Now I'm Big! by Karen Katz (review)

Katz departs from her popular board-book format in this picture book featuring a multiracial cast of children who note ways they've grown up from babyhood to toddlers/preschoolers. "I used to be a baby," the first speaker begins, setting up a pattern: on each spread, the verso lists something the child did as a baby ("When I was a baby, I had to wear diapers") while the recto offers a contrasting ability of the older child ("NOW I'M BIG! I can wear real underpants and poo in the toilet"). This pattern repeats itself on each of the following spreads until a new milestone is presented ("NOW I have a new baby sister!") along with a list of things that the older child can do to help the baby "now that I'm BIG!" Although there isn't anything particularly new here, Katz's text is effectively smooth and streamlined, and the clear, rock-solid pattern of the text will be helpful to toddlers and younger preschoolers. A large, bold black font and the simple, uncluttered compositions make this very accessible to groups; the vibrant colors of watercolor and gouache and Katz's trademark stylized babies and children give the book a cheerful, friendly feel. The thoughtful construction of the text, the chipper illustrations, and the age-appropriate topic give this go-to utility for both parents and librarians.