I Wish There Were Two of Me

by Symeon Shimin

A young girl dreams of the fun she could have if there were two of her.

28 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

Symeon Shimin was born in Astrakhan, Russia, on the Caspian Sea, in 1902. His family immigrated to the United States ten years later, living in two small rooms behind their delicatessen. Already interested in drawing for a living, Shimin apprenticed himself to a commercial artist at age 16 to help support his family. He attended art classes at Cooper Union Art School at night. In 1929, after working as a freelance commercial artist and briefly studying in the studio of artist George Luks, Shimin spent a year and a half in France and Spain. He returned to New York and in 1938 was awarded a contract to paint a mural in the Department of Justice building in Washington. Shimin's work in children's books began in 1950 when friends Hermann and Nina Scheider asked him to illustrate a revised edition of their How Big is Big? Shimin subsequently illustrated more than 50 books for children, including two that he also authored. He died in 1984.

Reviews

[Siskiyou-Suzy]

Creepy ass book that really captured a childhood fantasy of mine. I enjoyed my own company so much I wish I had another of me! I was really lonely at times. I still enjoy my own company but, like, I'm glad there's just one of me.

Anyway, this is a creepy book and I love it.

[Brandy]

I found this book while cleaning my house. I have no memory of it, but it was discarded by my old elementary school & is 50 years old.

Another reviewer referred to it as “creepy” & that the exact word I’d use, too! 😂

I’m keeping it bc it would be a good starting point for a writing prompt for students: “What would YOU do if there were two of you & why?” Older students could be asked to write about more than one thing they’d do.

#BinnedHopesAndDreams