Warm and Whimsical: Read Our Review of What to Do When You’re Not Sure What to Do by Davina Bell, Illustrated by Hilary Jean Tapper

It might not be how you imagined . . . at first.
Find a you-shaped space.
Let yourself!

Davina Bell and Hilary Jean Tapper are the award-winning duo who created the beautifully illustrated and bestselling picture book What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say. Now, they return with their new picture book, which offers another gentle exploration of new experiences and emotions for children as they navigate the world outside of home.

What to Do When You’re Not Sure What to Do is a warm and whimsical guide to negotiating life’s little and big moments. It focuses on situations outside a child’s home and domestic realm where they might feel unsure.

This picture book gently encourages children to figure out what to do in spaces and situations that are unfamiliar or require some extra attention. At home, Bell and Tapper show us how to use gentle hands when caring for a new sibling, asking before taking, and counting to ten when you’re upset. Outside the home, children are encouraged to recognise when to offer a helping hand and when things need to be left alone, and to step out of your comfort zone – even if things aren’t how you imaged them to be. There’s so much to learn and take in with this picture book.

Each sentence by Bell is complemented by an evocative and moving illustration by Tapper. We’re offered vibrant, familiar settings of gardens, grocery stores, beach scenes kitchens and more. Each of these settings and situations include emotive characters who displaying a broad range of emotions, from shyness, sadness and confusion to happiness, smiles and laughter.

What to Do When You’re Not Sure What to Do is a moving exploration of empathy, courage and confidence from this much-loved team. We recommend it for children aged 0 and up.

Buy a copy of What to Do When You’re Not Sure What to Do here.