I Will Make Miracles

by Susie Morgenstern, Chen Jiang Hong (Illustrator)

Children everywhere know that our world needs fixing, but it is the rare author who can put herself in children's shoes, and capture their complicated feelings in words. Susie Morgenstern has a gift for taking serious subjects and making sure they're clever, touching, and never too heavy. In this striking new picture book, she tackles the penetrating question Who is taking care of our world?
When a little boy is asked What do you want to do when you grow up? he dreams of improving the world in wonderful ways-but realizes in the end that even the biggest dreams need to start small. Evocative art, hauntingly reminiscent of Maurice Sendak's classic In the Night Kitchen, illuminates the simple but inspiring story.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Lillian Collier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful picture book which is appropriate for any age of children, adults, students or teachers. The book is larger than usual which adds to the impact of the bold and vivd watercolor-style illustrations (actually Chinese ink on rice paper). The child in the paintings is not Caucasian, but has a vaguely multi-cultural appearance which may allow more people to relate to him. The narrator speaks of his dreams for the future, for the world, what he wants to 'be' when he grows up. This may be a great text to prompt conversations about inspiring students, about discussing life plans and dreams, or talking about how students want to impact the world. This also may fit into multi-cultural literature, an illustrator focus on the Chinese ink medium, or determining author's message. The final statement is, "To change the world from dark to bright, first I must learn to read and write." This may be a great writing or discussion prompt, and may also be inspiration or mid-year re-inspiration for reluctant readers.

[Medeia Sharif · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed following the main character as he dreams big on making the world a better place. He covers many issues. This feel-good book also has amazing artwork.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will make miracles / Susie Morgenstern /
Genre: fiction
Format: picture book

Plot Summary: A little boy describes the things he would most like to do when he grows up, which includes improving the world in wonderful ways, in an inspiring picture book that features beautiful artwork reminiscent of Maurice Sendak.

Considerations: none

Review Citation:
School Library Journal, vol 54, issue 4

"The illustrations in this generously oversize book are almost all spreads and executed in Chinese ink on rice paper. The flat figures, boldly outlined, appear on dark grounds. Big black blots cover the endpapers and reemerge throughout the story to depict uncertainty, chaos, or world evils. The rhymed text usually epitomizes language that would be within the scope of the child narrator."

Selection Source: School Library Journal reviews
Recommended age: 5-8

[Winta · Rating 4 out of 5]

The little boy is asked a question that all kids are asked: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" He answers the question, and then admits... he doesn't know. He pictures being many things (healing the sick with vanilla milk shake, feeding hungry people by making large bread, and much, much more). These are all funny things young kids say, and many older kids want to be something that can help others.

In the end, he realizes that if he wants to make a difference, he must first learn to read and write :). This book is a Wonderful read for beginning readers and writers sicne it teaches the importance of being literate to make a difference...

[Kate Hastings · Rating 3 out of 5]

A boy shares what he would to to make the world a better place... but first he has to learn to read and write. I like the message. The art is very abstract and dark. A good conversation starter.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every parent should read this book to his or her child - You will absolutely fall in love with its message!!!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the idea. I really like the paper and the bigness of the book, but it is a little dark. (except the ending which is good!)

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every word and every artistic piece throughout this book just melts my heart from its creativity.

Absolutely love it!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you'd want a child to love to read and write, start them young -- with this book. great imagination, beautiful illustrations and such motivations.

[Kasey Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet, inspirational children's picture book about the big dreams children have about what they want to be and do when they grow up and how, ultimately, realizing those dreams and making big miracles happen starts with the small miracle of learning to read.

In the poem that makes up the book, a small boy describes how he hopes to do things like feed the world, heal the sick (with vanilla milkshakes ❤️) and meet everyone on earth to talk about their dreams.

The illustrations are bold, colorful, and larger than life, like children's dreams. And the drawings of the characters have a blended multicultural feel.

Side note: I learned that Susie Morgenstern has been knighted in France, where she currently lives. Pretty darn cool. 😎

[Keke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dit boek is misschien niet voor ieder kind, of ieder ouder. De plaatjes zijn donkerder en het thema ook wel. Toch vond ik het wel mooi. Veel kinderen denken ook na over mensen redden van alles wat kwaad is. Ze willen honger stoppen en hebben ook die hoop dat zij dat kunnen. Het einde, dat het kind eerst moest leren lezen en schrijven, vond ik wel een beetje te veel uit het niets komen. Jaa het klopt, maar er ik vond dat het toch iets te willekeurig uit de lucht kwam vallen.

[Araseli Almeida · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book in a teacher's classroom and decided to read it. The reason why I like this book so much is because of how many issues in the book are covered but never in a heavy way for children. The illustrations also seem to carry culture throughout them and have a sense of connection when reading the book.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

man, i love Chen Jiang Hong! he's such a great illustrator !!

[Carol Royce Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the message of this book, and the illustrations, although I agree with some earlier posts that some were a little dark. I did find the book took practice, though, to read aloud. Written in rhyme, some of the lines were a little awkward and I found I needed to practice them to get them to work rhythmically. LOVED the ending, although it was somewhat abrupt.

[Tricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

a bit deep for kids with industrial art background and heavy themes. didn't care too much for it.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming and affirmative. A beautiful book to have on the bookshelf for kids to read again and again.

[Erroll Treslan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome illustrations.

[Kristina · Rating 1 out of 5]

This goes on the list of creepiest children's books.

[Macklin · Rating 3 out of 5]

J'ai lu en français.

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The artwork is the reason to read this book. And it is a very good reason.