“When you were too small
To tell me hello,
I knew you were someone
I wanted to know.
“For all of your tininess
Couldn’t disguise
A heart so enormous . . .
And wild . . .
And wise.”
The Wonderful Things You Will Be (2015) by Emily Winfield Martin is the rare picture book that truly has something for everyone.
This thoughtful, quiet story imagines all of the things little ones (both babies and bigger kids) will grow up to be including creative and clever as well as brave and bold.
Martin’s rhyming text moves the narrative along with lyrical narration reminiscent of a poem or a lullaby. Although this book is an obvious choice for parents to read with their children, it can also work just as well in a story time program. The text is just a tad too long for a baby story time but I could see toddlers or school age children being drawn in by the bright colors and rhymes.
This picture book also add just the right touch of whimsy with subtle touches including children dressed as animals and other fantastical aspirations. Each page has ample white space for text combined with bright, colorful illustrations. The Wonderful Things You Will Be includes children from a variety of backgrounds as well as boys and girls. It also thoughtfully circumvents many gendered or cultural stereotypes to create sensitive depictions of each child.
The Wonderful Things You Will Be is a subtle, charming picture book sure to appeal to readers of all ages. A joy to read.
(Thanks to Stefani at Caught Read Handed for recommending this one to me!)
Miss Print 
Ohh this makes me so happy! I wanted to buy this for Sammy for Christmas, and now that I see your fabulous review, it shall be one-clicked! Thanks for this- picture books can be so hit or miss so I worry about just ordering them (I’ve ended up with some real messes, along with the good ones of course!)
Thanks Shannon. I’m sure you’ll both love it.
If I can’t get a copy of a picture book at my library I often will use a combination of Amazon’s “look inside” feature and reading reviews from SLJ/Kirkus on Barnes and Noble’s website.
This sounds like the perfect book to gift my nephew for Christmas this year! Though he is only three months old now, I will read this to him one day and it sounds like quite the enjoyable read. Thanks for the review!
Thanks Elizabeth. I think you’ll both enjoy it (eventually)!
This picture book looks adorable! I might have to buy it for some of my friends who are expecting little ones next year :)
I’ve been calling it parent/librarian bait at work. I think it’s a great new baby gift choice.