
A parent should reach for this book when their child is becoming aware of their own growth and loves hearing stories about being a baby. It's perfect for a child who just mastered a new skill or is about to become an older sibling. This book follows a young girl as she proudly compares all the things she couldn't do when she was little, like talk on the phone or eat with a fork, with all the things she can do now. The tone is celebratory and reassuring, reinforcing a child's growing sense of identity and confidence. Its simple, repetitive structure and humorous illustrations make it ideal for preschoolers who are beginning to understand the concept of time and their own personal journey from baby to big kid. It's a wonderful tool for sparking conversations about family memories and celebrating developmental milestones.
None. The book is a straightforward, secular, and positive portrayal of growing up. There are no sensitive topics addressed.
The ideal reader is a 3 to 5 year old who is keenly aware of their own growing abilities and loves to assert their independence. It is especially effective for a child who frequently says, "I can do it myself!" or who is preparing to become an older sibling, as it reinforces their capable, "big kid" status.
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Sign in to write a reviewNo preparation is needed. The book can be read cold and its message is clear and direct. For an enriched experience, a parent might want to have their child's baby photos or album nearby to look at after reading, personalizing the themes of the book. A parent might be prompted to find this book after their child asks, "Tell me a story about when I was a baby," or after witnessing their child's immense pride in a new accomplishment, like learning to tie their shoes or ride a scooter.
A 3-year-old will experience the book as a series of recognizable and affirming moments, likely pointing out the skills they share with the protagonist. A 5 or 6-year-old will have a more developed sense of time, grasping the "then vs. now" concept more deeply. They may feel a bit of nostalgia and a more profound sense of their own identity journey.
Unlike many gentle, softly illustrated books about growing up, this book (a Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell collaboration) stands out for its zany, energetic, and highly detailed illustrations that add layers of humor and character. The text is minimal, allowing the pictures to tell much of the story. Its focus is less on the parents' feelings about their child growing up and squarely on the child's own triumphant perspective.
This concept book uses a simple compare and contrast structure. On each spread, a young female protagonist reflects on a skill she lacked as a baby or toddler (e.g., couldn't reach the sink, wore diapers, cried when mom left) and contrasts it with her current, more independent abilities (e.g., can wash her hands, uses the potty, waves goodbye confidently). The narrative is a joyful catalogue of common developmental milestones from a child's direct perspective.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.