The Whatifs

In this picture book about anxiety, Kilgore anthropomorphizes nettling questions as small, erratic critters called Whatifs, who "slink in from unknown places and/ swiftly attach themselves to people," while relaying the life of Cora, "a nervous girl" of whom the Whatifs are particularly fond. Cora's looming piano recital causes an influx of grim Whatifs ("What if my fingers shake?.../ What if I make a mistake?"), until she nearly freezes backstage, covered in the critters. Classmate Stella offers an encouraging perspective, giving Cora the courage to go onstage, but when Cora hits a wrong note, she must decide how to confront the situation. Persico's atmospheric illustrations aptly reflect Cora's shifting emotions, and Kilgore successfully balances the whimsical with a tale grounded in reality. Ages 4--8. (Aug.)

Worrier Cora is plagued by the Whatifs until she learns a new way to tackle her anxieties. Cora has a problem reminiscent of Shel Silverstein's poem "Whatif." As she goes about her days, the Whatifs clamor for her attention. These embodied worries are presented as needling little monsters that range from silly and annoying to frightening. They become especially distracting in the lead-up to her big piano recital. Despite all her preparation, the Whatifs latch on and won't let go. Just before her big performance, though, an older girl notices Cora's distress. Stella encourages turning around the Whatif worries, a tactic drawn straight out of the cognitive behavioral therapy playbook. By reframing and pondering alternative and optimistic Whatifs, Cora is able to tackle her anxiety and succeed. Both Cora and Stella have dark hair and eyes and peachy complexions; Cora's classmates and community appear fairly diverse. Cora and her Whatifs have a charming appeal beyond their focus on tackling anxious thoughts, making an enjoyable read-aloud for wide audiences. In her author's note, Kilgore describes her own anxiety disorder. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 51% of actual size.) A thoroughly welcome addition to growing collections of socio-emotional development materials. (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.