Being human comes with many perplexing questions. But sometimes asking those questions opens the doors to a path, if not a straightforward answer. Written by Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Gabriella Barouch, Maybe is an inspiration tucked inside an adventure, perfect for readers of any age who may be asking, “What next?”
Loosely following the journey of a little girl, who is fancifully clad in a leafy “bird” cap, Maybe’s art is intrinsic to its message. Barouch’s vibrant, detailed illustrations are unusual and delightful. Dreamlike and intriguing, her art defies convention; mushrooms may loom as large as trees, and glaciers might fit comfortably in your hand. Pulling readers further into her journey, the little girl—more a reader’s companion than a character—helps create the fantasy, watering giant flowers, building a tower of houses. In a final lyrical nod, Barouch carries elements from page to page, culminating with an image that will leave readers smiling.
Maybe is an invitation instead of a lecture, as Yamada delivers his message with simple, brief statements that keep the story moving. And while the book’s images are imagined and invented, there is honesty in each depiction. When the little girl fails, a scribble hangs over her head. She climbs inside a storybook and befriends the unfamiliar.
It would be a disservice to qualify Maybe as just a children’s book. Children of all ages have dreams pulling them along, destinations and goals to meet along the path. But what truly matters is who we are along that journey.
