Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
To Be a Kid
Nonfiction Picture Book
For ages 5 to 7
Charlesbridge , 2000 ISBN: 088106842X
Children are often in such a hurry to grow up. They want to know what it is like to be an adult, they want the freedoms that they imagine adults have. What they don’t realize is that being a kid is an “amazing adventure,” and that their childhood is a precious time.
When you a kid there are so many wonderful things that you can enjoy. It does not matter if you live in England or India, Kenya or Sweden. It does not matter what language you speak, or which religion you follow. There are certain things that are universal.
For all children childhood is a time when you can be “carried by those who love you,” which is not something that adults can enjoy, alas. It is a time when the joys of summer are richer, and when marching in a parade is a grand adventure. Being a kid, no matter where you live on this planet, means that you can play with a ball or run races. It is a time of great creativity, when you can make music and create beautiful pictures. Best of all, “goofing off” and “acting silly” are things that children understand better than anyone.
In this very special book, simple yet powerful words are paired with gorgeous photos that capture everyday moments in the lives of children who live all over the world. The book shows to great effect how childhood experiences serve as a thread connecting all of us.
The book is a project of Shakti for Children, which is a program of the Global fund for Children.
