Now I Am Big

by Stephen Krensky
illustrated by Sara Gillingham

This book caught my attention just because the illustrations are so unique. With a limited palette of red, yellow, blue and gray plus shades created by overlaying the colors with small, closely spaced stripes or dots, it has a very retro feel. It has a nice message, too. Shows a boy comparing activities he can do now to similar ones he did as a small toddler. From his height to his mobility to overcoming shyness and interacting with other kids on the playground. I like the page that shows his involvement in the garden: as a toddler he watches from his mother's arms while she waters sunflowers; as an older child he helps dig holes to plant seeds. It's a very charming book showing a child being proud of his accomplishments and recognizing how his abilities change as he grows up.

Rating: 3/5 ........ 12 pages, 2012