. Incredible lyrical language by Rebecca Gardyn Levington, matched perfectly with gorgeous illustrations by Mariona Cabassa. A poetic and profound guide to handling anxiety, with surprisingly useful tips on how to handle worries, great and small. Awesome back matter, too! This book is a winner!
November 18, 2022
This book beautifully and whimsically takes the reader through a variety of life's ups and downs and assures the reader that whatever comes next will be ok. The perfect calming bedtime book.
August 3, 2023
Nice book for kids, or perhaps even a read for some adults as well. Well written, and beautiful artwork to go with the text.
I got to read this on Hoopla (it's one of the many free borrow options this month). So thanks to Hoopla for having this, and thanks Spokane library for having Hoopla an option for your patrons.
I got to read this on Hoopla (it's one of the many free borrow options this month). So thanks to Hoopla for having this, and thanks Spokane library for having Hoopla an option for your patrons.
January 19, 2023
Complemented by visually-appealing and colorful illustrations created with crayons, gouache, pencils, and paints, this picture book offers reassurance that come what may, it's possible to survive and even thrive. Using meaningful rhyming lines and scenarios about uncertainty, the text reminds readers that they have little control over others or much of what happens. What they can control is themselves. After describing some moments of uncertainty that can produce anxiety, the author then offers tips for coping with it through breathing, affirmations and self-talk, and acknowledging that it is possible to make it through life's storms. Butterflies flitter throughout the pages, perhaps representing life's challenges and triumphs, its ups and downs, and that final double-page spread features six large butterflies carrying youngsters through the air even while other smaller butterflies can be seen in the background. A personal note from the author attests to her own experiences with anxiety, and the back matter includes suggestions for managing worries, including a Worry Plan, Square Breathing, and a Calm Your Body exercise. Plus, there are even suggestions about how to distract oneself from worries. Ultimately, the message sent through this helpful picture book is that all of these worries will eventually pass, and tomorrow may provide a fresh perspective. Even something that may be scary because it is new or unfamiliar may offer a chance to embrace a new experience or a new part of someone. This picture book will certainly afford reassurance to many youngsters who will relate to the worries described in its pages.
June 20, 2025
6/18/2025 - Beautiful and gentle story.
January 10, 2023
With beautiful, bright, and colorful illustrations and gorgeous rhyme, Rebecca and Mariona created one of my favorite picture books of all time. Rebecca gently and tenderly depicts anxiety with love, and the calming rhythm of the rhyme and ending her pages with hope, made me feel so soothed and so seen. Rebecca expresses the worrying possibilities of what tomorrow may bring - but also the potential excitement and beautiful moments that await us. This book is for anyone, no matter what age, that has faced and continues to face anxiety, and the story reassures readers that you will make it through because you are strong - you have made it through many obstacles and have reached the other side. The ending of the book is perfectly exquisite, and I found myself entranced by the butterflies - I love the double meaning of them. As Rebecca states in her personal and heartfelt author's notes, we all have had that fluttery worry feeling like butterflies in our bellies. But the butterflies, to me, in the art of this book represented freedom, lightness, and happiness. The actionable backmatter is so helpful and provides great tips for those who worry and experience anxiety. I want to read this book to every kid I know, and hope every kid gets the chance to read this gorgeous and important book.
January 5, 2023
From beginning to end, this is a beautifully written and illustrated book. Rebecca Gardyn Levington did an incredible job expressing anxious feelings using lyrical language in rhyme. Each page starts with a potential anxiety that is quickly extinguished by using words of encouragement before each page turn. Children and adults alike will certainly identify with it. The illustrations complement the text by whimsically showing various situations through a childhood lens. And bonus: There are tips by a child development specialist at the end of the book for managing 'worries'.
This is really going to age me, but when my son was little, he loved me reading "You're My Little Lovebug" by Smart Kids Publishing (2004). It was one of his favorites. "Whatever Comes Tomorrow" has the same tone and rhyme scheme and reads like a lullaby.
Get this book for someone you love! It will be like giving them a warm hug.
This is really going to age me, but when my son was little, he loved me reading "You're My Little Lovebug" by Smart Kids Publishing (2004). It was one of his favorites. "Whatever Comes Tomorrow" has the same tone and rhyme scheme and reads like a lullaby.
Get this book for someone you love! It will be like giving them a warm hug.
