Children’s Book Review: What If Everybody Said That? by Ellen Javernick

WHAT IF EVERYBODY SAID THAT?

By: Ellen Javernick

Illustrated by: Colleen Madden

Published: August 1, 2018

Publisher: Two Lions

Fiction

As the school year is about to begin here, this book is an excellent reminder of how we should treat others and how we want to be treated. No one likes to be left out of fun activities and this book offers all kinds of examples of how our words can hurt others.  Whether we tell someone they can’t play with us because they are too big, or they look funny with their new glasses, or their drawing is bad we have hurt them…even if it that wasn’t the intention. Children especially can be too literal at times and say whatever they are thinking. This book guides them through possible scenarios and offers the simple question, “What if everybody said that?”

There is lots of room for conversations about kindness, the inclusion of others, and finding ways to compliment each other. Even though this book is meant for elementary-aged children, there are plenty of good reminders in here for us adults too. Javernick is a kindergarten teacher and has created a book that makes kindness simple enough for kids to grasp. Madden’s illustrations show the hurt feelings in the children’s faces and the repercussions of a simple harsh statement.  Javernick’s book shares a positive message and turns the negative question, “What if everybody said that?” into a positive.

But, what if everyone chose to be kind? How would the playground, the neighborhood, the classroom look different? This book will definitely make you think about how you’ve been hurt by a friend, a co-worker, a stranger and make you more determined than ever to Just. Be. Kind.

This book is absolutely going in my sub bag. I hope to read it to every elementary classroom that I sub in this school year. Teachers could use this book as an excellent opener to talking about classroom rules, playground rules, and general kindness throughout the school. It would make a great gift to celebrate back-to-school!

Ellen Javernick

Ellen Javernick is the author of more than twenty books for children including the Children’s Choice Book Award finalist THE BIRTHDAY PET.  She has been an elementary school teacher for more than twenty years and currently teaches kindergarten. She lives in Loveland, Colorado. To see all of Javernick’s books, click HERE.

Colleen Madden – Photo by Gabe Madden

Colleen Madden is the illustrator of numerous children’s books, including the picture book adaptation of ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU by Mariah Carey. She lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband and two sons.  To see all of Madden’s books, click HERE.

All summer I’ll be sharing books for children and youths that are great choices to keep your children interested in reading and learning. These may be books that encourage reading, play, and kindness as well as keeping kids interested in science and history all while continuing to read. The summer slide is real and teachers will appreciate kids that continue to keep their minds active along with their bodies. See all the Summer Read-to-Learn books, HERE.

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama’s regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children’s and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.

To purchase a copy of WHAT IF EVERYBODY SAID THAT? click the photo below:

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Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.