What if...?

Reviewed by: Terri Bauld - Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

Young Joe and his Mom are off to find the house where the big party is being held. They are off to a rough start however, as Joe has lost the invitation and doesn't know the house number. And, this is just the beginning, as Joe's fears and imagination grow, as they go from house to house trying to find the party. Joe's anxious "what ifs" are answered in the calming, reassuring voice of his Mom. The conversations between son and Mom are presented in a graphic novel-like layout with bubble text. The muted colors on these pages convey his sense of anxiety.

In stark contrast are the colorful illustrations of the houses they pass on their way to find the party. Strange, whimsical and at times, absurdly weird, these homes & their occupants convey Joe's absolute fears.

At long last, the pair come to the right house and as Joe enters the party, the tides are turned and now it is the mother's turn to worry.

In the abrupt ending, we have a happy, smiling Joe who had a wonderful time at the party and all ends well. This is the books weakest moment. While there had been a slow build to the finding of the "right" house, the book just ends without any more payoff than Joe having a good time.

Overall, however, the book is unusual and demands re-reading as the illustrations are full of tidbits that one may miss on the first read through. Also, a strong message of working through your fears.

Overall Book Score: very good