With Paramount Pictures’ latest film IF as inspiration, children around the nation put pens to paper to bring their imaginary friends to life through writing. Together, 826 and Paramount Pictures are publishing three books of youth writing inspired by the upcoming film, starring John Krasinski, Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming, Louis Gossett Jr., Jon Stewart, Awkwafina, Maya Rudolph, and Steve Carell.

Over the past couple weeks, we’ve had the pleasure of partnering with Paramount Pictures in celebration of their new movie, IF. Our students came up with their own imaginary friends and are now published in The Big Book of IFs, which is available in-person at The Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. or online today!

Once our books arrived, our students were given a private early screening of IF at Regal Union Square, where they were able to share their writing (and popcorn!) with one another.

With a foreword by writer and director John Krasinski, 826’s Big Book of IFs is a profound exploration into childhood imagination and creativity and is an invitation to discover a world that only young people can see.

On Monday, we were also able to attend the New York premiere of IF, where Lhiam (3rd grade, Write After School) had the chance to sit with John Krasinski for a short interview, and walk the purple carpet with Rebecca (Executive Director, 826NYC) and his parents.

Thanks again to Paramount Pictures for partnering with 826NYC writers! You can check out IF in theaters today.