What If Bedtime Didn’t Exist?

Following on from a refrain of “what if...,” Cunningham articulates innumerable possibilities, including the titular phrase. From morning until night, mundane moments become enlivened by imaginary opportunities for two kids: “What if.../ when we’re eating breakfast at our/ table and finish before everyone else, we could/ sprout wings in any color or shape and fly out/ of the kitchen window...?” Mini dinosaurs, secret-whispering ladybugs, and “an endless ice cream/ sundae on wheels” parade through the children’s minds as they picture themselves becoming supers, sea creatures, or playmates of otherworldly beings. Alongside lengthy meandering text, candy-colored illustrations feature the two dark-haired kids, portrayed with light brown skin, embracing a supernatural world. As bedtime begins, loving wishes provide invincibility for more far-out dreams—encouraging readers to lean into their own what-ifs. Ages 4–7. (Mar.)