When I Grow Up

Written by Julie Chen · Illustrated by Diane Goode

A boy dreams of his future while his mom reassures him at bedtime.

5.0/7 Bookroo experts·3.5/5 Goodreads · 272 ratings

32 pages· 175 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud· 530L

$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

As bedtime approaches, a young boy shares his dreams of becoming a painter, musician, or even a mayor with his mom. Each idea sparks wonder about the future and why growing up takes so long. His mother listens, offering comfort and the promise of always being there. This tender tale captures the boundless imagination of childhood and the reassuring bond between parent and child. What will he become, and how will his dreams unfold?

From the publisher

“A small child muses about the future as Mom guides the bedtime routine…Winning text and illustrations for bedtime.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“The whimsical pictures fill every page with happiness and variety as Chen presents exuberant ideas for the big dreams and wishes of childhood.” —Booklist

“As a mother helps her young son get ready for bed…Mom assures him that the future is wide open, and ‘No matter what, I will always be there for you.’” —Publishers Weekly

A little boy shares with his mom his dreams of what he might be when he grows up in this tender picture book from Julie Chen the host of Big Brother and formerly the host of The Talk and New York Times bestselling artist and Caldecott Honor recipient Diane Goode.

One night while getting ready for bed a little boy starts to wonder what will life be like when he grows up. He could be a painter, a musician, a mountain climber, a mayor…

He tells his mother all about his big ideas…and all of the other things he wants to do. But when will he grow up? And why does it take so long?

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Words: 175
Reading age: 4–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: 530L

Themes & topics

Books about imagination Books about growing up Books about jobs and careers Books about bedtime and dreams Books about friendship

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.0

out of 7

5.5

“A wonderful, calming evening read for little ones to dream of what they can be when they grow up. I like that it was filled with tangible things that kids can actually be when they grow up.”

The Notorious RAD

Trusted reviewer

The illustrator