WHEN I GROW UP
by Colin McNaughton & illustrated by Colin McNaughton
Children, including a leopard-skin-clad young “Colin,” parade onto a curtain-lined stage in colorful costume to proclaim—in verse—bright visions of their futures: “When I grow up, / well, bless my soul. / I’ll be the king / of rock ‘n’ roll!” Tongue firmly in cheek, McNaughton offers a dazzling array of options, from the conventional (play on a pro-soccer team, marry and make lots of children, be Queen) to such unusual paths for one child who wants to be a pirate like her dad, or another with a yen to be a mermaid. He brings in a healthy perspective at the end, with a nervous lad in a deep-sea-diver’s suit who bursts out, “WAH! I don’t wanna grow up!” That merits a comforting hug from his teacher: “There, there, sweetheart, / don’t you fret. / You don’t have to / grow up yet.” Children, and no few parents, may benefit from the reminder. (Picture book. 6-8)