What if a bed could sing you a lullaby? What if your teddy bear could whisper, “I’m here for you”? In the soft glow of a bedtime lamp, these imaginative ideas may seem simple, yet they hold real power for children.
When young readers and their parents explore the playful questions in “What If?” by Ciara Newell-Bailey, they step into a world where the ordinary becomes magical, which is not only fun but can also help children feel safe, understood, and secure as they grow.
From an early age, children experience feelings they cannot always name. They may feel strange, worried, or unsure and might struggle to speak about those feelings. Imaginative play and stories provide a safe space for them to express these things indirectly. Research shows that pretend play supports children’s emotional expression and helps them manage fear, anxiety, and regulate emotions. According to scholars, when children engage in imaginative play, they do more than pretend—they transform their feelings into stories, roles, and make-believe situations. This kind of imaginative experience gives them a bridge between the inner world and the outer world.
In the picture book What If? children ask questions like “What if trees could run?” or “What if vegetables could talk?” These whimsical prompts invite wonder and laughter. Yet behind the laughter lies something deeper: a child is using fantasy to explore “what if I felt different”, “what if I could say that”, or “what if I could change this”. The rhythmic, comforting tone of the text helps young readers feel secure through repetition and predictability. It is in that predictable rhythm that a child knows “we will return to safety”, even while travelling in imagination.
At bedtime, the idea of a bed that sings or a teddy who listens becomes more than a fairy tale. It becomes a metaphor. A child who imagines their bed singing may feel that sleep is safe. A child who imagines a teddy listening may feel that someone hears their unspoken thoughts. This emotional safety matters. Childhood studies highlight that play and imaginative storytelling lay the groundwork for children to develop emotional regulation and build empathy. When children play, they experiment with fear, bravery, joy, and sadness—but in a world they control.
Why is it good to think of the impossible? Because the impossible invites new ways of thinking. When a child wonders, “What if bicycles had wings?” they practise thinking differently. They practise asking questions rather than accepting answers. In doing so, they develop a flexible mindset. Researchers have shown that imaginative play is linked to later social and emotional competence—children who regularly engage in imaginative play, such as pretending and asking “what if,” tend to exhibit more empathy and stronger self-regulation. These skills help them feel secure because they feel capable of managing change and uncertainty.
Parents and carers can turn these “what if” moments into emotional opportunities. After reading the book, ask your child, “What if our favourite toy could help us share our worries tonight?” or “What if our blanket could hug us until we feel calm?” These simple questions extend the story into real life and create a shared space where feelings are discussed through play. Use language like “How would that feel?” or “What might happen next?” so the child knows their voice matters.
In classrooms and homes, this approach encourages children to think freely and ask questions without fear of being wrong. It creates a community of curiosity, connection, and kindness. In doing so, children learn not just to imagine but to feel safe in situations of wonder, surprise, or uncertainty.
In the end, What If? is more than a charming picture book full of fun questions. It is a tool for emotional growth. It reminds us that imagination builds not only worlds of “what could be”, but also worlds of “what I feel”, “what I wonder”, and “what I can share”. Reading it together becomes a ritual of bonding and emotional security. If you wish to explore this magical space with your child, pick up Ciara Newell-Bailey’s wonderful book What If?.
This book is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1968296352.
