What happens when I grow up? Where does the old me go? Will I grow too big, too weird, too different? Every child’s honest questions about maturation, explored in a panoply of beautiful, energetic illustration.
Hsiao Ti knows he’s growing up, but he has no idea what will happen to him along the way. Will he get as big as Mom or Dad, as big as a tree, or even – oh, the horror – as big as their house?! He’ll be able to reach things in high places, eat more tasty food, and go to faraway places all by himself. But will he still be him? Will he remember what life is like right now?
Every child harbors all kinds of hopes, fears, and illusions about growing older. Wu Yi-Ting lets many of these bloom in illustrations that capture both the sincerity and the fantasy of a child’s imaginations. Yes, her story affirms, growing old is a crazy process. Though it may change you somewhat, just face it bravely, and everything will be all right!
