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When I Grow Up: A Weird Al Rhyming New York Times Bestselling Picture Book That Celebrates Creativity
'Cause maybe I'll be a gorilla masseuse Or an artist who sculpts out of chocolate mousse Or a rodeo clown or a movie director Or maybe professional pickle inspector...
Billy's classmates may have never considered careers in snail training or sumo wrestling before, but by the time the exuberant eight-year-old is done cataloging his dream jobs, they just might share his belief in unlimited potential!
Virtuoso wordplay, irresistible rhythm, and laugh-out-loud humor abound in the first picture book by the one and only "Weird Al" Yankovic. This unbridled celebration of creativity and possibility invites readers of all ages to consider afresh what they want to be when they grow up.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2010
817 people are currently reading
2409 people want to read
About the author
Al Yankovic
13 books88 followersAlfred Matthew "Weird Al" Yankovic is an American singer-songwriter, music producer, accordionist, actor, comedian, writer, satirist, and parodist.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 472 reviews
July 3, 2011
I read this with my seven year old daughter together -- she read one page and I read the other. Even though the rhyming pattern is Seussian, many of the word choices were way above her reading level. I only corrected her once or twice, and am fortunate to have made it through "master debater" without a mispronunciation.
The illustrations are a great companion to the story line.
My daughter didn't reach the same conclusion that Billy reached -- that being a teacher is a career that combines all of these imaginative opportunities or that all of these opportunities are realistic due to the career choices of his 103 year old Grandfather.
I asked her what she wants to be when she grows up, and her short list includes a veterinarian, a model on Project Runway, and a loud exclamation that she does not know what she wants to be when she grows up.
There is nothing wrong with this book, it's just better suited for the parents of kids who are in the pre-reading stage.
The illustrations are a great companion to the story line.
My daughter didn't reach the same conclusion that Billy reached -- that being a teacher is a career that combines all of these imaginative opportunities or that all of these opportunities are realistic due to the career choices of his 103 year old Grandfather.
I asked her what she wants to be when she grows up, and her short list includes a veterinarian, a model on Project Runway, and a loud exclamation that she does not know what she wants to be when she grows up.
There is nothing wrong with this book, it's just better suited for the parents of kids who are in the pre-reading stage.
January 22, 2020
Simply adorable
Cute little book about a boy who waits for his turn to present his show and tell to his classmates and his teacher. He tells them what he wants to be when he grows up. Very cute. And I love that it is Al Yankovic who wrote it.
Cute little book about a boy who waits for his turn to present his show and tell to his classmates and his teacher. He tells them what he wants to be when he grows up. Very cute. And I love that it is Al Yankovic who wrote it.
September 22, 2019
You know those books that seem like they're trying too hard to be poetic? To be funny? To be insightful?
Yeah.
Yeah.
February 20, 2011
In this fanciful children's book, the protagonist explores a variety of options for adult occupations, ranging from outre chef to gorilla masseuse. The playful verse by Al Yankovic (better known as music parody king Weird Al) is accompanied by colorful pen and watercolor illustrations by Wes Hargis.
Wisely, this young hero realizes that the answer to "what will you be when you grow up?" may not be simple. Learning from his grandfather, who held many jobs throughout his life, the boy suggests one outlandish occupation after another, not ruling out the possibility of trying each in turn.
My eight-month-old boy was captivated by the drawings and engaged by the rhyming. He enjoyed it just as much when my husband read it to him a few days later. I predict that, unlike many of the board books he currently shoves in his mouth, this traditional hardback will remain a favorite as he grows and gains vocabulary and comprehension. While some of the vocabulary could make it difficult for beginning readers, it's a terrific book to read to children of any age.
Disclosure: The author received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through the Goodreads giveaway program.
Wisely, this young hero realizes that the answer to "what will you be when you grow up?" may not be simple. Learning from his grandfather, who held many jobs throughout his life, the boy suggests one outlandish occupation after another, not ruling out the possibility of trying each in turn.
My eight-month-old boy was captivated by the drawings and engaged by the rhyming. He enjoyed it just as much when my husband read it to him a few days later. I predict that, unlike many of the board books he currently shoves in his mouth, this traditional hardback will remain a favorite as he grows and gains vocabulary and comprehension. While some of the vocabulary could make it difficult for beginning readers, it's a terrific book to read to children of any age.
Disclosure: The author received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through the Goodreads giveaway program.
October 4, 2018
Hey...Do you miss Dr. Seuss? Yeah. Me too. The posthumous works that keep being dredged up simply do not compare.
