Imagine That

Jonathan D. Ross

☕︎☕︎☕︎

The story follows Hoot, Olive’s loyal sidekick, who suddenly loses his imagination and struggles to find it again. With Olive’s unwavering support, they embark on a journey to rekindle what once was, searching high and low for Hoot’s missing creativity.

As they search, Olive asks, "Where did you leave it last?" and encourages Hoot to try imagining again, but he simply can't. My son Forest loves this journey—the way the two best friends work together, determined to find what Hoot has lost. It’s in their unwavering belief in each other that the magic happens. Finally, they realize that all Hoot needed was a little extra heart, a gentle nudge from a friend who believes in him fiercely enough to pull the creativity out from within.

Voss’s storytelling is both whimsical and deeply touching, capturing the magic of childhood wonder and the power of friendship. His watercolor illustrations bring Hoot and Olive’s world to life with warmth and charm, they’re really beautiful splashes. The dialogue between the characters is natural and endearing, reinforcing the theme that sometimes, all we need is a little encouragement from those who believe in us.

Imagine That is a must-read for anyone who cherishes heartfelt storytelling and stunning illustrations. It’s a book that inspires children to embrace their creativity and reminds us all of the joy found in simply imagining together.