Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those picture books that earns its shelf space. Kobi Yamada's 'What Do You Do With...?' series has become a go-to for parents and teachers tackling big feelings, and 'Chance' might be the strongest of the three.

The metaphor is simple but not simplistic: a golden, glowing chance appears, the kid hesitates, misses it, falls, gets embarrassed, then finally learns that taking a chance—even if it fails—is better than the ache of wondering 'what if.' That's a genuinely useful framework for kids (and honestly, adults) who struggle with perfectionism or fear of looking silly.

The illustrations do heavy lifting here, moving from drab to radiant as courage builds. And the 4.9 Amazon rating isn't just parent sentimentality—professional reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal back it up as a tool for real conversations.

It's not a book you read once and shelve. It's one you return to before the first day of school, before trying out for the team, before raising a hand in class. That's the mark of a keeper.

Age Fit

Best for ages 4-10, especially kids navigating new experiences, school transitions, or fear of failure. The message scales beautifully—preschoolers get 'try new things,' while older elementary kids grasp the deeper regret-vs-risk nuance. Adults will find it meaningful too, but it's clearly a kids' book.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

92

Emotionally healthy message about courage, resilience, and learning from failure. The narrative arc—trying, failing, feeling embarrassed, then finding courage again—is developmentally appropriate and models healthy risk-taking. No chaotic pacing, just a gentle story about a child working through fear and regret. The tone is warm and encouraging without being preachy.

Imaginative

85

The central metaphor of 'a chance' appearing as a tangible, golden opportunity invites kids to think abstractly about life's possibilities. Mae Besom's illustrations (based on the series' style) use visual metaphors and dreamlike imagery. The book doesn't offer activities or building prompts, but it does invite philosophical thinking about what chances look like in real life—sparking conversations that can lead to creative exploration.

Safe

98

Picture books don't get much safer than this. No violence, scary content, or mature themes. The 'failure' moment (missing a chance and falling) is illustrated gently and framed as a learning experience, not trauma. Zero concerns for any age. Common Sense Media reviewed it positively with no safety flags.

Enriching

88

Strong social-emotional learning core: courage, perseverance, overcoming fear of failure, and recognizing that opportunities require action. The message that 'you don't need to be brave all the time, just at the right time' is nuanced and valuable. Reviews emphasize its use for philosophical conversations and practical problem-solving. It builds emotional vocabulary and growth mindset thinking. The 4.9 Amazon rating and strong critical reception (Kirkus, SLJ, Foreword Reviews) back this up.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Normalizes failure as part of growth—the kid literally falls, feels embarrassed, and learns to try again without toxic positivity
The abstract concept of 'a chance' as a character is clever and gives kids language to talk about opportunities and risk-taking
Part of a beloved series (with 'What Do You Do With an Idea?' and 'Problem?') that parents and teachers actually use for SEL lessons
Kirkus and SLJ praised it for inspiring 'philosophical conversations' and 'practical problem-solving'—rare for a picture book
Mae Besom's illustrations move from muted grays to vibrant colors as the child gains courage, which kids notice and love

⚠

What to Watch For

The metaphorical language works best with some adult scaffolding—younger kids (3-4) might need help connecting 'chances' to real-life moments
It's a read-aloud that begs for discussion afterward; reading it cold at bedtime might miss the point
Some kids who are already anxious about failure might need extra reassurance that the story ends hopefully

Conversation Starters

"What do you think a 'chance' looks like? Has one ever visited you?"
"Tell me about a time you wanted to try something but felt scared. What happened?"
"Why do you think the kid let the first chance go? Have you ever done that?"
"The book says you don't have to be brave all the time, just at the right time. When do you think the right time is?"
"What's something you want to take a chance on this week?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Related Guides

The Resilience Reading List: Why Your Kid Needs 'After the Fall' and 'Knight Owl'

How these modern picture books help children build the grit and emotional intelligence to tackle big challenges and find their inner hero.

Writing about What Do You Do with a Chance? Kobi Yamada? Put this WISE score on your site