Will It Be Okay?

by Crescent Dragonwagon

A mother comforts a child about her special fears concerning dogs, thunder, snakes, and other things.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family, Death, Grief, Fiction, Emotion

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1977

About the author

Crescent Dragonwagon is the daughter of the writers Charlotte Zolotow and the late Hollywood biographer Maurice Zolotow. She is the author of 40 published books, including cookbooks, children's books, and novels. With her late husband, Ned Shank, Crescent owned the award-winning Dairy Hollow House, a country inn and restaurant in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, for eighteen years. She teaches writing coast to coast and is the co-founder (with Ned) of the non-profit Writers' Colony at Dairy Hollow.

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely story about a little girl talking to her mother about her fears, dogs, lightening, snakes, being alone, her mother reassures her in a matter of fact way with sensible ways to handle the situation and some silly responses to make the little girl laugh. There are some lovely depictions of mother daughter closeness in beautiful pencil drawings in some nice colours. A lovely reassuring book, ideal for sharing with a child that needs encouragement to be open about what worries them.

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[Zeek Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful words and illustrations with an important message of reassurance.

[Nicole Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is common knowledge that the younger generation is anxious, more anxious than any generation before it. This book is here to help them and parents. My kids have asked some of these difficult questions and often I am unsure of what to say as I worry about them too. But the mother in this book has great answers and solutions to the fears of the child in this book, some funny, some magical, all meaningful. This is a great book for any curious or anxious child and also would be great for Mother's Day.

[KDV · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another excellent book about worries and anxiety, up there with "What If, Pig?" by Linzie Hunter.

[Jeimy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so moving. I am very tempted to buy a copy, but alas, my classroom library days are over.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

The loveliest thing I've read in a while. On par with the song "You Are My Baby" by Kimya Dawson in terms of feeling.

[Molly Schuringa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Because a frog tells you this, you believe it"

[Anna Wooliver Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not crying, you're crying. This book is lovely, practical, and so sweet.

[Jaime · Rating 2 out of 5]

Way too triggering for an already anxious child. No one needs to put the thought of a mother hypothetically dying into a child’s head before bedtime!

[Amanda]

I love how real the mom and child are with each other and how the mom had answers for all of the child's fears however some of the answers were challenging to me as a mom. I could never tell my little one to run away to a park now. Maybe when this book was first written, that was a safe choice? Now? No.

[Shoshanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this. Very sweet. Dealing with real issues and questions. The illustration style is so great. It has a bit of a retro vibe, but I think mostly I like the hair! Very curly and wild and it's something that connects the mom and her child!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arguably, this book--3.5 for me--is needed even more now than it was originally published in 1977. It seems that far more youngsters are struggling with their emotions and mental health issues nowadays than has been the case in the past, and they often don't know how to handle their feelings. Updated with new illustrations that reflect modern life, the book centers around the interaction between a mother and her daughter, who seeks reassurance that no matter the circumstances, everything will be okay. The child's earnest face, posture, and body language reveal her fears: she worries about the weather, lightning, snow, getting stung by a bee, emotions she can't control, forgetting her lines in a play, and finally, her biggest fear--that her mother will die. The fears build in intensity and importance, but each time, the girl's mother has a satisfying response, including the acknowledgement that her love for her daughter will never die. The questions the girl poses will be familiar to most youngsters while her mother's responses offer some comfort. Still, the cynic in me knows that these answers won't be enough for some children, but it does offer a place to begin talking about fears and anxieties. Every illustration in this book is emotionally expressive as the mother actually appears to be listening to her child and taking her questions seriously. The last double-page spread in which the two of them frolic joyfully in the woods captures their relationship and feelings about one another perfectly. The color palette is interesting, chiefly blacks and whites with brief touches of warm tints in specific spots. Perhaps this book can make a difference in the lives of some readers who will decide that everything will be okay. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but eventually.

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is Will it Be Okay?, written by Crescent Dragonwagon and illustrated by Jessica Love, a beautiful ode to optimism, perseverance, and the reassurance of love.

Originally published in 1977 (when it was illustrated by Ben Shecter), the dialogical text follows a conversation between a child and parent. As the child thinks up worrisome scenarios from the mild (“what if there is snow?”) to the serious (“what if you die?”), the parent calmly talks them through what would happen next. To face the snow, for instance, the child would dress for the weather. To face her parent’s death, they would remember that a person’s love doesn’t die with them. With each response, the parent encourages the child to be resilient and positive when facing challenges, assuring them that even in times of darkness, it will be okay.

Heartwarming. Dragonwagon’s dialogue reads with the language and cadence of a poem, and is timeless in its affection and comfort for worried minds. Paired with Love’s gorgeous illustrations, which use fantastic character design, sharp lines, and a muted color palette to bring energy and emotion to each scene, the effect is a story that is as much about the love between caregivers and children as it is about finding courage in adversity. The length is perfect for a storytime, and JJ really enjoyed pondering each of the child’s questions for herself – yes, even the death one. She’s recently been curious about loss and it was helpful to read Dragonwagon’s words on how we keep the love of the ones that we lose. Overall, a timeless story with a wonderfully fresh look, and we highly recommend it. Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to the Baby Bookworm by a representative of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love's illustrations are the shining star of this story about a child asking her mom if it will be okay. The child goes through different scenarios and the mother reassures her. I like the concept and the art, but I felt there was something a bit off about the answers the mother gave the child. When the child asks what if she's mad at everyone, the mother answers that the child will pack a bag and walk and walk until she's alone at a park all day. This feels like not the best advice for when a child is feeling big emotions, but maybe I'm being too sensitive.

