Ever felt as if your child is pestering you with “what if” questions? Honestly, sometimes it gets annoying, but the good thing is that it is evidence that they are learning and growing into curious beings. These two words may cause uneasy feelings, but they can also be springboards to meaningful conversations.

Having fun while building imagination is a trait I have been encouraging for my kids. I have adorable four and six-year olds. It is a good opportunity for them to enrich the skills they may have learned in school and also chances for them to create visionary possibilities about life in general.

Capturing their child-like wonder and creativity is one thing I marvel at as we interact. That’s why I introduced and encouraged them to read what-if children's books.

Sometimes choosing how to explain things to a child is rather difficult, but these books are sure and practical tools to strike their imaginative freedom.

Engaging What-If Books For Children

Whimsical What-Ifs, by V Luz (2023)

Whimsical What-Ifs is not just a fun challenge. It has been an excellent tool in helping my little ones engage in self-discovery and deep introspection. The book features thought provoking questions that have helped my 6-year old to develop critical thinking skills, understand herself better, and foster personal growth.

I like that this book is humorous enough with its writing prompts. But most importantly, I applaud Luz for putting together jokes that kids can relate to. It will inspire any child between six and ten years to show their written capabilities, and encourage them to dream big, and it is also a great opportunity for them to explore their inner worlds.

Whether you are at home or away, pick up this book with your young one and allow them to explore and think outside the box. It is ideal for homeschooling, sibling/friend group activities, and daily writing practice.

What If You Had Animal Eyes, by Sandra Markle & Howard McWilliam (2023)

If you have a child and are not familiar with Sandra’s What if You Had series, it is time you should check it out.

But this particular installment is ideal for children who are just learning or starting to read independently. It allows children to look into what would happen if they looked into the mirror and discovered that they had animal eyes and not their own.

I highly recommend this book for animal lovers. For instance, children get to picture themselves in special animal eyes varying from chameleon to colossal squid's eyes. This book promotes learning how different animal eyes vary, how they behave in different situations, and their specialties. Your kid(s) will be happy to think about which animal eyes would suit them best.

The illustrations in this book are delightful, and the animal presentations are factual, which makes it a valuable purchase for school going children and homeschoolers. These, together with the lively text, tell a great eyes story that children between six and eight years will enjoy immensely.

If I were a Tree, What Kind Would I Be?, by Bento Leal & Winda Mulyasari (2023

This is an uplifting and meaningful tale for three to six year olds to learn about the importance of giving their gifts to others, seeing their potential, and thinking big. It follows examples of nature using trees to promote exploration and self-reflection related to character development and individual growth.

The book is a perfect entity for introducing conversational topics to kids, whether you are a parent, educator, or teacher. The beautiful illustrations have just the right amount of content which I think is an excellent way to capture the attention of young readers. I love the fun facts about trees and the reflection questions that follow toward the end of the book.

Some of the life lessons your kid will learn from this book are compassion, kindness, empathy, generosity, and how to love everyone. This book is superb if you care for your child’s growth and want to encourage them to build positive character.

If I were an Animal, What Would I Have in My Lunch Box?, by Jeremy Oparah (2023)

This is another animal what if book that I would recommend if your little one is enthusiastic about animals. However, it has a different touch to it. It is more about animals in the wild and specifically the African Savanna.

Through this book, children get to discover and learn that the African Savanna is home to different kinds of animals, and they all have variable appetites. I feel this book is even more relatable to children that have had a chance to visit parks and even better for those who have had the chance to see animals in the Savanna.

It offers an interactive opportunity and builds imagination for kids as they ponder upon what the featured animals eat. I like that it also gives a chance for kids to think about their appetites as they analyze different eating animal habits.

It is a short read ideal for children of three and above years. The stunning illustrations excellently depict how animals in the Savanna look which is quite commendable. With this book, your child will be on their way to becoming a young zoology enthusiast.

What If I Took a Bite Out of the Moon, by Harding Wilcher (2023)

I strongly encourage you to get this book if you have a child above five years or a pre-teen. This is an imaginative tale about what the moon would taste like. It follows through Timmy’s story as he thinks about the different possibilities of what this taste could be.

I love that children can bring the pages of this book to life with the rich illustrations in the book as they read. This story will pique their imagination, reduce their cravings, and fill their heart enough such that they will want to go over it again. They can also build their creativity as they color the images within the story.

This book encourages children to dream big as they read about Timmy’s departure from the earth. That’s how he realizes he has been dreaming of taking a bite from the moon. It is a gentle reminder that children are also meant for incredible things, and they can exceed their wildest dreams.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, as a parent or guardian, encouraging and teaching creativity, self-expression, and the power of imagination is essential for children. That’s why this list of what-if children’s books will be an excellent start or addition for you and your little warriors. Allow them to become bosses of their brains and let them choose what to think in the ways they want to.

Check also our favorite draw by number or children's adventure books.

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