December 5, 2022
From worries about school and peers to uncertainties about world events, many children experience anticipatory anxiety. This beautiful picture book, exquisitely written by Rebecca Gardyn- Levington reassures kids that they will be able to cope with whatever comes their way. The comforting, rhyming text and lovely, flowing illustrations by Mariona Cabassa show that worries are temporary and empowers kids to believe in themselves. WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW belongs in the offices of every school counselor and child therapist. Donna Cangelosi, Psy.D. Child Psychologist & Children’s Author.
July 11, 2025
A cute book about overcoming your anxieties so you can enjoy life at the fullest. I read this book in English and Portuguese so I can get better at learning Portuguese. I recommend this book to anyone who is trying to learn new languages
É um livro fofo!
É um livro fofo!
December 20, 2022
I just read WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW, and it was so pure and true it gave me chills. This book is filled with joy, thrills…and familiar worries. I wish I’d had it to read aloud a few years ago when one of my kids was experiencing anxiety. I need a copy on hand for the next time any kind of anxiety darkens our door, as well as one to send to college with my eldest a year from now. In perfect, ear-pleasing rhyme and meter, WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW encapsulates how we all feel about the unknown. I walked away with several favorite lines that had me thinking deeply (such as, “Tomorrow may bring questions that you have no answers for…or answers that may lead you to more questions than before”), as well as an uplifting takeaway that we are resilient and can handle whatever tomorrow brings. Dreamy, vibrant illustrations infuse the pages with lively emotion. A book for any and every child!
March 30, 2023
Rebecca Gardyn Levington’s poem turned picture book speaks directly to readers about their worries and fears. It’s a beautiful narrative of how one can manage their worried feelings. It invites one to pause and realize all the hurdles they have managed to get past. And understand that their ability to do so is now there and it can be accessed again, tomorrow. Illustrator Mariona Cabassa has created some of the most beautiful illustrations in a children’s picture book. The backmatter is rich with tips for managing worries written by Stefanie Paige Wieder, M.S.Ed. I particularly enjoyed reading the Illustrator’s Note about the challenge to draw universal sensations and emotions that can be difficult to describe. Whatever Comes Tomorrow is a beautiful reminder that we will journey on.
November 17, 2022
This lovely book written by Rebecca Levington and illustrated by Mariona Cabasa rings so true to what it feels like to be anxious and then does a beautiful job of helping children see that they are not alone in those feelings and that they can find ways to move through them because they are not permanent. I love the refrain "tomorrow may bring..." and the way it helps kids see that there are so many ways a day may play out, and I love the ending which is so empowering for young readers. The fact that the author reveals that she has also dealt with anxiety and learned techniques to bring it under control just confirmed my feeling that this book could be a real help to young readers. Plus the gorgeous illustrations are done in hopeful colors that enhance the uplifting tone of the book. I will be suggesting that my school purchase it to have on hand. I would love to be able to read it with my students when they are having a bad day.
November 18, 2022
Whatever Comes Tomorrow by Rebecca Gardyn Levington and illustrated by Mariona Cabassa is an exploration of anxiety in words and art. Using the metaphor of butterflies as worries, Rebecca and Mariona skillfully connect to the feelings children (and grownups, too!) sometimes have when facing the unknown. Young readers are gently guided through the book to an understanding that uncertainties about tomorrow will soon be in the past, and whether good or bad, they will have the strength to learn from them. The rhyming text, colorful palette, and concrete suggestions all combine to offer a positive reading experience. The back matter includes both an Author’s Note and an Illustrator’s Note offering further explanation, as well as suggestions from a child development specialist on how to manage worries. This is a book that sings with encouragement and dances with possibility!
January 22, 2023
WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW normalizes and honors the anxiety and worry kids feel in their everyday lives, while offering an empowering message that no matter what happens, they will come through the other side. Gardyn Levington’s lyrical rhyme gives the text a comforting feel, while Cabassa’s vibrant illustrations capture the range of children’s emotions and experiences. Back matter provides concrete ways kids can cope with anxiety. As someone who worked with kids diagnosed with anxiety – as well as a teacher in a general early education classroom – I highly recommend WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW. It is a gift for ALL children as they learn to navigate their emotions and cope with change. *** I accessed an ARC from the author.
February 9, 2023
This book took my breath away with its beautiful words, gorgeous illustrations, and spot-on depiction of anxiety. After rhyming verse describes the possibilities, both good and bad, that await "tomorrow," the text goes on to describe how worries can become overwhelming, and how to fight back against those thought loops that can "come your mind." I particularly appreciated the back matter, which includes notes from both the author AND the illustrator, as well as tips for dealing with anxiety. A wonderful book to share with any kid, and in particular children suffering from anxiety.
