The Book of What If...?

January 18, 2016
Murrie and McHugh—creators of the What If...? conference, which aims to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation by asking hypothetical, even ridiculous-seeming questions—present a book designed to do the same. Divided into sections titled History, People, Stuff, and Nature, the book features more than 80 questions, such as “What if Poland joined Germany in 1939?” “What if you could move objects with your brain?” and “What if humans had elephant noses?” Profiles of experts, relevant sidebars, and kids’ answers accompany explorations of each question, while occasional activities range from creating an idea notebook to crafting a map of the Earth that mixes up continents and borders. The serious treatment of sometimes silly ideas drives home the notion that there really is no such thing as a stupid question. Ages 8–12. Agent: Jessica Regel, Foundry Literary + Media.

May 15, 2016

Provocative and entertaining, this title from Murrie (English, Westminster Coll.) and soon-to-be human computer interaction grad McHugh presents a launching tool for exercising inquisitiveness, creativity, and worldviews. Organized into four parts (History, People, Stuff, and Nature), it proposes theoretical scenarios to stimulate discussion, imagination, problem solving, and areas for further thought. Appropriate for elementary-age children and up, questions span the sociological ("What If the South Won the Civil War?") and the silly (What If Dinosaurs Didn't Go Extinct?"). Using the latter as an example, each entry introduces the possibility of the topic and includes an activity ("Draw a picture of your house after it is Dino-proofed"). The quotes from children (of course they would ride their T. rex to school) illustrate the excitement sure to follow. VERDICT Kids love to be asked their opinions, and they'll get a charge out of pondering such ticklers as "What If Kids Were Politicians?" A great choice for enhancing critical thinking skills.

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