When I Grow Up I Want To Be...in the U.S. Army!: Jake Learns about the U.S. Army,

When I Grow Up...

by Wigu Publishing

When Jake's teacher assigns a "career" project, Jake decides he wants to be a soldier in the United States Army. Jake and his father visit an Army surplus store to find items he can use to present his project. As they search the store, each item makes the history and proud spirit of the U.S. Army come to life for Jake and readers alike. Through Jake's discoveries, readers are introduced to the history of the U.S. Army, what soldiers' duties include, and the equipment they use.

Genres: Childrens

60 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2014

About the author

Wigu Publishing is a collaboration among talented and creative individuals working together to publish informative and fun books for our children. Our titles serve to introduce children to the people in their communities who serve others through their vocations. Wigu's books are unique in that they help our children to visualize the abundant opportunities that exist for them to be successful and to make a difference. Our goal is to inspire the great leaders and thinkers of tomorrow.

Wigu's newly released children's book series, When I Grow Up..., features vocations many children dream about - a firefighter, a teacher, a soldier, a doctor - all combining engaging elements of storytelling with real world facts and information. Both educational and fun, the fully illustrated book series takes its readers on a journey of discovery, exploring how one finds their career, learns the necessary skills, and how they excel and grow within their chosen field.

Reviews

[Sue Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I Grow Up I Want to Be . . . in the U.S. Army is the first in a series of vocational books for kids. I have never seen vocational books like these. In this first book, the teacher assigns Jake a career project. He is to decide what he wants to be when he grows up and present it to his class. Jake has chosen to show his class what being in the U.S. Army looks like. With his father, Jake goes to an Army surplus store and gets everything he needs to look enlisted in the U.S. Army.

I like the idea of the surplus store. Having been in one, I know the massive amount of military items most carry. This is definitely true for Jake and his father. The surplus store had medals, emblems, stripes, hats, boots, uniforms, gas masks, weapons, and most anything else associated with the army. Jake had a great time picking out his outfit while at the same time learning the history of the U.S. Army.

Young boys will certainly like When I Grow Up I Want to Be . . . in the U.S. Army, but don’t count out young girls. While the equipment and gear is all male oriented, girls interested in the military will see the universal appeal. Boys who are reluctant readers will love this series. Most words are simple and the unusual words are included in a glossary at the back of the book.

In addition to the illustrations, there are photographs depicting the U.S. Army, its history, and some of the roles students can consider. Beginning with a photograph of the inside of a surplus store, shot through a window, the photographs then include the Liberty Bell in all its cracked glory, officers in their dress uniforms, and marching soldiers at boot camp. A board of patches and emblems representing all areas of the army stretches several feet high. There is even a photograph of a well-known four-star general.

The illustrations are terrific. I like the sparkle in Jake’s eyes. His enthusiasm never wanes. A drill sergeant set in stone will keep Jake on his toes. I particularly like two illustrations, both of Jake. In one, Jake tries on a helmet and his eyes disappear, nicely showing the size of a helmet in comparison to the size of a young boy’s head. The other shows a wide-eyed Jake pointing like an iconic recruitment poster that says, “The U. S. Army wants YOU!” All of the illustrations elevate this book to a much higher level of quality.

Parents and teachers will love the When I Grow Up I Want to Be . . . series of books. The illustrations and stories make the careers easier to understand, helping kids make better-informed choices. Add in all the other When I Grow Up I Want to Be . . . books in the series, and those that will be published in the coming years, and kids will have a vocational encyclopedia of careers to consider. Teachers can incorporate one or more of the series in their teaching plan for the year. I think the When I Grow Up I Want to Be . . . series could become the set young kids turn to first when thinking of their future. I would not base a career choice solely on this series, but for young children, it is a great place to begin.

originally reviewed at Kid Lit Reviews: http://kid-lit-reviews.com/2014/01/27...

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:
When Jake’s teacher assigns a “career” project, Jake decides he wants to be a soldier in the United States Army. Jake and his father visit an Army surplus store to find items he can use to present his project. As they search the store, each item makes the history and proud spirit of the U.S. Army come to life for Jake and readers alike. Through Jake’s discoveries, readers are introduced to the history of the U.S. Army, what soldiers’ duties include, and the equipment they use.

