If You Were a City

In this charming picture book, award-winning author Kyo Maclear fleshes out the question of the title which is, “If you were a city, how would you be?” The reader is taken around the world as different cities, both imaginary ("fable" and "ghost" cities) and real (Pisa and Amsterdam) are described. In rhyming couplets, the narrator reflects on the different features of each city, what type of inhabitants fill them and the events and emotions they cater toward. Maclear embraces inclusivity with each different city, inhabitant and way of being, encouraging readers to welcome those from "far-off places" looking for shelter and to share the environment with their animal neighbours. The message that all cities, people and experiences have value despite their differences is made clear throughout, with each represented vividly and compassionately.

Francesca Sanna’s illustrations for If You Were a City superbly bring to life the cities described in the text, each spread representing a vividly detailed world that readers young and old can spend time exploring visually. The inclusive message of the story is highlighted in the variety of people, locations, architectural styles and natural wonders, each beautifully and colorfully rendered to invite visitors. The book’s endpapers also depict each of the cities mentioned in the text as within a snow-globe, thereby contributing to an overall beautiful book design.