Book Review for If Only...by Katie Hallett

If Only… by Katie Hallett, and illustrated by Darren Cranford

Hummingbird Publishing
ISBN-13: 978-0984480104
32 pages     Ages 4-8    
Children’s Picture Book   

If Only… is a fantastic story which contents the heart of one owns self worth.

Timmy is a mouse who admired his friends at the zoo. People came from far and wide to visit them. As Timmy woke up to begin the day he found himself unhappy with some of his qualities. He was short, and had a long tail and whiskers, which got caught in things frequently. It was very upsetting for Timmy and each and every time something happened, like for example, tripping over and falling down the stairs because of his long tail, a family member would tell him that it was because he was a mouse.


Well, not wanting to be a mouse any more, Timmy made his way to the zoo to visit his friends. He was envious of them because they could do all the things that he couldn’t do. Timmy will soon learn that every animal has its share of problems. Like the elephant. Timmy would love to be large and in charge. However, even though the elephant loves being so big, there are things he can't do. Like move around quietly, and fit in small spaces. His friend the fish does not have a perfect life either. A fish can’t breathe in fresh air or walk on land. As Timmy visits each of his friends will he realize that being a mouse isn’t so terrible at all?


This is a very cute story which focuses on a common problem. Sometimes we look at ourselves and wish we were somebody else, but the truth is that we should be thankful for the gifts we have been given. By the end of the story Timmy begins to comprehend how special he is, as children should realize how wonderful, unique and special they are.  It's common to think that the grass is greener on the other side, but if we dig deep enough we will soon understand that the sun light makes it shine so bright but it's what's underneath the grass that makes it lush. It’s what we are on the inside that counts, not what we are not.  


The smooth rhyme fits nicely with the story and children from the ages of 4-8 will love the beautifully detailed illustrations and learn along with Timmy, that there is no other person they would rather be, than themselves.