About the Author:
Wigu Publishing is a collaboration of talented and creative individuals working together to create informative and fun books for our children. Our titles serve to introduce children to the people in their communities who serve others through their vocations. Wigu's books are unique in that they help our children to visualize the abundant opportunities that exist for them to be successful and to make a difference. Our goal is to inspire the great leaders and thinkers of tomorrow.

Wigu's newly released children's book series, When I Grow Up I Want To Be..., features vocations many children dream about - a firefighter, a teacher, a soldier, a doctor - all combining engaging elements of storytelling with real world facts and information. Both educational and fun, the fully illustrated book series serves to introduce children to the people in their communities who serve others through their jobs. Each book takes its readers on a journey of discovery, exploring how one finds their career, learns the necessary skills, and how they excel and grow within their chosen field.

My Review:
Jake's class assignment was pretty much a slam dunk, it was a career project of sorts. The assignment--decide what you want to be when you grow up and either draw a special poster depicting all about said career OR dress as you would in said career and tell the entire class all about it. Well Jake came up with several ideas, he was just having trouble deciding which one to choose. So Jake told his Dad all about it and together they came up with a great choice, a soldier in the US Army. After all Jake's Dad had been in the Army and his grandfather as well.

So a trip to the Army Surplus store it shall be. Jake was going to have to look the part and he couldn't wait to learn more about this exciting career. As Jake and his Dad went along on this shopping trip Jake was finding out more and more about the different badges they sometimes wore and what different terms meant that a soldier used. It was so exciting to Jake!

This story about Jake really puts into children terms what the US Army is all about. It explains many things military that a child would otherwise have a hard time understand and it explained many things I didn't even know the answers to. My boys really enjoyed the book and look forward to many more. I enjoy this book and others in the series because of the educational side that is placed in the book right along the fiction side.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher.

[Amy Lignor · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who’s missed this amazing series from Wigu Publishing – now is the time to catch up and read them all. Both titles – with more to come – are told through the eyes of a young girl or boy who looks at their future and picks what they would absolutely love to ‘be when they grow up.’

In this latest book, Jake is the young man who is given an assignment by his teacher to put a project together; whether it be drawings, paintings, an essay, and/or dressing up in costume, the kids in class will all represent the career they want to have one day. Well, as with all young people – and very creative adults – a myriad of choices run through Jake’s mind. Does he want to be an astronaut? A rockstar, perhaps? There are so many things out there to be. But after speaking with his father about the project, Jake decides he wants to do what his dad and HIS dad before him both accomplished – being one of the ‘best of the best’ and most dedicated people to our country; Jake wants to be in the U.S. Army.

Dad is very proud and takes Jake down to a local Army surplus store to look around for a suitable outfit. With each question Jake asks - about the uniforms, ribbons, or medals – Dad tells him all about what they’re for and how you earn them. Along with Dad’s explanations comes a picture with extra information on the history of the Army, what the various medals stand for, and the specifics from foot soldier all the way up to General.

Right along with Jake, the reader and the reader’s children learn everything they need to know about the Army. Beginning with “The Soldier’s Creed” and ending with a short dictionary to explain various words (Artillery, Fatigues, etc.), the book allows children to be more educated on the topic.

This is a fantastic series that began with being a ‘teacher,’ with future books to come that will open up the world of firefighters as well as the U.S. Navy. Done in a very fun way that will make kids eager to learn about these careers, the illustrations and descriptions are perfect. Not only are they expressive and snappy learning tools, they are also great books for parents and kids to read together.

Education, colorful pictures, fun dialogue, and a host of explanations that are easy to understand – these books will have kids learning how to dream and how to succeed in the future.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading When I Grow Up I Want to Be...A Teacher, I was excited about reading this children's book. When I was young, myself, I was quite fond of reading books involving around career paths. I wanted to be a teacher, a nurse, a vet, a soldier, an author(definitely this one!), and pretty much everything else under the sun. So, I guess what I'm saying is I like books like this because not only do kind of cast a light on different things kids can be when they grow up, they teach a very important lesson along the way: that they can be anything they want to be. That, I feel like, is a priceless lesson.
In this book, Jake is assigned a career project in school, and he decides he wants to be a soldier. So, his dad takes him to an Army Surplus Store to see what they can come up with as far as items for his presentation. Along the way, as they are looking around the store, you get to learn more about the U.S. Army, what's involved with being a soldier, and all the different equipment and things of that sort they use. It also talks about the different ranks in the Army. My favorite part of the book, however, was how when he goes to give his speech, he talks about all the sacrifices soldiers make to protect us and our country. There's also this really helpful part in the back that covers all the Army terms throughout the book, which I think is definitely helpful seeing as this book is, of course, for children.
Like When I Grow Up I Want to Be... a Teacher, I feel like this would be a perfect book to read with a child in your life, or a perfect book for young readers wanting to think about future career options. Like I said in my review of that book, there is a big chance that kids are going to change their mind many times before settling on a career, I feel like it's a great thing getting them thinking about things like this young. This book is a great kid-friendly introduction into a career in the U.S. Army.
*I received this book for review from the publisher, but this in no way affected my thoughts as expressed in this review.*

