📖 Overview
A young girl contemplates different career possibilities as she imagines what she wants to be when she grows up. She explores various professions by acting them out and discussing them with her parents.
The story follows her imaginative process as she tries on different roles and faces both the appeal and challenges of each potential career path. Her parents offer guidance while allowing her to discover her own interests and talents.
This picture book addresses universal childhood questions about identity and the future, encouraging young readers to explore their own aspirations. The narrative emphasizes the freedom to change one's mind and the importance of discovering personal interests at one's own pace.
👀 Reviews
Readers highlight this book's value in helping children explore different career possibilities through a relatable little penguin character. Parents and teachers report it prompts good discussions with kids about future aspirations.
Positives from reviews:
- Simple, clear illustrations that hold children's attention
- Humor that appeals to both adults and children
- Short length works well for preschool/kindergarten aged kids
- Encourages imagination and career exploration
Criticisms from reviews:
- Some find the ending too abrupt
- A few note the story feels dated
- Limited diversity in career options shown
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.9/5 (207 ratings)
Amazon: 4.4/5 (98 ratings)
Common reader comment: "My 4-year-old requests this book often and it leads to fun conversations about what she wants to be when she grows up."
Several teachers mention using it successfully as part of career day units with early elementary students.
📚 Similar books
When I Grow Up by Al Yankovic
A young boy explores various dream jobs through imaginative scenarios.
The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin This story presents children with possibilities for their future roles and identities.
What Do People Do All Day? by Richard Scarry Characters demonstrate different occupations and roles within their busy community.
Career Day by Anne Rockwell Students share their parents' diverse occupations during a school presentation.
Jobs People Do by Christopher Maynard This book presents real-world occupations through photographs and descriptions of workers in action.
The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin This story presents children with possibilities for their future roles and identities.
What Do People Do All Day? by Richard Scarry Characters demonstrate different occupations and roles within their busy community.
Career Day by Anne Rockwell Students share their parents' diverse occupations during a school presentation.
Jobs People Do by Christopher Maynard This book presents real-world occupations through photographs and descriptions of workers in action.
🤔 Interesting facts
🌟 Tony Ross has illustrated over 2,000 books in his career, including Roald Dahl's beloved works
🎨 The book is part of a popular "Little Princess" series, which follows the adventures and aspirations of a determined young royal
👑 The series has been adapted into an animated television show that has aired in multiple countries
📚 Ross's distinctive illustration style, with its loose, energetic lines and expressive characters, has influenced many modern children's book artists
✨ The themes of career exploration and self-discovery in "I Want to Be" resonate particularly well with early childhood educators, who often use the book to discuss future aspirations with young students