Maybe: A Story about the Endless Potential in All of Us

Maybe: A Story about the Endless Potential in All of Us

book

2019, Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life

WISE
96%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

A visually stunning pep talk for your kid that might actually make you cry a little, too.

Amazon4.9
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the modern successor to 'Oh, the Places You'll Go!' but with significantly better art and less rhyming fluff. It’s a rare find that manages to be deeply moving without being cheesy.

If you're tired of 'brain rot' media and want something that actually feeds a kid's soul (and your own), this is it. It’s a high-quality physical object that belongs on every kid's shelf, especially the ones who need a little reminder that they matter.

Age Fit

While marketed for the 4-8 crowd, the art and message are sophisticated enough that it’s a common gift for high school or college graduates. It's a 'forever' book.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
100

It is a pure, emotionally resonant book focused entirely on self-worth and the beauty of existence. No snark, no hidden agendas, just genuine encouragement.

Imaginative
95

The illustrations by Gabriella Barouch are surreal and detailed, inviting kids to look closer and imagine worlds beyond the text. It avoids the flat, digital look of many modern picture books.

Safe
100

Zero safety concerns. It’s a physical picture book with a gentle, calming tone perfect for bedtime or quiet reading.

Enriching
94

It builds a growth mindset and self-esteem without being preachy. It helps kids (and parents) frame their future as a series of exciting possibilities rather than a set path.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • The artwork is legitimately some of the best in modern children's literature—it feels like a museum on paper.
  • It tackles the 'growth mindset' concept in a way that feels poetic rather than like a classroom lesson.
  • Perfect for kids who struggle with perfectionism or fear of failure.
  • Short enough for a quick bedtime read but deep enough to linger on the pages.
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What to Watch For

  • It’s very earnest and 'heavy' on the sentiment—if your kid only likes slapstick or action, this might feel slow.
  • The message is abstract; younger toddlers might just look at the pictures without grasping the 'potential' theme.

Conversation Starters

  • "What is something you’re really good at that makes you feel proud?"
  • "Is there something you’ve never tried before but think you might be great at?"
  • "What do you think the world would be missing if you weren't here?"
  • "Which illustration was your favorite and why?"

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