[M.M. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am happy to have received the opportunity to review another book from Wigu. Two of my brothers have been in the Army, one is currently serving. I have had other family members that served in the Army as well. It is with great pride that they have and I am glad that Wigu is show casing this branch as they have with the other branches.

I liked the fact that Jake was taken to a Army Surplus store to learn about the different insignia, uniforms, and jobs. It was nice for me to learn terminology because I do not always have a clue when my brother uses certain terms. The author included a glossary in the back which is also very helpful.

I would have liked to have seen some Army base photos but maybe for security reasons, that was not possible. Still, the real life photos that were presented in the book was a nice juxtapose to the cartoon characters. I really do not like the drawings for the most part but as I have said before, I can overlook that aspect since this is a children's book.

There was a little history interspersed among the pages and even the "Soldier's Creed" was in the front of the book. I enjoyed seeing that information, it is what makes the U.S. Army great! The overall theme of the book is that it takes thousand of men and women to protect our country. They are brave, as are all military personnel, they keep us safe, and we should be grateful for their service.

I recommend for 8+
5 Stars!
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Side note: Wigu worked directly with the U.S. Army and retired Army soldiers to give correct information for this book.They noted the "Wounded Warriors Project" and I ask you to support their effort if you can do so.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my open and honest opinion. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ with yours. ~Naila Moon

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

There isn't a kid who hasn't been asked what they want to be when they grow up. You usually get the standard answers of cop, firefighter, teacher or veterinarian but when they want to be a soldier, it really takes on a special meaning. When I Grow Up, I Want To Be in the Army is not only one of those books that will inspire kids but it was fun and educational.

The book centered around a young student who was asked to do a project for school. He was to answer the question of what he wanted to be when he grew up in the form of a project to be presented in class. Just like every other kid who wants to be a millions things, he talked with his dad, and narrowed down the possibilities when he discovered that his dad and father were soldiers. While taking a trip to the Army surplus store, we see Jake's project come to life.

Growing up as a grandchild of a retired Army soldier, this was such a delight to read. There was so much about the Army that I didn't know despite growing up and being around a military family. It was filled with such an engaging story that was complimented with beautiful illustrations, historical facts and real life pictures that really captured everything that I feel the Army is about. You learn about everything from the weapons, the levels of service, the types of personnel and honors. What I thought was really special for me that will honor the bravery of their work was in the beginning of the book, there is the Soldier's Creed. It sums up everything of who they are. Whether you are a child of a military parent or someone who wants to learn about the army, I feel this would be such a valuable book that will not only educate and inspire but really will help your child really appreciate the value of our service members.

[Gayle Pace · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW

Book One

The author explained what serving in the Army is like in a way that children can understand. Not a lot of big words that only confuse the child. The story tells some history of the Army, rankings of the enlisted and leaders, some information about the medals and honors and also about the weaponry.

The story is about Jake and the class project he has to complete about being a soldier. It introduces the parent/child relationship as Jake's father takes him to the Army Surplus Store for items for Jake's class project. It seems that each item that Jake finds seems to bring forth the Army's history and makes the spirit of our nation's heroes come to life. The author makes the story real, not childlike. The author puts forth the information in a way that doesn't bog the child down but only gathers his or her interest. For harder words there is a glossary in the back of the book. A great book that introduces our nation;s protective force to the children of the world. This book isn't just for our boys but don't forget that our girls join in too.

I have to say that the illustrations were a big part of the book along with the cover. They catch the reader's interest immediately.

I would recommend this book, not only to young readers, but teachers, club leaders and anyone who has an interest in our upcoming leaders.

