The Wonderful Things You Will Be
By Emily Winfield Martin
The Story
A parent looks at a child and wonders aloud, in rhyme, about all the different people they might grow up to be — brave, clever, silly, wise — no matter what.
Why It's Special
For the quiet moment before lights-out, when a parent wants to say 'I love exactly who you are and who you'll become' without saying it outright.
- Big idea: Love isn't about who a child turns out to be — it's steady no matter which way they grow.
- Vibes: Tender, hushed, dreamy — like a lullaby you'd frame on a nursery wall.
Perfect For Kids Who
- respond well to slow, rhythmic read-alouds before bed
- love rhyming and finishing the last word
- are working on understanding they're loved unconditionally
- enjoy looking closely at detailed, dreamlike illustrations
Ask Your Little Reader
- Imagination: What kind of wonderful thing do you think you might be when you grow up?
- Feelings & empathy: How does it feel when someone tells you they love you just the way you are?
- Real-life connection: What are some things that make you feel brave, or clever, or silly, like in the book?
- Story & problem-solving: Did you notice the special page that opens up wider at the end? What did you see there?
- Imagination: If you could pick three words to describe the grown-up you want to be, what would they be?