Again, Love's art is gorgeous and I love the limited palette of colors. The characters' faces are very expressive against simple backgrounds.

[Talya Boerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this new edition of Crescent Dragonwagon’s children’s book Will It Be Okay? (first published in 1977) readers of every age are provided gentle reassurance about life’s big and small uncertainties. Illustrator Jessica Love takes the story to the next level with stunning artwork.

As C. S. Lewis said, No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally—and often far more—worth reading at the age of fifty and beyond. That’s the case for this charming story.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Favorite Quote: Will it be okay? Yes, yes it will.

[Madison Paprzycki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout the book the child is asking "what if questions" but the mother does everything she can to make sure the child is safe and protected. This can be helpful for students that feel a little bit more anxious and need more reassurance. This is a good lesson for children, and will teach them that everything will be okay. This can be used in the classroom during the winter time because it talks about snow. Then the students can do an activity and we can come together and talk, and reflect on the story.

[Ondiana DeFazio · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good book. This is a tender story about a child expressing fears and a mother offering calm loving reassurance. Through gentle dialogue, the book explores themes of anxiety, safety. and emotional support. The warm, poetic text is paired with whimsical illustrations that soften serious topics for young readers. It highlights the importance of validating children's feelings while providing comfort and hope. This story fosters emotional literacy and resilience, making it a valuable Resoruces for both home and classroom settings.

[Kate Y · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story for the worriers in your classroom. This story follow a child who has many questions about different situations that could occur and if it will be okay? Her mom patiently answers each worry and explains to her why it will be okay. I think this is a unique story and would be great message for students who often may get overwhelmed easily, as a reminder that everything will be ok.

[Jane Healy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This remake of a classic from 1977 is right on time, with updated illustrations by Jessica Love. A little girl prone to worry asks her mother "What if..." followed by some problematic happening. The mother tells the girl exactly how the girl will solve or ride out the situation, with the reassurance that yes, it will be okay. A book for all ages, equally soothing to the child being read to and the adult reading. Yes, it will be okay.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this book via an NPR article (Kids want to know: 'Will It Be Okay?' — this book answers that question). I enjoyed the art style Jessica Love displayed in Julián Is a Mermaid, and this new edition of Will It Be Okay is rendered beautifully as well. I'm obsessed with the curly hair! The story hits you with a curveball about grief at the end, made me cry. 5/5 stars.

[Bebe Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful artistry and an uplifting message. This is so simple that it is mystical. I could see children or adults rereading this in times when they need cheer or encouragement. There is no sugarcoating of the things we will face in life. The art is retro and powerful. What a wonderful gift this would be.

[Tompkins County Public Library Youth Services]

Kate’s Thoughts: A relatable and empathetic book about worries and anxiety. This tender story of a conversation between mother and child is one of my new favorites on the topic of childhood fears, up there with What If, Pig? by Linzie Hunter. Plus, it’s illustrated by Jessica Love, whom you may know from the excellent book, Julián Is a Mermaid.

[David Dunlap · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming book. A nervous girl asks her mother a series of questions about things that trouble her -- thunderstorms, too much snow, getting stung by a bee, etc. Each time, her mother calmly reassures her that everything will be OK. -- Recommended especially for parents with a need to calm their troubled little ones.

[FM Family · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 5.5 year old has been asking about death and dying a lot lately and I thought this one would be a good conversation continuer on the topic, and on childhood anxieties in general. But we finished it and she was like “ok, next book?” Like she liked it but it didn’t spark any further discussion, so I’m not sure if it clarified things or just didn’t totally resonate. I on the other had was like 🥺

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crescent Dragonwagon is my new favorite children's author; I have yet to read anything by her that I haven't loved! This one is especially lovely, comforting and reassuring for children (and adults like me) who may be a little worried about..well, everything! I'll be adding this book to my personal library for moments when a little reminder is needed (daily, as of late).

[Gina Soldano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just what my family needed during a difficult time. It was especially what I needed. A common question asked in my home is "Is everything going to be okay?" so this story really resonated with us. I loved the specificity and imagination of all the different scenarios mentioned. Also, the beautiful words are accompanied by beautiful, captivating art!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A child asks their grown-up, "Will it be okay?" The grown-up answers each question thoughtfully showing their love and support for their child that will never fade, even in death. A sentimental book reimagined with Love's illustrations bringing these hypotheticals to life. For a time when a child is sad.

[Maeve Reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the story of a young girl and her mother working through the young girls anxiety. She worries about what is too come in her life from bee stings to her mothers death. They work through different emotions and how to cope with them. I would use this book to help my students identify their emotions and to help them work through them in a responsible way.

[Starry Night · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica Love's illustrations of the mother and daughter has brought this book originally published in 1977 into present times. The character drawings with watercolor evoke so many emotions for a wider audience.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will It Be Okay? from @abramskids & written by Crescent Dragonwagon, with art by Jessica Love, is a reminder that
storms will pass
pain will heal
grumpiness dissipates, &
loved ones never leave us.

It *will* be okay. 💛