The protagonist has blue eyes, black hair, and light brown skin and is surrounded by a supporting cast of many races and ethnicities. A reminder to be aware of what one says, as well as a discussion starter about actions and consequences.” —Kirkus Reviews
“With its heartfelt message and amusing pictures, What If Everybody Said That? is a great tool to introduce little readers to the concepts and importance of kindness, inclusivity, the power of words, and taking responsibility for one’s actions and speech.” —Word Spelunking
“A smart addition to your collections on feelings, emotions, and actions.” —Mom Read It
“I can see this book being very useful in a classroom setting or one-on-one to address negative comments toward others.” —Library Mom Books
“An important picture book especially in today’s world.” —Booking Mama
“A perfect tool to teach kindness and manners.” —Kristi’s Book Nook
“This book acts as a good conversation starter and one that will show fully how words have consequences.” —Mrs. Mommy Booknerd
“Every page of this story offers a perfect opportunity to begin a conversation about how the little girl’s, or another child’s, harsh words are making the other kids feel.” —Red Canoe Reader
“I love this book and I think the message is simple but very much needed with little kids.” —A Rup Life
“An excellent reminder of how we should treat others and how we want to be treated…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!” —Sincerely Stacey
“Javernick and Madden let you experience what it looks like to be on the other side of unkind words and it makes an impact. Powerful but not preachy, it’s a wonderful pro-kindness tool.” —Story Monsters Ink
2018-04-25
A tiny tot learns that words can hurt.One sassy girl is pictured in 10 different scenarios—each ending with a disappointed adult asking, "What if everybody said that?" These include making fun of someone else's fashion sense, not sharing, pushing to be first, excluding someone from playground fun, quitting when your team is losing, etc. While the titular questions are different, the concept is very similar to Javernick and Madden's previous outing (What If Everybody Did That?, 2010), although this venture does portray more inner turmoil than the earlier, with bubbles of victims' hurt feelings and damaging thoughts. Even the simplest of words can strongly affect others. Madden's mixed-media illustrations show a large, diverse cast, including men of color in nurturing roles and a child in a wheelchair who, unfortunately, does not appear after an early scene. Among other humorous details, frowning faces are hidden on inanimate objects, and even dogs and cats give judging looks to atrocious behavior. After a string of missteps, the misguided gal does realize the error of her ways, and all ends well. The protagonist has blue eyes, black hair, and light brown skin and is surrounded by a supporting cast of many races and ethnicities. A reminder to be aware of what one says, as well as a discussion starter about actions and consequences. (Picture book. 3-7)
