I'm the Big One Now!: Poems about Growing Up

Singer's genial poems focus on childhood milestones: learning left from right, visiting the beach for the first time, performing in a ballet or piano recital, or attending a first "big-kid party." In a poem divided into three parts, a girl gradually learns how to ride her bike on two wheels; at first, she struggles to coast, steer, and pedal at the same time. But after falling over and getting back on, she soon recognizes that, little by little, she is improving: "Can I zip down a hill? Well, not quite./ But I know I'll be doing that soon--/ by Sunday afternoon!" Christy illustrates in cheerful, jewel-toned digital spreads, capturing Singer's relatable moments of frustration, progress, and pride. Ages 4-8. (Mar.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 1--A simple yet delightful collection of poems from Singer. The collection features 21 poems highlighting the rights of passage which take us from "little kid" to "big." While not every poem is universal, the collection as a whole has more than enough for most. Even if readers don't ever have a first piano or ballet recital, most are going to lose their baby teeth and learn to tie their shoes. Singer turns the spotlight on challenges that may seem mundane to grown-ups but are incredibly meaningful: learning left from right, taking a first ride on the bus alone, or figuring out what to do around unfamiliar people. The individual poems are short and very approachable; it's clear Singer kept her audience in mind while penning each one. Teachers and caregivers will appreciate the ability to pick up and set aside the book at will, reading only one or two poems or the entire collection in one go. The illustrations, while perhaps not exceptional, are very in-tune with the offering. Soft lines and smudged shapes help to steer the interest level, and the diverse cast is particularly notable. When adults appear in the pages, they are equally diverse and always play a supporting role. VERDICT This encouraging, kid-centric collection of poems is a fun and approachable homage to iconic rights of passage. A general purchase.-Taylor Worley, Springfield Public Library, OR

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"A simple yet delightful collection of poems from Singer. (She) turns the spotlight on challenges that may seem mundane to grown-ups but are incredibly meaningful...The individual poems are short and very approachable; it's clear Singer kept her audience in mind while penning each one. Teachers and caregivers will appreciate the ability to pick up and set aside the book at will, reading only one or two poems or the entire collection in one go. The illustrations...are very in-tune with the offering. Soft lines and smudged shapes help to steer the interest level, and the diverse cast is particularly notable. This encouraging, kid-centric collection of poems is a fun and approachable homage to iconic rites of passage." - School Library Journal

Acclaimed poet Singer celebrates the milestones in a young child's life... through a series of poems that, like children, are unique, at times unpredictable, and always lively. Christy's digital illustrations in soft pastel hues reflect children and families of all races and cultures. Children are captured...full of energy and confidence. There's something for every child here." — Booklist

"Award-winning poet Singer explores the stumbles and triumphs that go hand in hand as preschoolers become big kids...(T)hese 19 poems encapsulate the myriad experiences of a diverse cast of grade-schoolers...Singer's observations span a variety of poetic forms and rhyming schemes...(and) Christy's watercolor images capture gap-toothed grins and snaggle-brow frowns with equal aplomb." -Kirkus Reviews

"Singer's genial poems focus on childhood milestones...Christy illustrates in cheerful, jewel-toned digital spreads, capturing Singer's relatable moments of frustration, progress, and pride." —Publishers Weekly