But, you know, "Weird Al" is sort of like the good doctor Or, at least, he has written something in the grand tradition of Seussian spiels, of paragraphs of absurd ideas strung together with a central theme. It dips into the ridiculous but never going all-in with word nonsense as Seuss might. One hilarious idea per page, sometimes fitted unobtrusively among the mundane.
See also: "part-time assistant tarantula shaver", which for full effect must be paired with its illustration of an enormous hairy spider very determinedly escaping a barber's shaver.
It has a deliciously bouncy cadence that deserves extra points for cramming in the words "hydraulic torque wrench calibrator" and subversively rhyming "hedge-fund investor" with "pit-sniffing deodorant tester".
Is there more? More, please.
But, you know, "Weird Al" is sort of like the good doctor Or, at least, he has written something in the grand tradition of Seussian spiels, of paragraphs of absurd ideas strung together with a central theme. It dips into the ridiculous but never going all-in with word nonsense as Seuss might. One hilarious idea per page, sometimes fitted unobtrusively among the mundane.
See also: "part-time assistant tarantula shaver", which for full effect must be paired with its illustration of an enormous hairy spider very determinedly escaping a barber's shaver.
It has a deliciously bouncy cadence that deserves extra points for cramming in the words "hydraulic torque wrench calibrator" and subversively rhyming "hedge-fund investor" with "pit-sniffing deodorant tester".
Is there more? More, please.
September 7, 2016
Everything I hoped Jerry Seinfeld's Halloween would be, Al Yankovic's When I Grow Up turned out to be.
Billy is in the fourth grade and can't wait for the upcoming show and tell day when he can talk about all the things he'd like to be when he grows up. His dreams aren't just limited to the typical police officer or firefighter. Billy has some very interesting dreams including giving the cows a break by milking giraffes.
Told in Seuss-like rhyme, this is a clever, fun, well-illustrated and entertaining book for both kids and adults. Of course, I guess I should expect that from the man who is better known as "Weird Al" and who's been entertaining me with his songs and parodies since I was a teenager.
A pure delight to read and one I hope to add to our rotation of favorite stories.
Billy is in the fourth grade and can't wait for the upcoming show and tell day when he can talk about all the things he'd like to be when he grows up. His dreams aren't just limited to the typical police officer or firefighter. Billy has some very interesting dreams including giving the cows a break by milking giraffes.
Told in Seuss-like rhyme, this is a clever, fun, well-illustrated and entertaining book for both kids and adults. Of course, I guess I should expect that from the man who is better known as "Weird Al" and who's been entertaining me with his songs and parodies since I was a teenager.
A pure delight to read and one I hope to add to our rotation of favorite stories.
August 31, 2019
Fun tale all about the unlimited future options available to kids. The illustrations have a terrific Steven Kelloggish vibe. Should appeal to both kids and grownups.
That accordion player coughs up some pretty clever rhymes. Perhaps he should give songwriting a whirl.
That accordion player coughs up some pretty clever rhymes. Perhaps he should give songwriting a whirl.
February 12, 2011
Won a copy from Goodreads. I was curious to see what kind of children's book Weird Al writes--it's cute! And it has just the right touch of nonsensical-ness that you'd expect from him. More importantly, my 2 1/2 and 4 1/2 year old love it.
February 10, 2021
I have been a "Weird Al" fan for most of my life, so I was very anxious to see how his treatment of a children's book would be. "Weird Al" is a master craftsman when it comes to writing original music that spoofs another band's or singer's style, as well as writing parodies. It seems he is also a master craftsman of children's book.
It is true that some of the words may be a little advanced for small children, it is refreshing to see someone who generally trusts his audience (and plus it gives the adults like me, who don't have any kids, a reason to buy and read the book). It is not dumbed-down. This would offer a great time for parents to teach their kids some vocabulary.
It has a naturally flowing rhyme and meter, and the illustrations are excellent. I was a little disappointed that one of his potential jobs is "master debater." While "Weird Al" has always been generally family-friendly, he isn't exactly squeaky-clean. However, that's the only beef I take with this book and I consider it a pretty minor gripe.
I was fortunate enough to get this signed by "Weird Al" and talk to him for a minute. I would recommend this book to anyone, for the young and the young at heart. You won't be disappointed by this book.
It is true that some of the words may be a little advanced for small children, it is refreshing to see someone who generally trusts his audience (and plus it gives the adults like me, who don't have any kids, a reason to buy and read the book). It is not dumbed-down. This would offer a great time for parents to teach their kids some vocabulary.
It has a naturally flowing rhyme and meter, and the illustrations are excellent. I was a little disappointed that one of his potential jobs is "master debater." While "Weird Al" has always been generally family-friendly, he isn't exactly squeaky-clean. However, that's the only beef I take with this book and I consider it a pretty minor gripe.
