What Happens Next

Publishing March 2018

9781771471657 • 40 pages • Ages 4+ • $16.95 US • $19.95 CDN

What Happens Next is a story told by an unnamed protagonist who feels different from everybody else. Bullied by a girl at school, our narrator confronts the bully in a unique way with an opportunity to find common ground — and helps the bully see the world in a new way. This picture book is a powerful starting point for discussions of emotions, empathy, and how we relate to others.

What Advance Readers Say:

“This book’s perfect, emotionally healthy message is expressed with enough precision that it might help a real child to be brave too; or, it might guide a parent’s successful intervention. I hope so. I’d encourage librarians to give their patrons the opportunity of reading this important book."

— Helen Wilding Cook, Children's Collection Development Coordinator, Library Bound Inc.

"An innovative question-and-answer dialogue format and the subtle use of color to convey emotions impart a positive message perfect for children, teens, and families dealing with bullying who just might need a new way of looking that is hopeful, heartfelt, and honest."

— Foreword Reviews

“A simple, straightforward account of the way bullying takes place and an approach that puts the power in the children's hands. I think it will be a popular book and one that will give rise to lots of discussion.”

— Leslie Buffam, Bookseller, Vancouver Kidsbooks

"The way the story is told makes it really accessible to older kids and younger kids... The ending is true and not neatly 'tied up with a bow.' Like real life."

— Sara Spencer, Junior School Librarian, The York School

Themes

Bullying
Social-Emotional Development
Self-Esteem
Family
Friendship

Curriculum Links

Character Education: Empathy
Social Studies: Creative Problem Solving
Language Arts: Reading Comprehension

Reading Levels

Grades: K–5
Lexile: 500L
Fountas & Pinnell: N

An intimate look at the worlds of the bullied and the bully—and the ways in which the universe connects them.

“What Happens Next is the type of picture book that comes along every now and then and stops you in your tracks... A truly multi-levelled story that will resonate with anyone who has been bullied, belittled or felt like an outsider.”

— Maria Martella, Tinlids Inc., School & Library Wholesaler

Watch the Video Trailer

Download the Discussion Guide

Discussion prompts for schools, libraries, families, and communities, created by a school and clinical child psychologist with a research background in bullying.

"What Happens Next provides a great opportunity to support children’s social and emotional development, learning to identify and respond to bullying, as well as build empathy skills and understand how others feel."

— Vicky Timmermanis, PhD, School and Clinical Child Psychologist, Toronto District School Board, and author of discussion guides

Guide for Grades 1–3 /////// Guide for Grades 4–6

Sample Spreads

About the Author & Illustrator

SUSAN HUGHES is the author of over 30 children’s books, including Up! How Families Around the World Carry Their Little Ones, Off to Class, and Making Canada Home. She is a freelance editor and story coach. She lives with her family in Toronto, Ontario. Find Susan on Twitter.

CAREY SOOKOCHEFF is the illustrator of the critically acclaimed Buddy and Earl series, and the author/illustrator of Solutions for Cold Feet and Other Little Problems and Wet. She has worked with a wide range of editorial, design and corporate clients. She lives in Toronto, Ontario with her husband, two kids, and their dog. Find Carey on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

To Order

US Distributor: PGW/Ingram Publisher Services

Canadian Distributor: UTP Distribution

Also available through wholesalers and booksellers across North America and online. Questions? Contact the Publisher.