When I’m Big

By: Sam McBratney 
Illustrated by: Anita Jeram 
Publisher: Candlewick Press 
Publication Date: December 2007 
ISBN: 978-0763635466 
Reviewed by: Holly Connors
Review Date: March 2009 

There are few books that fall into the category of must haves for young children, but When I’m Big is such a book. Written by acclaimed children’s author, Sam McBratney, who has authored over 50 books, and rose to international fame with his multi-million selling picture book Guess How Much I Love You, When I’m Big is sure to also become a best seller.

Partnered with his frequent collaborator, illustrator Anita Jeram, McBratney has written another endearing, delightful, and witty story featuring the father-son team of Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare. Like every child, Little Nutbrown Hare is curious about life and asks his father many questions about growing up. Big Nutbrown Hare shares his wisdom, explaining that the tiny tadpole will grow into a frog, the caterpillar into a butterfly, and the egg into a bird. Thinking about all the animals growing up, Little Nubrown Hare then asks the most important question, “What does a little brown hare like me turn into?”

Children will identify with the curious young hare in this story and delight in the answers of the father. They will also learn how animals change as they grow all the while being charmed by the captivating drawings.

Quill says: There’s a reason this series has sold millions of copies – don’t miss it!