I was fortunate enough to get this signed by "Weird Al" and talk to him for a minute. I would recommend this book to anyone, for the young and the young at heart. You won't be disappointed by this book.
February 2, 2011
When I saw the author, I just had to crack this one open. I was pleasantly surprised. A few giggles and funny illustrations, but ultimately a great message about just being who you are and realizing that you're never truly grown up. This might be a little long for preschoolers but would be a nice choice for a classroom.
January 10, 2012
Age: Kindergarten-Third grade
Familiar Experience: what I want to be
Weird Al Yankovic expands potential professions for a slew of interests in this imaginative rendition of the age old question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" My favorite was the gorilla masseuse!
Familiar Experience: what I want to be
Weird Al Yankovic expands potential professions for a slew of interests in this imaginative rendition of the age old question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" My favorite was the gorilla masseuse!
January 21, 2021
You can be anything you want to be!
The story is funny,entertaining and delightful. A child with vivid imagination imagines what he wants to be in the future. I laughed at so many job he had on his mind,especially sniffing the armpits. I highly recommend reading this book
The story is funny,entertaining and delightful. A child with vivid imagination imagines what he wants to be in the future. I laughed at so many job he had on his mind,especially sniffing the armpits. I highly recommend reading this book
July 30, 2014
"Weird Al" doesn't need other people's music to deliver the goods. His own considerable writing talent and imaginative way of looking at the world serve him and the audience of this book just fine.
March 11, 2019
Weird Al proves he's as good at writing books as he is at writing songs. Hargis' illustrations are also fun and very well done.!
December 19, 2018
I'm a big fan of Weird Al, so when I saw he wrote a children's book, I wanted to read it. The illustrations were cute, but the rhyming weirdness was what made this book so apprealing-made me think so much of Shel Silverstein, another great illustrator and writer! Very creative rhyming and funny.
November 10, 2014
A clever rhyming book about a young boy (Billy) telling his classmates what he might be when he grows up, written by the iconic "Weird Al" Yankovic. Many of his suggestions are not real jobs, but this is a kid;s book after all. Excellent illustrations by Wes Hargis and funny. Personally, I like Mike Reiss's "How Murray Saved Christmas" better in this rhyming sort of genre.
July 11, 2016
Cute, but I think I expected more from a man as talented with words as Weird Al.
January 31, 2021
Super fun, twisty language and the positive message that you don't have to be just one thing and that life brings lots of opportunities.
July 24, 2024
I can't read
June 11, 2023
One of my kid's favorite books!
January 22, 2020
as a kid ... well teen ... i found "Weird Al's" music ... so it was fun to see he wrote a book???! love the illustrations ... so great!! what fun. a quick and done read. check it out. u will love it ... i guess for me ...if anything ... i wish the pics were a bit more vibrant ...the color is more muted??!
September 13, 2012
Al Yankovic's "When I Grow Up", is brilliant. It is a fun filled book full of rhyming. Billy explains all the things he wants to be when he grows up in a detailed and creative fashion. He thinks since his grandpa has done so many things that he can too. Not only does this book teach rhyming, but it also teaches children that they can be anything and teaches about relationships.
The media used for this book is watercolors. Various shapes are used throughout the book to enhance the story and keep the reader interested in the illustrations. The illustrations are successful in making a person want to turn the page since every idea Billy has just seems to get sillier and sillier and the illustrations show this perfectly. The artistic style in the book is very cartoon like which works well with the story since it is told by an eight year old boy who has crazy ideas and a love for life.
This book would be one that I would choose for a read aloud in my classroom. The rhymes are something where the students could get involved in it too. I could also use this book to introduce a lesson on rhyming or to teach about careers.
The media used for this book is watercolors. Various shapes are used throughout the book to enhance the story and keep the reader interested in the illustrations. The illustrations are successful in making a person want to turn the page since every idea Billy has just seems to get sillier and sillier and the illustrations show this perfectly. The artistic style in the book is very cartoon like which works well with the story since it is told by an eight year old boy who has crazy ideas and a love for life.
This book would be one that I would choose for a read aloud in my classroom. The rhymes are something where the students could get involved in it too. I could also use this book to introduce a lesson on rhyming or to teach about careers.
April 1, 2011
It's not an April Fool's joke. I love this book.
If you have an 8-year-old like I do, you will understand the wide-open-spaces dreaming of what to be when you grow up. It changes every day, and there's nothing better than hearing about those gigantic hopes and dreams.
Al Yankovic captures it perfectly with wonderful rhymes and great illustrations by Wes Hargis. (Yes, that Al Yankovic.)