November 18, 2022
Tomorrows can be an opportunity for something great but the unknown can also be unsettling and scary. In Whatever Comes Tomorrow, the reader gets to own that worry, it is normal, but they are also emboldened to know that they have what it takes to face whatever tomorrow brings. The flowing rhyme and bright illustration make this a wonderful read aloud for young and old. Additionally, the back matter provides tools for how to manage the worry that sometimes creeps up.
March 4, 2024
This inspirational book has fun to read aloud rhyming lines and gorgeous art. Kids will learn that life has ups and downs but that we will make it through. There's info in the back about how to help calm your body when feeling stressed or worried.
One of my favorite recent books.
One of my favorite recent books.
November 23, 2022
We all worry. With rhyme and bright, cheerful illustrations, “Whatever Comes Tomorrow" reminds us that we will make it through.
May 2, 2023
"Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present," wrote Marcus Aurelius, old-timey Roman emperor and noted Stoic (with a capital S). But, of course, this is easier said than done for most of us. And it gets even more challenging when we are looking to reassure our kiddos in sincere ways.
Enter..."Whatever Comes Tomorrow," by Rebecca Gardyn Levington and Mariona Cabassa.
I would describe this book as: soothing. And soothing is something we honestly don't get enough of these days! Yet, this book is not soothing in a false "it's all gonna be rainbows" way. Because...let's face it: if we've learned anything (a big "if") over recent years, it's that we don't always know what's coming tomorrow!
The lyrical, rhyming text acknowledges the natural and human places anxieties come from while providing comfort and forthright discussion. The lovely illustrations also tell stories of inner strength and support networks, literally "showing" how kids overcome uncertainty (with aplomb!) every day. Even if each new day is a mystery, this book assures us that we will continue to persevere and grow, whether the mysteries unfurl into tough or joyful times.
Excellent backmatter gives exercises and tips for managing worries, along with lovely personal notes from both the author and illustrator, making it an especially welcome addition to family--and classroom--bookshelves.
Enter..."Whatever Comes Tomorrow," by Rebecca Gardyn Levington and Mariona Cabassa.
I would describe this book as: soothing. And soothing is something we honestly don't get enough of these days! Yet, this book is not soothing in a false "it's all gonna be rainbows" way. Because...let's face it: if we've learned anything (a big "if") over recent years, it's that we don't always know what's coming tomorrow!
The lyrical, rhyming text acknowledges the natural and human places anxieties come from while providing comfort and forthright discussion. The lovely illustrations also tell stories of inner strength and support networks, literally "showing" how kids overcome uncertainty (with aplomb!) every day. Even if each new day is a mystery, this book assures us that we will continue to persevere and grow, whether the mysteries unfurl into tough or joyful times.
Excellent backmatter gives exercises and tips for managing worries, along with lovely personal notes from both the author and illustrator, making it an especially welcome addition to family--and classroom--bookshelves.
October 8, 2023
Whatever Comes Tomorrow reminds us that there are all sorts of things coming tomorrow, and that some will be scary or new, but we've conquered them before. And that in the end, they will be yesterday, and we will get through it all. Rebecca Gardyn Levington's text is well-written and a little lyrical, with a good dose of growth-mindset reality built in. She uses butterflies throughout the book as a symbolic look at the way worries beset us, but remind us that we can do these hard things. The illustrations feature folks that look all different ways, even some with blue or purple hair, and represents diverse ethnicities.
Read as a nomination in the Fiction Picture Book book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
This is the sort of book adults love, because it is beautiful and poetic and speaks to life truths. It is also, however, fairly generic and forgettable as a loving bit of encouragement and the sort of book my first grader would not ask to read again. If we are looking for books kids love, this is just fine.
Read as a nomination in the Fiction Picture Book book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
This is the sort of book adults love, because it is beautiful and poetic and speaks to life truths. It is also, however, fairly generic and forgettable as a loving bit of encouragement and the sort of book my first grader would not ask to read again. If we are looking for books kids love, this is just fine.
January 28, 2023
What a gorgeous book! A tug at the heart, a boost for the soul, a feast for the eyes! This is a book for children, yes, but it is also a book for any human being looking for reassurance that worries need not dominate our lives. Life is full of ups and downs but in the end we will be okay. Levington's poetry glides from page to page, is never forced and lands 'just right'. The illustrations are captivating - bold colors that are soft around the edges and worthy of lingering over. It is not easy to create a story that speaks to children and adults in such a respectful and introspective way but Levington has done it beautifully. As a former educator I can absolutely see using this book in the classroom and as the parent of adult children who live in an anxiety-provoking world I can surely see myself offering this book as gesture of reassurance that they have what it takes to weather and enjoy the twists and turns of life. Highly recommended!
