When I Grow Up [Hardcover]

Tina Louise (Author), Oliver Corwin (Illustrator)

Book Description

Grade Level: P and up

A Gilligan’s Island legend and volunteer reading tutor relays to kids that they can be anything they want to be, in this brightly illustrated celebration of careers and the natural world.

This inspiring book from actress Tina Louise brings nature and the animal kingdom together to invigorate children to reach for the stars in anything they do. Louise cleverly compares the role of an animal or insect side by side to what a child can grow up to be. Fireflies glow in the dark; an aspiring actress can shine on the silver screen. Spiders spin elaborate webs; an aspiring architect can create a skyscraper. Children will think of their own talents as they read along and be inspired to excel. When I Grow Up shows that amazing things are happening all the time—and that young readers can grow up to be amazing, too!

A Gilligan’s Island icon sets sail with her first-ever children’s book

“Teaching children the skill of reading and a love for the written word is important because this will remain with them throughout their lives. If we can reach children at an early age, I believe it will make a difference. This thought brings me tremendous joy.”—Tina Louise

Portion of proceeds from this book donated to promote literacy.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1—By highlighting some amazing feats of the animal world, this picture book attempts to persuade young children that their own career potentials are limitless. "If a spider can build a beautiful web, when I grow up, I can be an architect!" Many of these comparisons miss their mark or have weak connections, such as, "If a male sea horse can give birth, I can be a magician!" or "If an elephant can shake hands with its trunk, I can be president of the United States." Flat cartoon illustrations in superbright colors on busy geometric backgrounds have a 1960s feel. Instead of working together, the loud pictures and bold statements compete with and detract from each other. While the overall message is a good one, the book itself fails to inspire.—Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Tina Louise trained as an actor at the Actors Studio and the Neighborhood Playhouse. After success on Broadway, she went to Hollywood and played in a variety of films. She is best known for her comic turn as the stranded movie star Ginger in the TV series Gilligan’s Island. She volunteers for Learning Leaders, a childhood-literacy advocate group in New York City, where she lives.

Oliver Corwin earned his BFA in illustration and graphic design from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York. He works as a graphic designer for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, where he often comes across many of the creatures in this book.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams; First Edition edition (March 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810939487
• ISBN-13: 978-0810939486
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 9.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,064,554 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars CUTE BOOK, GREAT LOOKING, May 12, 2007

By 

BOBBY STYLE (NEW YORK CITY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When I Grow Up (Hardcover)

This is a cute book for very young kids. The bright primary colors will certainly lure them to the book, and I think kids will enjoy the simple story.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable for a wide range of ages, December 11, 2007

By 

Tom W. (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When I Grow Up (Hardcover)

The content was wonderfully written and illustrated. My 4 year old daughter enjoyed it as much as my 8 year old son. My son was able to read it to her and learned a few new words. They both started to make associations between other professions and the things other animals can do that were not mentioned in the book. They had lots of fun trying to come up with funny animal creations. I had the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Louise and it was refreshing to hear her passion and commitment to children. I highly recommend this book.

4.0 out of 5 stars Vibrant Illustrations, May 11, 2010

By 

J. Finkel "Jack of Trades" (Hoboken, NJ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: When I Grow Up (Hardcover)

"WHen I grow Up" is a charming book with vibrant illustrations. My 2 year and 4 year old niece and newphew liked this book, but I doubt it will become one of their favorites. The characters can seem random at times and the juxtaposition between the "if a ____ can ____, then I can ____" can be a little too...abstract. For example - "if an elephant can shake hands, then i can be president." The connection between elephants and political parties as well as shaking hands and winning voters over may be something I can get, but it's a stretch and obviously any toddler will be confused. Overall, the book is simple enough to win the attention of kids and provide a colorful, educational diversion.