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Award-winning author Beverley Brenna, delivers a very funny middle-grade novel. Belvin enjoys his summer at Aunt Edna's goat farm, where he learns the unexpected joys of farming!
Nine-year-old Belvin has always lived in the shadow of his gregarious twin brother Beaman, who is determined to go away to summer camp—which Belvin will not. His parents have decided to take different paths for their summer vacation, so his perceptive mom sends Belvin to his Aunt Edna’s goat farm.
Belvin misses home at first and is reluctant to try new things—until he does, gaining more confidence every day as he learns to navigate the farm from wise Aunt Edna.
When a neighborhood girl, Ellie, offers to come work at the goat farm, Belvin discovers the satisfaction of how great teamwork makes their daily chores a lot more fun. As the kids dive into looking after the rabbits, goats, cats, dogs and one donkey, the two discover they have a lot in common and become good friends. Belvin learns to problem-solve, which serves him well in a dangerous situation when he finds in himself a new, unexpected bravery which saves the day.
As his friendship with Ellie grows, so does their unique entrepreneurial venture, which helps the survival of Aunt Edna’s farm but also surprises everyone, even Belvin’s twin brother.
Beverley Brenna’s knack for writing a funny tale shines in this hilarious middle grade story which will appeal to young readers who are contemplating a summer away from home.
Early praise for What If There Are Alligators?
Fall 2026 Children's Preview: Middle Grade – Publishers Weekly
- “An anxious Canadian boy finds his footing helping out on his aunt’s goat farm. Summer has just started, and 9-year-old Belvin Bowmeister has a list of worries. Two of the top six concern alligators, along with making decisions and being late. His more confident twin brother, Beaman, will be attending summer camp this year while Belvin, on his own for the first time, is joining Aunt Edna on her rural goat farm in Saskatchewan. After some initial bumps, Belvin is surprised at how much he enjoys spending time with the goats (and the rabbits and the donkey) as he becomes adept at mucking stalls and wrangling the local daycare kids who visit. Belvin and Ellie, a neighbor girl his own age, become fast and supportive friends, bonding over a plan to help Aunt Edna, drowning under the weight of bills, save the farm. Aunt Edna’s optimism and quiet good sense make her an ideal foil for shy, insecure Belvin, who obsessively ponders and researches apex predators, one of his greatest fears. Belvin’s thoughts and emotions feel believable as he realizes he likes his new independence and opens up to Ellie about his biological father, whom he’s never met. The concepts of animal birth and death are deftly handled as Belvin comes to terms with the circle of life. Rich vocabulary paired with brisk pacing keeps things lively. Characters’ physical descriptors are minimal. Poignant, uplifting, and humorous. (information on mountain lions and other apex predators).” —Kirkus Reviews
- "FINAL VERDICT: This is a great book for kids who love nature and animals and those who may suffer from similar anxieties. It is important to talk about it and this can help kids deal with their fears. Belvin and Ellie are very similar and I loved how they were able to open up to each other. An entertaining and thoughtful book. Highly recommended.”—YA Books Central
- "Very sweet story of self-discovery and finding your place.. Brenna creates a world that makes you want it to be summer forever. Great for a classroom read aloud!" —NetGalley Review
- "This was such an adorable children’s book. I loved how it captured the way kids’ imaginations can turn worries into something huge and overwhelming. The story handled those “what if” fears with humor, warmth, and reassurance, making it a great read for children who sometimes get stuck in anxious thoughts. The illustrations and message made this one easy to enjoy together." —NetGalley Review