You're a Little Kid with a Big Heart

by Bernard Waber

When she is granted her wish to be a grown-up, Octavia decides she'd rather be a little girl.

47 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Bernard Waber was the youngest in a creative family. At age 8, he ushered in a movie theater after school, so he often saw only the last ten minutes of a movie. He made a game of inventing beginnings and middles. When he returned from a tour of duty in World War II, he entered the Philadelphia College of Art. With a diploma and a new wife, he traveled to New York City, where he began working for the Condé Nast magazines as an illustrator. Reading books to his three children inspired him to apply his pen and ink and watercolor style to his own picture books. His first book, Lorenzo, was built in 1961. Today, his characters are some of the most beloved in the library. He and his wife, Ethel, live on Long Island.

Reviews

[Eva Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know, some guys' books you just LIKE, and I really like this guy's books! He writes and draws really great ones. This one is about a little girl who makes a wish on a magic kite, and the next thing you know, she isn't seven, but she's 39, which is even older than mama and Tanya! But she can't do all the things she liked to do when she was a little girl, so she chases that kite down and says "Make me little again or else!" And the kite does, so she gets to be little again, but don't worry. She'll grow up and be boring again someday.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. There are many books about children wishing they were older, but this book was very well written about the subject. I'm not a huge fan of Waber's illustrations, but the story was good.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title does not fit with the story at all. There's not much big-hearted about this child, unless it's the fact she's willing to rescue a stuck kite. She's just a child who is tired of being told what to do, so she wishes on a magic kite. Then she realizes being a grown up isn't as fun as she thought it'd be because she has no friends and her father wants her to get a job.

With a title like this, it could have a really sweet story inside the cover. Instead, because of the title, I'm left with "eh." The story itself isn't bad, it just doesn't live up to the title at all.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tavie's friend Hermie reveals his worthlessness. The picture of Tavie on a swing at age 39 opens my eyes to what Waber is doing with his chosen art style and helping me appreciate it more. The story is just a little long for some 6-7 year-olds maybe, but I'm glad I had a chance to read this library discard.

[Cana · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when a little girl wishes -- as all little kids do -- that she could be a grownup? read on to find out. Very sweet and gentle tale.

[Heloyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feeling bound by too many rules and constraints, a seven year old girl wishes to become "old enough to make her own decisions". Turns out it's not as great as it sounds.