I Like to Be Little

by Charlotte Zolotow, Erik Blegvad (Illustrator)

A little girl, answering her mother's question about why she likes to be little, describes some of the special pleasures of being a child.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1966

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

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wonderful story that starts with a mother asking her daughter what she wants to be when she grows up. The little girl replies that she likes being little. She goes on to tell us all the things she loves doing that grown ups can't or won't do. A really lovely look at enjoying being small with beautiful illustrations by Eric Blegvard.

Read on openlibrary

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those sweet, gentle stories that tip-toes into your heart and melts it! The "story" is very simple, that of a mother and her young daughter discussing why the daughter likes to be little. The daughter explains all the things that she can do freely, that she loves to do, that adults don't do anymore. The mother's perspective is so clear, too--that sometimes adults just don't want to do those things anymore, but sometimes, yes, they have forgotten the sweet little joys in life. The ending is so very sweet and will totally tug at the heartstrings of parents or anyone who remembers how much they liked to be little!

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming story and pictures.

The illustrations are really pleasing to the eye. I loved the little girl and all her activities and I loved the dog, and all of the indoor and outdoor surroundings, and the mother and other people are okay too.

The story sure brought back memories, both of myself as little and of kids I’ve known once I was no longer little myself; being with children who are acting “little” is the best way to feel young!

When I got to the end of the story, which consists of the little girl telling her mother all of the reasons why she likes to be little, at first I thought that this was a book that adults would appreciate more than would little kids, but then I wracked my memories, and I’d have really liked this book as a young child. I think it’s fine for little kids, kids a bit older than little, and adults too. It's also a very sweet mother-daughter book.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little girl and her mother discuss the good points of being little. I loved reading this to my four-year-old son who insists that he's not a kid.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a lovely discovery at a used bookstore, about a little girl who gives so many reasons she likes to be little, like watching rain slide down a window pane, jumping in fall leaves, skipping, and doing nothing. Her mother asks her why when she tells about these things, and mostly it’s because grown-ups don’t do them, so she wants to stay “little”. It’s poetic, easy reading for the younger reader, and illustrated beautifully in soft colors.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 2 out of 5]

A sentimental story about a discussion a mother and daughter have about the merits of being little.

Ages: 3 - 6

Cleanliness: mentions Halloween and costumes.

**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.

[Caroline Petty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this book. It's simple yet really resonates with me in regards to children accepting themselves and being happy with the joys of childhood. It makes you want to slow down and appreciate your life instead of always wanting to rush to something else. The message combined with the gorgeous watercolors make it a great book!

[Shirleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet story with adorable pictures! Conversation between a little girl and her mother about why the little girl likes to be little, comparing things with what little girls do as opposed to grownups. Little girl: "When you're little you know you'll grow up. Grown-ups already are. I like to know I'll grow up someday. But right now I like being little."

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet story about a little girl who tells her mother the reasons why she likes to be little. I loved being reminded of a child's perspective on life & also that adults sometimes forget to enjoy the simple things.

[Bree DeLaMare]

A lovely book written for children that holds a great perspective from a child's point of view of why it is great to be little. Ends with a great concluding message portrayed through great descriptions and illustrations that equally tell the story.

[Bailey Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture Book-I really liked this book because it shows how children think and what they really care about. Sometimes we may treat students like small adults, when in actuality we need to provide experiences that are relevant to them. This book is a good reminder for me!

[Kylie Moffat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was a good reminder to me that little kids are so different than adults, sometimes. And they like doing whatever they please. I read this book as a picture book for class and I enjoyed it and think a lot of kids can relate, as well as adults.

[Lisbeth Solberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

An antidote to growing up too fast.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great pattern story. I love this story for all ages! It is really sweet how Zolotow relates childhood to adulthood.

[Pynteya Bate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good story about the girl who does not want to grow up because she likes to do things children do, but adults dont.I would read this story to the 1st or 2d grade students.

[Buxmont Uu]

WAMWAO Session 36
CC Session 1 & 7 & 36

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

How being a child is different from being an adult. Very sweet and nostalgic.

[Christa Balero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture Book-
This book expresses what kids love and the difference between kids and adults. I love the message!

[Kim Gubler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture Book.
This book is endearing for all ages. From the child to the parent, this story will leave you happier along with a desire to enjoy the simple joys of being little.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is about a little girl who is telling her mother why she likes to be little.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

January 2018 - a sweet story but it didn't really grab Ben.

[Amy Balaich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture book -- Pretty heavy on text, but very cute. The child in the book has a very mature perspective that I'm not sure is entirely accurate.

[Natalie Wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture Book
A very sweet perspective on childhood and why it is great to be young!

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Like to Be Little by Charlotte Zolotow, Illustrator -Erik Blegvad, Hindi language translation by Arvind Gupta- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- The book narrates the story of a girl child and her mother who talk about what will happen when she grows up. During the discussion, the girl child provides a list of activities which she likes to do while little and that these activities are not performed by grown -ups. (1) skip on the rope, (2) she can sit below the dining table and construct her play house, (3) she can draw a rose next to the rose on the carpet, (4) during summer, she can walk on the floor without wearing slippers, (5) ice cream vendor knows her by first name, (6) she can simply sit and do no work, (7) if she sees a beautiful object, she can draw it on paper with her crayon, (8) she can celebrate birthday with cake, ice cream & candles, (9) she can watch the rain water slipping down from the glass pane of the window, (10) On Halloween festival, she can wear fearful dresses, visit neighbours & friends and ask for sweets, (11) during fall, she can play on fallen leaves while elders collect the leaves at one place, (12) during snow fall, she can play with snow and eat snow balls. Her mother agrees with her and informs her that when she grows- up she can become the mother of a girl child as beautiful as she is. The child tells her mother to inform her again when she is going to sleep. Coloured illustrations help the reader to relate to the story. I have read the Hindi language translation of this book.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Like to Be Little is the endearing story of a little girl telling her mother all the reasons she likes being little. This heartwarming story seems to be a rare book, for young readers, that actually follows story structure. (finally, a kindergarten appropriate book that has conclusion!) Children who are reading this book, or having it read to them, will find so many things to create text-to-self connections as well as key details to pick out. Adults who read this may have their heart-strings pulled by the slightly saccharine ending, but will delight in the sweetness of childhood expressed through the main character's point of view. The prose features many sight words making it great for identification lessons for kindergarten or 1st grade students. The artwork is dually eye-catching and soothing, and conjures idyllic images of yester year's childhood.

[Kay Mcaloney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very cute book. Love the examples the little girl gives. Adorable!Pre-read for my second grade advanced reading group. Highly recommend!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm curious about the original illustrations, but Eric Blegvad's edition is on openlibrary and it's delightful.

[Whitney Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember loving some of the illustrations when I was a little girl. But man this one hits different as a Mama 😭

[Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and nostalgic, a warm hearted read for children and parents.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Curious to see that the title changed from "I Want to Be Little" - did the text change at all?