I was given a complimentary copy of the book, WHEN I GROW UP I WANT TO BE...IN THE U.S. ARMY - Jake Learns About The U.S. Army from the author Wigu Publishing for my view of the book. No other compensation took place.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of a series of books exploring different occupations for kids to think about. The books mix a story with factual information in a easy to read story for kids.

Jake is assigned a project by his teacher to present to the class what he wants to be when he grows up. He goes through a list of careers, but after talking to his father and learning that both his dad and his grandfather were in the army, Jake decides to do his presentation on a soldier. Jake's dad takes him to the Army Surplus store to get the items he needs for his presentation. As Jake goes through the store, we learn the factual information related to our goverment, the uniforms, and the badges and pins. As the daughter of an Army Veteran, I found this information interesting.

Photos of real life soldiers and veterans are shown as we read through the book to give a great perspective on the current job of soldiers as well as the historical piece. When Jake gives his speech, he not only talks about the job soldiers do, but all the sacrifices they make to protect our country. The book ends with a glossary explaining the many terms used in the Army.

I think this is an great series for elementary-aged children to help them explore the opportunities that will be available to them as they grow up. This series of books can plant the seeds in their minds and help the child realize they can be whatever they want to be. I highly recommend these books for classroom as well as personal use.

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

My father was in the army as is my son. To say that I know a lot about the U.S. Army would be a lie. I a almost clueless. When this book came up for review I requested it because I believe in our armed services and figured I would learn a lot as will my students. This is the story of Jake a young boy who is given an assignment to come up with a creative way to show his classmates what he wants to be when he grows us. Like Jake, a lot of my students don't know what they want to be. They would like to be many things. Jake talks with his father who helps him narrow it down. They visit an Army Surplus store to help Jake come up with the items he will need for his report. One thing I like so much is how much information there was in the book. The information is told in a way that doesn't feel like you are getting too much information. The pictures are wonderful and helpful. I loved that they put a glossary at the end of the book because it really helped me a lot. I won't feel so out of the loop when my son and daughter are talking from now on. When you open the cover you have the "Soldier's Creed". This is just one book by Wigu Publishing. Wigu stands for "When I Grow Up". Other topics include Teacher, Firefighter, U.S. Navy, Veterinarian, Nurse. There are more to follow. I think these would be a great addition to my classroom shelves.
I received a copy from the publisher to facilitate my review.

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This is a story of a boy named Jake. Jake has a school project: “What do you want to be when your grow up?” Jake picks a soldier in the U.S. Army. Here is how he learned all about it.”

In class Jake thought about all of the professions that he could do. He could be a race-car driver, fire fighter and even a rock star. When he spoke with his dad he learned that he was in the army just like his father and his grandfather. For the class assignment Jake could either dress up or create a poster to share with the class long with his writing assignment. Jake and his dad visit the local G.I. Surplus store and learns a lot about the armed services. At the store Jake picks out a uniform with patches, a helmet and a very cool gas mask. He was ready for his presentation.

Kids who want to learn all about the army and its history will become very engaged. Colorful illustrations of the main character along with real life photos will teach readers about army officers and the various ranks, various army jobs, the infantry, field artillery and so much more. The back of the book has a glossary of terms for better understanding. Parents and teachers can utilize this tool to educate young readers and to help them decide if whether or not they want to be in the army when they grow up.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazingly informative about the role, structure and tools used by soldiers in the American army. Most adults will learn something about the army by reading this book.
The premise is that Jake is in a class that appears to be at the level of middle school and they are tasked with the “What do you want to be when you grow up?” question. Their teacher then puts it forward as a class project where each person will work independently and give a solo report.
Fortunately for Jake, his father is a veteran of the army so he can help Jake as he attempts to learn about the U. S. Army. Together they go to a G. I. surplus store and shop for a uniform for Jake to wear for his presentation. As they encounter items in the store, the reader learns a great deal along with Jake.
This book is very educational and manages to be a pre-recruitment tool at the same time. The only possible negative is that the extreme trials and danger that soldiers must face are minimized. Other than that it is hard to find a weakness.
This book was made available for free for review purposes and this review appears on Amazon.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given To Me For An Honest Review

