If You Could Be Anything

First posing the question, ‘If you could be anything, what would you be?’, the narrator answers with a variety of responses from being a tall ship racing on the sea, to a plover piping in the sand, to sea glass that changes over time and lupins swaying in the breeze and various other objects reflecting imagery typical of the East Coast.

Descriptive answers are relayed in poetry form allowing young children to use their imagination as they become part of the fanciful journey. Additional back matter provides further details on the items mentioned in the main body of the text with reference to their local connections. The verse is rhythmic and lyrical, making for a gentle straightforward easy read and a nice choice for sharing one-on-one.

The simplicity of the text is matched by a clean cut layout. The poem on the verso page is surrounded by decorative symbols that catch the flavour of the text. This faces a full-page colourful illustration in oil. Skillfully executed, many are in bold dramatic colours, others in delicate pastels full of light.

If You Could Be Anything is a celebration of the scenic world of the East Coast of Canada. It is an attractive and creative title, but, though worthwhile, it may have limited appeal due to the specificity of the subject matter. Nevertheless, it would make a satisfying calming bedtime story or make for a good contribution to storytime for young children.