"My walls will be filled with awards that I've gotten
For toast-on-a-stick and my Twinkies au gratin.
My kitchen will be the most famous in France,
So make reservations twelve years in advance!
There's no doubt about it -- I'm certain, you see --
A world-renowned chef is what I'm gonna be."
I'll bet you anything he grew up reading Dr. Seuss. My kids will love this book!
If you have an 8-year-old like I do, you will understand the wide-open-spaces dreaming of what to be when you grow up. It changes every day, and there's nothing better than hearing about those gigantic hopes and dreams.
Al Yankovic captures it perfectly with wonderful rhymes and great illustrations by Wes Hargis. (Yes, that Al Yankovic.)
"My walls will be filled with awards that I've gotten
For toast-on-a-stick and my Twinkies au gratin.
My kitchen will be the most famous in France,
So make reservations twelve years in advance!
There's no doubt about it -- I'm certain, you see --
A world-renowned chef is what I'm gonna be."
I'll bet you anything he grew up reading Dr. Seuss. My kids will love this book!
November 15, 2015
Basic plot: Billy is 8 and has a lot of fun ideas for careers when he grows up.
I was entirely too excited when I discovered that "Weird" Al Yankovic had written a kids' book, and was even more pleased when I discovered that the book was excellent. Weird Al's humor has always been kid-friendly, so translating it into a kid book was a great way for him to branch out. He found a great artist, too, to add the visuals to the wacky career ideas he came up with. More impressive, though, is the message of the book: that a person can do anything with his life and doesn't necessarily have to know what that thing (or those things) will be at the age of 8. Having fun at that age is way more important.
I was entirely too excited when I discovered that "Weird" Al Yankovic had written a kids' book, and was even more pleased when I discovered that the book was excellent. Weird Al's humor has always been kid-friendly, so translating it into a kid book was a great way for him to branch out. He found a great artist, too, to add the visuals to the wacky career ideas he came up with. More impressive, though, is the message of the book: that a person can do anything with his life and doesn't necessarily have to know what that thing (or those things) will be at the age of 8. Having fun at that age is way more important.
February 28, 2011
Eight year old Billy has a very active imagination and loves to share what is on his mind. One day at school he was counting down the minutes until it was show-and-tell because he loved this weeks topic. They were to share what they wanted to be when they grew up. Billy new exactly what he was going to say and no one was going to get in his way. The vocabulary in this books is rich and exposes readers to many new words and ideas. The illustrations add to the humor of the story and do a great job of bring the story to life. It is also very enjoyable to read the text aloud. The word choice and rhyming are captivating. This would be a great book for all ages.
July 9, 2013
Audience: Primary (3-5)
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Pre-Reading Strategy: Vocabulary Word Map
This book is a very cute and well written text that is written in a rhyming format. Because it is written in rhyme, there tends to be some vocabulary words that I don't believe the typical primary students will be familiar with. In example, the word "vocation" might not be familiar to elementary students. Because of this, I would use the word map pre-reading strategy.
I would start by selecting a few vocabulary words, and as a class, we would go through the following worksheet together.
http://www.readingquest.org/pdf/wordm...
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Pre-Reading Strategy: Vocabulary Word Map
This book is a very cute and well written text that is written in a rhyming format. Because it is written in rhyme, there tends to be some vocabulary words that I don't believe the typical primary students will be familiar with. In example, the word "vocation" might not be familiar to elementary students. Because of this, I would use the word map pre-reading strategy.
I would start by selecting a few vocabulary words, and as a class, we would go through the following worksheet together.
http://www.readingquest.org/pdf/wordm...
May 5, 2012
Younger kids will love the rhythm of this book, but the vocabulary is for older students. The whold book is riotous, as would be expected from a book by Al Yankovic - yes, Weird Al Yankovic. So much can be done with this book with classroom assignments since the word choices are so outstanding, and the entire thing is one huge poem, but it can just be read as a hysterical poem as well. When our librarians book committee was reading it aloud to consider it for our book list, we were in tears of laughter by the third page and knew it was going at the top of our list.
March 6, 2011
I'm so glad that one of my favorite musicians is also a fantastic writer. My only complaint is that this book came out too late for me to read to my own children! His big-hearted charm, humor, intelligence and delight in language completely delighted me. And the illustrations were the perfect compliment to the words. Well done, Weird Al.
January 28, 2012
32 months - a book by Weird Al, I'll try anything once. A great rhyming tongue twister with lots of new words. Maybe a few too many but we've never been afraid of new vocabulary. The moral, as a kid your options are wide wide open, you can be anything you want and you don't have to decide right now!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 472 reviews