A chance, depicted as a gold, origami-like flying creation, flies by a child accompanied by a multigenerational family, but the child doesn't take it. In an inspired combination of words and images, the child imagines trying to catch the chance, and the fear and anxiety attached to falling or failing, and then being judged by others. When the chance passes by, the child expresses unhappiness and disappointment, wondering if ignoring a chance would mean fewer chances in the future. Luminescent pencil-and-watercolor illustrations make the abstract ideas more understandable. The child has to get some physical separation from the family in order to make an independent decision. Friendly animals help the child equip for a journey, gathering books and supplies. Following this period of contemplation and preparation, when the chance appears again, the child is ready. In making the decision to take the next step, to grab the chance, the child's excitement becomes larger than fear. "So, what do you do with a chance? You take it . . . it just might be the start of something incredible."

Perfectionists and those with social anxiety will find encouragement in the reminder that embarrassment is temporary and even the fearful can choose to take chances. The tunic-clad child with shaggy, dark hair and a light complexion who appears in the duo's prior works (What Do You Do with an Idea?, 2014, and What Do You Do with a Problem?, 2016) is now presented with chances, which materialize in the form of golden, origami-style butterflies. Finally attempting to grasp one, the child falls and is mortified when it seems that others titter in amusement. Deciding it's better to avoid the possibility of future mishaps, the child ignores other chances but inside feels increasingly bereft, contemplating a safe-but-dull existence. When at last a chance thrillingly does appear again, the child decides to take the leap—literally—and feels jubilant exhilaration. Set in a pseudo-medieval fantasy world, the story makes abstract concepts usefully concrete. An ideal discussion starter at home and in the classroom, it will inspire conversations about humiliations endured (and recovered from) and chances taken (or not).Through the use of color, the watercolor-and-pencil illustrations vividly accentuate the contrast between the drabness of a risk-free life and the brilliant intensity of one fully lived.This is a book that will grow with readers: use it to inspire conversations of a philosophical nature as well as for practical problem-solving. (Picture book. 4-8)

PreS-Gr 2 In this delightful third story by the author and illustrator team, readers are asked the essential question: What do you do with a chance? With great deftness and imagery, Yamada and Besom explore how opportunities come to be and the emotions associated with them. Readers learn that chances, though unexpected, can consume one's thoughts. Yet, even when they desire to have a decision presented to them, fear of failure or embarrassment may stop them from reaching out and taking it. Yamada's use of simple text coupled with Besom's progressive use of watercolor takes children on a journey from fear of the unknown to courage. This title is an ideal read-aloud and discussion starter and is every bit as charming, insightful, and revelatory as its predecessors, What Do You With an Idea? and What Do You With a Problem? VERDICT Children of all ages will be inspired to take a chance as "it just might be the start of something incredible." Maegen Rose, Collegiate School Library, New York City