When I'm Big

by Nila Aye (illustrator), Tim Drury

lt's raining outside, and Mo and Joe are bored. But not for long, as their imagination sweeps them away and they think of what they can do when they grow up -- become a scientist, explorer, veterinarian, popstar, and so much more.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 27, 1999

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute book about Mo and Joe who are bored one day and start to think up and describe future careers for themselves. The descriptions rhyme every other line and they are a creative way to look at careers and what the children are imagining for themselves. I would definitely use this in a younger grade classroom to help students learn about rhyming words and to imagine what future careers might be in store for them. It's a fun way to do an activity too, and dress up or write about your future career.

[Laura Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was definitely a creative one! Mo and Joe were bored one rainy day and had nothing to do, so they started talking about when they were big, they wouldn’t be bored anymore and there would be lots of exciting things to do, even in the rain! Each page alternates between the two and they talk about possible careers they can have and dream of what they can be. It starts with Mo talking about being a scientist and all the things she could do. Next, it goes to Joe who talks about being a diver and all the things that divers do and continues on. It has careers such as hairdressing, an explorer or a chef. Each page describes the job and what they would be able to do. There are also bright pictures that show what they can do as well, so it gives the kids a visual image of what each job is. At the end, the “game” stops and mother comes in and their room is a complete mess from their dreaming of possible careers!

I liked this book because I thought it opened up the world of what you can do when you are grown. It showed kids what careers are out there, and gives them an idea of what the jobs are specifically like. It helps build their imaginations of what they can do and be! The illustrations were great as well—there was something different about them and the way they were drawn—they were definitely exciting! I would use this book in my room when talking about “What you want to be when you grow up” or what jobs are/what you can do with them. It’s a good choice!

[Mary]

I'm not crazy about the illustrations, but the story has a good message. It shows girls choosing many different careers. It's a good spring board for writing, imagining what you want to be when you grow up, and letting both genders know that they can be anything they want to be if they work and study hard.

[Angie Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book because it was a fast read and it sparks imagination. A teacher could use this in the classroom by including it in a social studies unit. It explores careers and the students can write about what they want to be when they grow up and why. I would recommend this book for kindergarten and first grade.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

During a rainy day, a brother and sister imagine what they might be when they grow up.

A great pick for career day, especially since the siblings dream up occupations both common and a bit more unusual. The bright computer graphic illustrations have made this a very popular book in our library; it's now hanging together by several layers of tape.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe a bit long, but the kids are inventive and the pictures are fun. Very enjoyable.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

By reading this story, children can learn about different professions and what comes along with them. Then, this could inspire discussion of what the children want to do when they are big.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindergarten unit: jobs