Maybe Tomorrow?

A blue hippo named Elba carries a heavy block while going about her days, hesitant to join in activities or make friends. One morning, she meets a crocodile named Norris who dances everywhere he goes and invites her to play. Through their growing friendship, Norris learns why Elba carries her block, while Elba begins to see new possibilities in her daily life. Their interactions center on small moments - sharing popsicles, talking about memories, and taking walks together. The story presents complex emotions and healing through gentle metaphor and straightforward dialogue. Its simple illustrations and clear narrative make difficult topics accessible to young readers while offering wisdom about grief, friendship, and hope.

Readers appreciate how the book handles grief and friendship in a way young children can understand. Parents and teachers note it opens conversations about processing difficult emotions. Several reviewers mention successfully using it with students ages 4-8 who are dealing with loss. The watercolor illustrations receive frequent mentions for helping convey the story's emotional journey. Multiple reviews highlight how the metaphor of carrying a "heavy block" resonates with children. Main criticism focuses on the book being too abstract for some young readers. A few reviewers wanted more concrete examples of coping strategies. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (524 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (168 reviews) Common Sense Media: 4/5 "Perfect for helping kids name their feelings," notes one teacher reviewer on Amazon. A school counselor writes, "The simple text allows children to connect without feeling overwhelmed." Several librarians report keeping multiple copies due to regular requests from parents and staff working with grieving students.

The Breaking News by Sarah Lynne Reul When a community faces difficult times, a young girl discovers small actions can help others heal.

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson A girl learns the impact of missed opportunities for friendship and the ripple effects of both kindness and unkindness.

The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros A child comes to understand his grandfather's memory loss through the metaphor of floating balloons containing memories.

The Rough Patch by Brian Lies After losing his dog, a fox works through grief by tending to his garden.

Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell A student learns to see beyond her initial judgments and finds empathy for a classmate's circumstances.

🦥 Author Charlotte Agell drew inspiration from her own experiences with grief and loss when creating the character of Elba, who carries a heavy block representing her sadness. 🌈 The book's colorful character Norris was deliberately designed as a pink alligator to challenge traditional expectations and show that comfort can come from unexpected sources. 🎨 The illustrations use a minimalist style with plenty of white space to help young readers focus on the emotional journey of the characters. 🗝️ The question mark in the title "Maybe Tomorrow?" represents hope and possibility, suggesting that healing is a gradual process that unfolds day by day. 📚 The book has become a valuable resource for school counselors and therapists working with children dealing with grief, loss, and emotional challenges.