It’s hard to give your kids all the answers, be it to the thousands of questions they ask daily, or the ones that they haven’t thought of yet that might help them in sticky situation.
A friend contacted me recently to ask if I’d like to review a book that her friend had written, and perhaps give one away to a Bumbles of Rice reader. She said that her daughters had found it helpful so, valuing her recommendation, I said I’d give it a go.
The book in question was “What If”, it’s self-published by Sarah Murphy, who is a qualified art therapist and Montessori Teacher. Sarah wrote and illustrated the book to help kids in everyday situations.
The device used by the book is to ask a question starting with “What If” and then give the child the answer. It’s actually one that you can adapt yourself use in lots of different scenarios. The questions in the book are “what ifs” about situations that children might find challenging, it makes them stop and think and equips them with advice and reassurance.
Terrible shadow of my phone in this photo, oops.
The answers are crafted to reassure the child and give them a plan, with a resounding message that the child is special and should feel more confident.
The book is illustrated with child-like drawings, and my older boy (7) wasn’t impressed with these at all, but the younger boy liked them. I think my seven-year-old is used to a more slick presentation, he commented on things like the writing, and shapes of things in the drawings, but this all went over his brother’s head.
My five-year-old really related to this book. He’s a thinker, he likes to figure out how things work and the method of playing “what if” really resonated with him. The week we got the book his class were told that they could bring any book they liked to school and he chose that one, which was a glowing recommendation from him.
I think this book would be an excellent resource for children to have them think ahead, or for kids who can get anxious, to reassure them and help them deal with situations that they could meet in everyday life.
Copies are for sale in outlets mentioned on the book’s facebook page or contact Sarah herself through that page, the RRP is €10.
I have one copy of What If by Sarah Murphy to give away.
I was sent one copy for review and one copy to give away to a reader in a competition, but all views are my own.
To enter the competition just comment below or on the post on my facebook page that shares this post. If you enter on both you get two entries. Ireland only. The prize was provided by Sarah Murphy, the author, who self-published the book.
I’ll draw the winner on Tuesday 24th May.
Good Luck.
I found out during the week that I’m nominated for Best Parenting Blog in the Boots Maternity and Infant Awards 2016. The results will be decided by public vote, so if you have a moment or two and I’d really appreciate your vote. To vote click here. Thanks!
