When I Have a Little Girl

by Charlotte Zolotow, Hilary Knight (Illustrator)

From back “When I have a little girl, THIS little girl tells her mother, she can wear party dresses to school. She can go without a coat or hat or boots the very first warm day ... even if it snows again later. ..." "Child Study Association of 'Utterly enchanting.'"

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family, Fiction

28 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1965

About the author

Charlotte Zolotow was a distinguished American writer, editor, and publisher who made a lasting mark on children's literature. Over her career, she authored around 70 picture book texts and edited works by prominent writers including Paul Zindel, Robert Lipsyte, and Francesca Lia Block. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, she studied writing at the University of Wisconsin Madison and later joined Harper & Bros in New York, where she worked her way up from secretary to publisher. Her own books were published by over 20 houses, and she became known for her poetic and emotionally insightful texts. Zolotow’s most celebrated works include When the Wind Stops, William’s Doll, and River Winding. Her story "Enemies" was featured in The Big Book for Peace alongside other notable authors. She lived for many years in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Her legacy endures not only through her own writing but also through the Charlotte Zolotow Award, established in 1998 to honor outstanding picture book texts. Her contributions helped shape modern children's literature with sensitivity, elegance, and enduring relevance.

Reviews

[Cara Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Zolotow's brief book, a little girl explains to her mother everything that her own daughter will be able to do that she cannot, including "She can touch the fur collars of ladies in front of her on the bus or train... or standing in line" and "She can give milk to all the cats and if they don't go away afterward... they can live with her." Knight's black and white illustrations (highlighted in places with melon green) are a perfect accompaniment to these short lines, adding extra humor to this adventurous little girl's wish list.

What a gift it is to pass this tiny book onto my own spirited daughter. I've owned this book since I was a precocious (& demanding) four year old who tested boundaries frequently. This book makes me incredibly grateful for my own mother.

[Veronica Perdomo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a bit cutesy, but captures a litany of decrees one might very likely hear from a young girl who's fed up with rules. The illustrations are absolutely darling, and the ultimate point it makes avoids cliche and swings closer to tongue-in-cheek.

Two-minute read. I dust this off every few years just 'cause it makes me smile.

[jenna Hudrlik · Rating 4 out of 5]

"when do i make the rules mom????" - caroline asked after we read this

[Amanda Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of my favorite childhood books!

[Chappyfamily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book about how every girl thinks they will let their daughter do everything their mom wouldn’t let them.