What If Everybody Did That?

#BOOKREVIEW
CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW AS A WRITER AND A READER

Title: What If Everybody Did That?
Author: Ellen Javernick
Illustrator: Colleen M. Madden
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Target Audience: 5–8-Year-Old

Your brain starts racing when you see the cover and title of this book. What If Everybody Did That? – speaks to you and invites you to pause and think about the message the author wants to share.

As a teacher and author, the title sparked my curiosity. I was eager to know how the inside content would justify the title and what lessons it might offer for young readers.

Several things stood out to me:

• Unlike most picture books, this one begins on the left-hand page, making clever use of both pages for illustrations.
• The book is rich in illustrations, which is a strength. It creates open space for children to use their imagination and build a space for discussion.
• The ending of the book, when the author takes an unexpected turn and brings the focus towards the power of love. The lines ‘When I came home I gave my mom a hug. What if everybody did that?’ stole my heart

Every verso (left) page presents a relatable scenario that ends with a thought-provoking question: What if everybody did that? The recto (right) page illustrates the negative outcomes if those behaviours are unchecked.

Ellen Javernick, the author, challenges young minds to think critically about everyday behaviours and consequences. She opens the forum to talk about the significance of sharing our one lovely planet, Earth. She brings attention to understanding how our actions affect others.

Only a seasoned teacher can think of a concept with such clarity and relevance. Ellen was an elementary school teacher for more than twenty years, and she knows how to keep learning simple, engaging and student-centred. The story presentation shows her ability to be a teacher who knows that children learn when they have agency. Her storytelling style empowers children by presenting a scenario and then stepping back, allowing them to draw their own conclusions. She fosters a child-led learning experience, prompting thoughtful reflection rather than prescribing immediate correction. She is not looking at the immediate fixing of bad behaviour but is introducing a positive habit that lasts a lifetime, again a mark of a brilliant teacher.

When I read this book to my class, my job was limited to reading and showing the book. Not even once did I have to redirect anyone’s attention or ask to be quiet while I was reading. Those seven-year-olds were busy listening and using their brains to explore how they could contribute to creating a healthy and friendly environment for all.

One of the book’s strengths is the choice of situations and scenarios from everyday life. That makes it relatable for children to figure out how they can contribute or rectify their actions without much intervention.

Sharing a few lines from the book to show the brilliant concept of this book:

While we sat in the car waiting for Dad, I honked the horn. I just honked a few times, by Mr. Thompson came to his door. He shook his head and said, “What if everybody did that?”

Javernick’s book fosters empathy, reflection, and critical thinking. It’s a powerful classroom tool that encourages students to take ownership of their behaviour and its ripple effect. A must-read for every educator and parent striving to raise thoughtful citizens.

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