When I Was Five

by Arthur Howard

When Jeremy was five he wanted to be an astronaut or a cowboy--or both. And he had a best friend named Mark. But now he's six and wants to be a major-league baseball player or a deep-sea diver. Jeremy knows things change as you grow up, but some things just might stay the same--like your best friend. "Teachers looking for stories on friends to read to kindergarten and first-grade classes will request this picture book year after year."--Booklist

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Friendship

Library Binding

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right away, I like Arthur Howard's style -- both his text and his illustrations, and even the excellent font used in the picture book layout.

The whole point of this story is that interests change but a best friend will always be a best friend.

STEP RIGHT UP, GOODREADERS

Please:

* Comment below if you still have the same best friend now that you did at age five.

* Comment below if you have the same best friend now as you did 15 years ago.

If any of you answer YES, congrats.

To me, this is a romanticized fantasy. Simplistic, verging on pathetic. Totally unrealistic, and for good reason. People who grow can outgrow hobbies, careers, friendships, marriages, whatever.

However, here's how I'll play along.

Yes, I'll give FIVE STARS to this pretty picture book and its prettier fantasy.

Privately, I won't give even one star to this book. I would not recommend that any caring parent or caregiver show this to a child. Seems to me, this is a way to set up a child for heartbreak.

Long after this book has been forgotten, that belief may linger on. To that human being's detriment.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Jeremy was five he wanted to be an astronaut or a cowboy--or both. And he had a best friend named Mark. But now he's six and wants to be a major-league baseball player or a deep-sea diver. Jeremy knows things change as you grow up, but some things just might stay the same--like your best friend.

"Teachers looking for stories on friends to read to kindergarten and first-grade classes will request this picture book year after year."--Booklist

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up is full of changes. I came across this book and read it to my 5 year old (who is almost 6). I think it was a sweet reminder to us both of how fast this year has passed and what we have to look forward to with six. Short, sweet, simple and great.

[Lexington · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was five I wanted to be a shoe cleaner then when I turn six I wanted to be an astronaut.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first graders enjoyed this!

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, simple to read, book about a five year old boy's adventures. The book describes all the people the boy wants to be: a cowboy, an astronaut, and a dinosaur; and then again when he turns six he changes his mind and wants to be a major-league baseball player, and a deep sea diver. The boy also talks about his best friend, brother, and his hide outs. Ultimately he changes his mind about what he wants to be and his hiding spots; however, his best friend remains the same. The book ends with the statement, "Some things never change." This book is an autobiography about the writer when he was a little boy. I believe these types of books inspire children to be all that they can be and to believe in themselves and their friends.

[Kristen Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this autobiography!! It was about the author when he was little. It told all of the things that he liked when he was five, like dinosaurs, astronauts, bunk beds, and his best friend Mark. Then it talked about all of the things that he liked when he was six. Most everything changed, except Mark was still his best friend. The ending line was "some things never change." it was really cute, and taught kids that you should keep your loved ones close. I really liked the message and the illustrations. I think little kids would really enjoy this book.

[jacky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was on Between the Lions. It captured the quirkiness of kids this age through Jeremy's likes. Overall, though, the message is that some things we like will change over time, but other things will not. It hints that we will always be friends with the same people, which I dislike, because that often is not true, but if you don't take it seriously, it makes a nice statement about friendship.

[Denis A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is cute for ALL ages. I knew right away after the first read I'd need to purchase this book to add it to my two year old's collection--yes, it really is that good. The story's ending is unforgettable and heart-warming. When I'd turn the final page from reading this tale to my son, I'd say "this is my absolute favorite" and you know what, it is true-- this is one of the best picture books i have read. I highly recommend!

[Lena Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute story about a little boy and all the things he loved and did when he was five. Then he turns six and talks about how he now likes different things. Although he has changed some things, such as his best friend, have not. This is a great story for a kindergarten or first grade class. They could make many text-to-self connections.

[Amy Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter seriously loved this book. A random library find, I was suprised she wanted to read it every night. She's four, and it's like reading this book was giving her insight on what to expect at ages five and six. Pretty cute. I loved the overall concept that no matter how old Jeremy gets, some things (the presence of his cat on every page, his best friend Mark) never change.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this when we were doing a friendship theme with PreK. It's cute and is good for a compare/contrast exercise with young children. Jeremy talks about what his favorite things were when he was five and then when he is six, with his best friend Mark the same for both.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for a unit on writing pattern books.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book talking about how some things have changed now thathe is six, and no longer five. But he still has the same best friend. Good for a read aloud.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story is really great pictures....It made me smile and giggle! If you are five or 55 still worth reading!

[Desiree Apodaca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beware a very wacky cat on each page - your readers may laugh too hard!

[The Brothers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little boy recounts his favorite things when he was five. Now that he's six, he has new favorite things - except of course for his best friend.

Illustrations are pretty standard.

[Dobby Girl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy, interesting book.

[Aerin · Rating 4 out of 5]

a book in which "tushy" is a bad word; but more than that, a sweet book for a child turning 6

[Lindsey Hulsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tells about different things that five and six year old like. Gives them new ideas and interests. Good for younger kids, Pre-K, kindergarten, First grade.

[Rebeca Whitecotton]

This book is about a boy who talks about the things he liked when he was five, and the things he likes now that he is six. This book is a fun poetry book that also has a good lesson behind it. I would use this book to show kids that a lot of things can and will change in your life, but your friends are the ones you want to keep around for as long as you can.