When I Get Bigger

When I Get Bigger

By Mercer Mayer

Random House Inc., 2006

23 pages 

Animal Fantasy

          When I Get Bigger is a wonderful piece of the large collection of Little Critter books. Little Critter is a critter with human-like qualities that elementary students can easily relate to. This story tells of the dream of every young child of getting bigger and all the exciting things he will do. Little Critter can not wait till he can go to the store by himself, camp out in the backyard all night long, and wear his own watch so he can tell everyone what time it is. But for now he must go to bed "because Mom and Dad say he is not bigger yet."

          Mercer Mayer's books have become an essential piece to lower elementary classroom libraries. They are a great read for first and second graders. The illustrations are simple and use watercolor alongside some type of ink to create outlines and add details. 

           As mentioned this is a great introductory book for early elementary students. The books are easy to read and relate to the students' lives. Mercer Meyer and her books would also be a great author study. Due to the fact that she illustrates her own books, the books are easily identifiable for the students. This book could be used when discussing growing up in a kindergarten or first grade classroom. It could be followed by students writing a few things they are looking forward to as they grow up.