
Reach for this book when your child is expressively frustrated by the limits of childhood or daydreaming about the 'total freedom' of being an adult. It captures the universal childhood desire to be big enough to make your own rules, from eating sweets for breakfast to staying up late. While the book begins with a humorous, exaggerated list of adult perks, it evolves into a soulful reflection on the optimism and resilience inherent in growing up. It is a perfect choice for parents who want to honor their child's ambition while subtly reminding them that the magic of childhood is something to be cherished. This is an ideal read for transition moments, such as birthdays or starting a new school year, providing a bridge between little kid whimsy and big kid aspirations.
The book is entirely secular and metaphorical. It touches on the 'heavy things' adults carry, but does so with a hopeful, resilient tone that emphasizes inner strength rather than the weight of the problems.
A high-energy 6-year-old who feels 'stuck' being little or a child who loves musical theater and rhythmic, rhyming prose.
This book is best read with rhythm. Parents might want to listen to the song first to catch the cadence. It can be read cold, but it benefits from an enthusiastic, performance-like delivery. A child sighing, 'It's not fair, I wish I was a grown-up so I could do what I want!' after being told no to a third cookie or a later bedtime.
Younger children (4-5) will giggle at the 'naughty' ideas like eating sweets all day. Older children (7-8) will resonate more with the themes of bravery and the realization that being a 'grown-up' involves emotional growth, not just height.
Unlike many 'growing up' books that are nostalgic or sentimental from an adult's perspective, this keeps its feet firmly in the child's point of view, using humor to mask a deep, sophisticated emotional intelligence.
Based on Tim Minchin's song from 'Matilda the Musical,' the narrative follows children imagining the absurd freedoms of adulthood, like eating sweets until they are sick and watching cartoons until their eyes go square. It transitions from these silly, concrete desires into more abstract, hopeful visions of being brave enough to fight monsters or handle life's burdens.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review