Vaughan Duck

What Would You Do?

This beautifully illustrated book with easy-to-read, whimsical rhyme reaches out to children to show them how to make their dreams come true. Whether they want to be an astronaut, a dragon tamer, build robots or ride in a hot air balloon, anything is possible if you believe in you!

No matter who you are or where you live, everyone has the same thing in common… dreams, dreams that may seem impossible. What Would You Do? shows that they are possible as long as you’re willing to believe in yourself. Our fears hold us back, but one thing is true: our happiness lies just outside our comfort zone. So keep dreaming, believe in yourself and make those dreams come true!

Written by CK Willie
Illustrated by Vaughan Duck
Text & Illustrations copyright © 2025 Cheryl Kirby

Available online from AMAZON AUS, AMAZON USA and Booktopia

REVIEWS

Literary Titan Gold Book Award

What Would You Do? is a joyful and affirming read that would be perfect for kids aged 4 to 8, especially those who are shy, cautious, or afraid to try new things. Parents, teachers, and caregivers will appreciate its warm tone and clear message: your dreams are worth chasing, and the first step is believing in yourself. It’s a feel-good kids’ book that leaves a lasting impression.

The illustrations by Vaughan Duck add a big dose of fun. They’re colorful and a little silly in the best way. Every page feels like a new adventure, full of movement and imagination. I found myself smiling through the whole thing. It also helps that the book keeps the tone light while still planting seeds of courage and personal growth.

You finish reading and feel a little braver. That’s not something every children’s book can do.

Verdict: The reviewer gave it 5 stars
Must read 🏆

The charming illustrations & diverse cast will captivate readers of all ages & encourage them to squash their fears & believe in themselves!

The children in this adventurous tale, spoken in rhyme, demonstrate incredible bravery as they climb the highest mountain and travel across the blue seas. They explore outer space, become robotic, and go toe-to-toe with a massive multi-colored dragon. We watch as a stylishly dressed Luchador (Spanish for wrestler) gets the upper hand against their crocodile opponent. Great wrestling attire, especially the máscaras (Spanish for masks)! So pretty! Superhero kiddos make an appearance, too, while another child couldn’t resist monkeying around. I laughed at the kitten peeking out the shuttle door as a block of cheese and a kid astronaut floated close to the moon. The feline’s expression screamed, no amount of cheese in this galaxy will get me to step a paw outside this shuttle.

There’s so much more to explore in What Would You Do?, transforming the impossible into possible. Kids will love and laugh at the silly illustrations, such as the lion who loves to sing or the zebra who’s not thrilled to give out rides. They’ll cheer for the brave knight who rode to face the dragon in a wheelchair instead of a mighty steed. Readers will say, aw, as the boy reads his new pet dragon a bedtime story. No matter where the journey takes these kids, the writer’s mission is to encourage kids to believe in themselves and not allow fear to hold them back. So, take the author’s advice and repeat these four powerful words, “I believe in me,” and then go out and slay dragons!

While Amazon’s target audience for this book is 3-8-year-olds, the charming illustrations and diverse characters will captivate readers of all ages.