January 26, 2023
A beautifully written, gorgeously illustrated, timely and much needed picture book for boys and girls ages 4-9, introducing the concept of change in a way relatable to young children, helping readers (of all ages) understand and accept changes, big and small, known and unknown. Highly recommended for a young age group toward achieving life-time mental-health tools and techniques, and also a wonderful gift book for new parents and new siblings. Excellent nonfiction backmatter includes information and conversation starters to help children understand and process their emotions, all developed in partnership with Maria-Veronica A. Barnes, diversity and inclusion consultant; Dr. Carolyn Rosinksy, M.D., child and adolescent psychiatrist; and Stefanie Paige Wieder, M.S. Ed., child development specialist.
April 3, 2023
Rebecca has written a book to help children deal with anxiety, their worries, and empowering them to face their fears. "Whatever Comes Tomorrow" can also be a good reminder to parents and teachers that they're not the only ones who need to cope with anxiety in this chaotic world. The back matter is perfect. The helpful tips for managing anxiety and worries is sure to keep children from becoming overwhelmed. The rhyming text is wonderful and the colorful illustrations Mariona created are gorgeous and will keep everyone turning every page till the end. The below text was presented on a breathtaking page. Wish you could see it.
"Whatever comes tomorrow,
However steep the hill...
....you'll find your path.
You'll journey on.
You'll make it through."
"Whatever comes tomorrow,
However steep the hill...
....you'll find your path.
You'll journey on.
You'll make it through."
January 2, 2023
After the pandemic lockdown, anxiety is at an all time high. Whatever Comes Tomorrow brings validation, coping, and comfort to children who worry about the future and anticipate the worst. Author Rebecca Gardyn Levington doesn't promise that tomorrow will be easy, but she leads kids on a journey to think differently and resist giving in to fear. That journey is amplified by Mariona Cabassa's dreamy illustrations, infused with brilliant color and gentle movement. The author's note and tips for managing worries by Child Development Specialist Stefanie Paige Wieder make this lyrical rhyming text a book both parents and children will read and re-read across years of uncertain tomorrows.
January 9, 2023
In gentle poetic text and colorful illustrations painted with emotion, this book carries us through our worries about tomorrow and drops us off safely on the day after tomorrow reminding us "...you've confronted fear before and reached the other side." The story doesn't only look at negative worries (loneliness, goodbyes, obstacles,) but also acknowledges the stress that can come with the possibility of joy (competing, hanging with friends, sunny laughter.) The illustrations leave plenty of room to explore big emotions. The back matter offers helpful tips for managing anxiety including square breathing, jumping jokes, and doing something you enjoy. A lovely read.
February 19, 2023
WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW is a stunning poetic journey through the what ifs of anxiety. It doesn't dismiss that anxiety, but addresses it head on while providing hope that no matter what the future holds, readers can handle it. It has such a message of strength and resilience that this book just sings with optimism and love. While they are as quiet and subtle as a the flutter of butterfly wings, they move forward through every page and every illustration, just like the promise of new life in every chrysalis. This is a book you will want to read over and over (just like I have already). It's so beautifully well done.
April 4, 2023
A captivating and empowering picture book for young children dealing with anxiety or really for any child that feels worried at times. The narrative is lovely and lyrical and is paired with imaginative and beautiful illustrations. I feel that children reading this will resonate with the thoughts and questions posed and really be comforted by the end of the story. The back of the book contains additional information regarding anxiety, and tips for calming your body. Overall I appreciate that this uses story to reach children where they are and uses practical tips to empower children.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Publisher's Spotlight. Opinions are my onw.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Publisher's Spotlight. Opinions are my onw.
May 6, 2023
Today's kids are experiencing anxiety in ever-increasing numbers, so it is important to provide them with tools to manage it throughout their lives. WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW is an excellent start. Written in soothing rhyme, the text recognizes that worry is normal, but also provides assurance that you will get to the other side of that worry and be okay. This is the book I wished I had as a child. The illustrations are gorgeous and will serve to pull the child reader even deeper into the story. Finally, the backmatter provided is incredible! So many tools and resources that parents, teachers, and caregivers can use with their children. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews