The best books for early readers are the ones that allow us to engage in the conversation from the book long after we’re done reading. Such books allow us to take off from the core idea of the book and drift into realms of imagination with our children. When I Grow Up is one such book.
The writing is simple and conversational, exactly the way you would overhear two kids speaking with each other. The illustrations are simple, colourful but highly evocative. Appu and Lola discuss what they want to be when they grow up. Lola, the older one, is the know-it-all and critiques the vivid imagination of Appu and his ambitions. But through the conversations, adults reading the story to children can question stereotypes and break those initial prejudices children just begin to form.
But through the conversations, adults reading the story to children can question stereotypes and break those initial prejudices children just begin to form about gender. It is also a lot of fun to indulge in some interesting dual career combinations – my daughter went on for days about becoming a “spycher” (a teacher who is also a spy) and a “momook” (a mom who is also a cook)!
A great book and most valuable when parents really continue the conversation beyond the book. Happy reading, and do share with us if you had any interesting observations from reading this book out to your child.