But . . . What If?
Praise For Older Books
Occasionally I will be posting older books that you might have missed or forgotten about. All of these have found a special place in my heart and in many cases also on my bookshelf.
If you’ve read or have thoughts about any of these books, I’d love to hear from you. Also, if you have some favorite older titles, feel free to share those in the comments below.
Details
- Author: Carolyn Crimi
- Illustrator: Laurel Molk
- Publisher: Candlewick (May 9, 2017)
- Genre: Picture Books/ Emotions
- Word Count: Approx. 503
- Ages: 3 – 7
- Pages: 32 #
My Thoughts
I’m pretty sure this book makes me smile because I understand Sukie so well. You see I tend to anticipate all scenarios so that I can be prepared! Not exactly like Sukie, but close enough to make me chuckle.
In this cute book, Eleanor and her dog Sukie are at the beach. However, Sukie isn’t too sure about being there since the beach holds some scary things such as lobsters. And even if Sukie doesn’t see a lobster, there’s still plenty of other things to be concerned about.
In fact, coming down the three steps to the beach is concerning. The stairs are big and sandy, which might cause a fall. And a fall might be bad enough to need stitches, God forbid! Nope. Better for Sukie to stay at the top of the stairs with her beloved stuffed toy monkey, Chunka Munka. Eleanor gives in and carries Sukie and her favorite monkey down the stairs to the beach.
She is hopeful they can play with a beach ball. But Sukie is full of concerns once again. She is a small dog and the ball is way too big and beachy. It might hit her nose and pop or knock her down. And everyone knows beach balls attract lobsters! Nope. Best to sit on the beach with Chunka Munka. Far away from the big, and possibly dangerous, beach ball.
Again Eleanor swoops up the two and heads toward the edge of the ocean. She tries without success to lure Sukie into the water. But Sukie is sure the water has large waves, is salty and very wet. Plus, there is a definite possibility that she might be swallowed by a whale. Or worse, there might be lobsters in the ocean. Nope! Best to sit on the beach with Chunka Munka by her side.
The two sit on the beach enjoying the sights while Eleanor floats on an inner tube in the ocean. But wait! Is that Chunka Munka floating out to sea!
What’s a concerned, fearful, dog to do now?
What Concerned Me
Nothing at all.
Final Thoughts
This is a touching book about anxiety, friendship, overcoming fear, and empowerment. The soft watercolor, acrylic, and pen and ink illustrations complement this sweet, story beautifully.
As I mentioned earlier, the story causes me to smile. But . . . I will still continue to be prepared and pack Band-Aids in my swim bag. However, as a result of Sukie’s experiences, I’ll make an effort to leave the binoculars at home and try not to anticipate the worst.
About The Author:
I ran across something fun when I started gathering information about Carolyn Crimi. And it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this talented, fun author created it herself. Her is an excerpt. For the full scoop on this princess, click here.
Occupation: Princess
Birthdate: December 28th, in a year prior to this one
Height: 5’7,” but shrinking fast.
Weight: None of your beeswax.
Astrological Sign: Capricorn, with lots of Sagittarius thrown in for kicks.
Chinese Astrological Sign: The PIG, God help me.
Born & Raised:
Long Island, New York. And if you think it’s funny to say “Oh, you mean you’re from Lawn GEYE-land,” please think again. The last time that joke was funny dinosaurs were roaming the South Hampton beaches.
Currently Residing:
Evanston, Illinois, home of the Northwestern Wildcats
and, well, Carolyn Crimi.
Family:
One husband, Alfonso Segreti; and one
Pug, Emerson Crimi-Segreti, also
known as Sir Scratch and Sniff,
Mr. Wiggle Butt, The Mayor and
Circus Dog.
Siblings:
Three older brothers and one older
sister. All were, at one time or another,
employed as expert teasers and professional tormentors.