When I Grow Up I Want To Be ... in the U.S. Army!: Jake Learns about the U.S. Army! by Wigu Publishing is a great educational read for everyone. There is information about the roles, structure, and the tools used by the Army. Jake's teacher gives the class an assignment, "What do you want to be when your grow up?" The children are to research what they want to be and then give a report to the class. Jake's dad takes him to an Army surplus store to look around and find a uniform. Not only does Jake learn about the Army but so does the reader. There is a lot of information that is shared but it is not overwhelming. The illustrations are big and bright. The colors are very clear. There are both created pictures along with real time photos included which makes it a nice variety. At the end of the book is a glossary. Having the glossary in the book is a real good idea, because if a question comes up about a word then the reader can look it up. I gave this book 5 stars but wish I could give more. I highly recommend this to everyone. It would make a great addition to anyone's bookshelf. I look for more of these books from Wigu Publishing.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I Grow Up I Want To Be...in the U.S. Army is a fascinating glimpse at what it's like to be in the U.S. Army.

Jake's teacher poses a thought-provoking question when she asks the class what they want to be when they grow up. Jake's classmates have many ideas, but Jake's not so sure. He could be a firefighter, secret agent, solider, or even the president. The possibilities are endless. After talking with his dad, Jake decides he wants to learn more about being a soldier so his quest to discover more about the U.S. Army begins.

This is such a great story. It highlights many important aspects of the U.S. Army such as the different ranks, weapons, and duties of the servicemen. One of the best parts of the story are the illustrations. Real photos are used alongside the drawn illustrations which help young readers get a better understanding of the U.S. Army. There are also text boxes with historical and present day information that instills learning. This is a well written, all around good read for children.

I highly recommend picking up a copy.

[Erik This Kid Reviews Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like “When I Grow Up I Want to be… a Teacher! – Carlee Learns a Surprising Lesson!”, this book has a mix of cartoon and real-life pictures/photos. There are also some very nice pencil sketch illustrations included that I thought were very well done. This book described a lot of what is involved with being a soldier in the US Army. It describes some of the units that a person can belong to. It talks about some of the equipment used by soldiers and the ranks a soldier can have. There is a helpful index in the back with military terms and the book is loaded with fact boxes about the Army. That is a nice addition to the book. I like that the book shows all the jobs of a soldier. It shows that the Army needs doctors, lawyers, firefighters, cooks and a lot more. I think this is a good introduction to what it is like being a soldier for kids.
*NOTE I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book for a honest review.

When I Grow Up I Want To Be...in the U.S. Army is a children's book that is loaded with great information all about the U.S. Army. I think children and parents will enjoy learning from this book because it provides a lot of insight of what soldiers do and what it takes to be one. I think many people (young and old) are unaware or do not understand much about the U.S. Army, so it's great to see that a book like this exists for people to read.

Although loaded with great information and pictures that children will enjoy looking at, I thought the overall storyline was a little weak and boring at times. I like the concept of the story but the dialogue between son and dad was a little cheesy and awkward. However with that being said, I do think this book is still an important book for children to read because it gives a great insight of the men who serve our country.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHEN I GROW UP I WANT TO BE.....in the U.S. ARMY! Jake Learns about the U.S. Army by Wigu Publishing is a very educational Children's Book. Age Range: 6 and up. #1 in the "When I Grow Up I Want To Be....." series.

What an exciting, educational and informative series. "Jake learns about the U.S. Army" is an engaging, informative story that is sure to engage and excite your youngster. Love the illustrations as well as the story content. Well done, Wigu! I would highly recommend this series, to educators, parents, young readers as well as grand-parents. So much is revealed within 56 pages of pure enjoyment. Received for an honest review from the publisher.

RATING: 5

HEAT RATING: NONE

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[Charissa Wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for a fair review.

Overview: It’s class project time. Jake and his classmates have to do a report on what they want to be when they grow up. Jake is all set for the Army!

Likes: This was a pretty fun read with educational squares filtered throughout the book. But the best part was that Jake’s Dad was the one doing the teaching. And it wasn’t a gung-ho Army advertisement.

Conclusion: I hope your children enjoy learning about the Army. It takes a special kind of person willing to make that kind of sacrifice.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

You're in the Army Now!

This book is geared towards elementary school students, and tells about a career in the U. S. Army. The story-line centers on a school assignment a boy named Jake has. Each student has to give an oral report about what he would like to be when he grows up, what career he would like to pursue.

Don't know what to do? Talk with others!

Jake has no idea what he wants to do, so that evening talks with his Dad. See the rest of the review on my blog: http://bookreadingtic.com/2015/04/23/...