When I Grow Up (We Both Read Series)

Children's Literature

This is yet another title for beginning readers. The series "We Both Read" is designed to be read by parent and child together. Little icons at the top of each page indicate who is to be the reader. This seems unnecessary as the difference in print size on each page makes it obvious who is supposed to be reading. Children's current interests are linked to possible future careers covering everything from scientists to clowns to teachers to lifeguards. Interesting color photographs show adults and children interacting in many situations. They definitely reinforce the idea that all work is important and worthwhile. This series should be an aid for parents wanting to assist their children with reading development. 2005, Treasure Bay, Ages 5 to 6.
—Sylvia Firth

Children's Literature - Norah Piehl

The premise of the "We Both Read" series is that parents and their beginning readers take turns, the adult reading the more advanced text on the left-hand page followed by the child reading the basic text on the facing page. This volume considers career choices ranging from ophthalmologists to homemakers to customer service representatives. For example, the parent reads, "If wondering is your kind of fun, you could be a scientist!" On the facing page, the child reads, "A scientist helped this man go into space. Scientists can also go into space!" Boldface words in the adult's text reappear in the child's portion, also boldfaced to aid in recognition. Full-color, cheerful stock photographs accompany the text, which at times seems overly exuberant. Transitions between topics also could be improved.

School Library Journal

K-Gr 1-Each book features a page on the left for adults to read and a simpler text for children on the right. Together, the two narratives tell a story or provide information about a specific topic. Grow Up has full-color photographs of people holding different jobs. The text seems complex for beginning readers, and picture clues do not always match it. The adult text also seems too lengthy to engage most young readers. Frank is a story about a frog and his friends whose ball lands in a giant's house. As it turns out, the giant is a friendly human boy. This text is much simpler and shorter than that in the first book. Picture clues on the child's page allow even the most inexperienced reader to figure out the correct word or phrase. Large, colorful cartoon characters and objects appear on uncluttered white backgrounds. This innovative reading idea is sure to please parents, but careful consideration of a child's reading ability and interests should be taken into account when selecting books from this series.-Anne L. Tormohlen, Deerfield Elementary School, Lawrence, KS Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.