Turn counting into an imaginative adventure with When I Am Big by Maria Dek. This whimsically illustrated picture book explores numbers 1 through 25, inviting young readers to dream about the things they might do as they grow.
How many scoops of ice cream would they choose? How many puddles could they jump over? What time would they go to bed? Familiar experiences become playful possibilities, giving children plenty to consider as they explore numbers alongside the story.
The first-person narration lets readers join in with confident declarations about their future selves. From tying shoes independently to imagining a roller coaster with 17 cars, the book brings together everyday achievements and wonderfully ambitious plans.
Charming illustrations accompany the text, encouraging children to notice details, count together and share their own ideas. Each reading offers an opportunity for conversation about independence, curiosity and the fun of imagining what comes next.
Enjoy it during a quiet afternoon, as a shared story or whenever your little reader feels curious about numbers. It also makes a thoughtful gift for a child beginning to explore counting.
For readers ready for another challenge, the companion title When I Am Bigger continues the imaginative journey with numbers from 10 through 100.
Key Features
Counting picture book exploring numbers 1–25
Written and illustrated by Maria Dek
Whimsical illustrations
First-person narration encourages participation
Celebrates curiosity, confidence and independence
Companion title: When I Am Bigger
Product Details
Vendor: Hardie Grant
Title: When I Am Big
Author & Illustrator: Maria Dek
Product Type: Children’s Picture Book
Themes: Counting, imagination, independence and growing up
Number Range: 1–25
Why You’ll Love It
It combines early counting with playful ideas about growing up. The imaginative scenarios give children room to practise numbers while sharing dreams and discoveries of their own.
Reading & Gifting
Read together, count details in the illustrations and invite your child to imagine their own “when I am big” adventures. Pair with When I Am Bigger for a thoughtful counting-book gift.
