If This Were the World

The subtle message hiding in the creases of this philosophical tale encourages kids to remember and take good care of our actual world. . . ., Ford’s art is electric, the colors seeming to vibrate off the characters into the atmosphere. The small speech balloons that appear only add to the charm and humor. A truly original Earth Day book, certain to provoke laughter and discussion.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Dialogue-driven action from Barr (The Upside Down Hat) successfully captures the spirit of playground politics, while thick chromatic outlining and light shading imbue radiant, rainbow-hued colored-pen and -pencil drawings by Ford (I Love Your Face!) with a boisterousness that aptly conveys the energy of the crowd’s exploits.
—Publisher’s Weekly (starred review)

If the message is overt, it’s been given an innovative, fresh presentation here: unusually engaging, accessible, and aimed directly at its audience. Ford’s cartoony illustrations rock with kinetic energy, and his portrayal of the class both as a collective whole and as distinctive individuals is an estimable accomplishment and spot-on for the book’s theme—all kinds of people need to work together to protect our Earth.
—The Horn Book (starred review)

Lively, cartoonish pen-and-ink drawings in rainbow hues successfully convey the boisterous enthusiasm of the students and their diverse personalities. . . . This enjoyable picture book offers a great conversation starter about cooperative play wrapped in subtle undertones about the importance of taking care of Earth.
—School Library Journal

The gentle message, wrapped up in freewheeling recess fun, resonates.
—Booklist