I'm the Big One Now! Poems about Growing Up

A perfect gift for a new big brother or big sister, this collection of 21 poems celebrates growing up and milestones both large and small in a young person's life, such as learning how to whistle, riding the school bus alone, and becoming an older sibling.

Growing up is exciting! It's packed with firsts like losing a tooth of visiting the ocean. It's bursting with accomplishments like figuring out how to snap, and learning to ride a bike. And it's full of changes that change you like being stung by a bee and realizing that even big kids cry, or holding your baby brother for the first time. This collection of poems by award-winning author Marilyn Singer salutes significant milestones for every child and is accompanied by sweet, joyful illustrations by Jana Christy.

Marilyn Singer is the winner of the 2015 NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry. Her many children's poetry and picture books include Mirror, Mirror, an ALA Notable Book that also appeared on four major lists of best books of the year; Follow, Follow and Echo, Echo, both NCTE Notable books; and Tallulah's Tutu and its sequels. She lives in Brooklyn, with her husband. Visit her at marilynsinger.net.

Jana Christy is the illustrator of multiple picture books, including When the Wind Blows by Linda Booth Sweeney and collaborations with her husband, John Seven, such as Frankie Likes to Sing and Gorilla Gardner. She lives in North Adams, Massachusetts, with her husband and their children. Visit her at janachristy.com.