What If? The Golden Question for Picture Book Ideas
One of the best tools for developing picture book ideas is the question “What if?” This simple phrase unlocks endless possibilities for storytelling. It invites your imagination to explore new directions and creates the kind of curiosity that children naturally embrace. The beauty of “What if?” is that it challenges the ordinary and asks us to imagine the extraordinary.
Here are some examples of “What If?” questions that are answered by well-known picture books (bonus points if you can guess the references. Answers are at the bottom of the post.):
- What if a forest grew in a child’s bedroom?
- What if the alphabet could talk?
- What if your best friend had to move away?
- What if everyone mispronounced your name?
- What if you had two mommies?
These questions turn the mundane into a spark of curiosity, instantly engaging young readers by raising a relatable question that they want to know the answer to.
Try it yourself. Choose a random object in your home or a concept you find intriguing, and ask, “What if?” Don’t overthink it—just play with the possibilities. Once you’ve brainstormed, take it further: What challenges or conflicts might arise? Who are the characters, and what’s at stake for them? These follow-up questions will help shape your concept into a narrative framework.
Here are some other ideas for playing with “What If?”:
1. What if an everyday object came to life?
Imagine ordinary items taking on extraordinary qualities or adventures.
Example: What if a toothbrush wanted a vacation?
2. What if roles were reversed?
Flip the typical dynamics or expectations.
Example: What if dogs had pets?
3. What if the setting was completely unexpected?
Take a common situation and place it in an unusual or fantastical location.
Example: What if a birthday party happened on the moon?
4. What if a character had an unusual goal?
Give your protagonist an unexpected ambition.
Example: What if a shy monster wanted to win a singing competition?
5. What if emotions (or any other concept or object) were characters?
Personify feelings, objects, or abstract concepts.
Example: What if curiosity and fear had to work together to solve a mystery?
6. What if a traditional rule didn’t apply?
Challenge the status quo in a way that creates conflict or adventure.
Example: What if animals could talk to kids, but not to adults?
7. What if the impossible became possible?
Let your imagination run wild with scenarios that defy reality.
Example: What if a child could catch stars in a jar?
8. What if a character had an unexpected helper?
Introduce an unusual or unexpected sidekick or mentor.
Example: What if a snail became an athletic coach?
9. What if something ordinary had a big secret?
Add mystery to something mundane.
Example: What if the family couch was a portal to other dimensions?
10. What if a story was told from an unexpected perspective?
Experiment with who or what tells the story.
Example: What if a lost sock narrated its journey to find its match?
11. What if the ending came first?
Start with a surprising or impactful ending and brainstorm backward.
Example: What if the story ends with everyone floating in the air?
12. What if a historical event happened differently?
Reimagine history through a playful lens.
Example: What if dinosaurs had invented bicycles?
The key is to allow yourself to dream big and let the “what if” take you in surprising directions. By framing your idea as a “What if?” question, you’re starting your creative journey with a sense of wonder and possibility. It’s this wonder that will resonate with your young readers and inspire their imaginations.
(Answers: 1. Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak. 2. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Bill Martin jr. & John Archimbault. 3. Evelyn Del Ray is Moving Away, Meg Medina. 4. Your Name is a Song, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow. 5. Heather Has Two Mommies, Lesléa Newman.)
