K10: We Are Growing

The Kidliterati Ten is an interview series with young readers. We ask them about a favorite book and hope you enjoy the answers.

 Tell us a little about yourself: what is your first name, how old are you, and what is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
My name is Alexander. I’m seven. My favorite ice cream is chocolate and mint.

What book did you read and why did you choose it?
I read WE ARE GROWING by Laurie Keller. I chose it because I got it for Christmas and I thought it was a very funny book

Can you describe this book in one word?
Hilarious!

What was your favorite part of this story?
My favorite part of the story was when all of the grass were getting cut down by the mower and then the bug said, “Don’t worry, you will grow again!” and then they all went crazy. I also liked the part when they found out that they all were the something-est, except for one piece.

If you had a problem similar to the main character's problem, what would you do?
I would say, “Am I the funniest? Or am I the silliest? Or am I the smartest? Or am I the neatest? And go through all of them until I found out what I was.”

What would you say to your best friend to convince them to read this book?
I would say that I think you might really like it and you should try it if you like Mo Willems stories.

What do you think about the book's cover?
I think the cover makes it look funny.

Would you want to read a similar book? Why or why not?
Yes, because books like that are the ones that are easy for me to read but I like to have a short read sometimes so it’s nice.

Can you name another book that reminds you of this one?
The Elephant and Piggy books remind me of this one.

If you could ask the author one question about this book, what would it be?
I would ask the author if they are going to make a WE ARE GROWING 2?

We got in touch with Laurie Keller, and this is what she had to say:"There isn't any discussion right now of a sequel but if Mo Willems (creator of the series) and editor, Tracey Keevan, wanted to I would be open to it. In the mean time, they're working with other authors and illustrators to create more stories for Elephant and Piggie to read. I'm excited to read them, too! Thanks for your question!"

Thank you, Alexander!

And thank you for your answer, Laurie! We are so excited that WE ARE GROWING just won the Geisel Award!

We Are Growing 
by Laurie Keller, illustrated by Mo Willems:

Walt and his friends are growing up! Everyone is the something-est. But . . . what about Walt? He is not the tallest, or the curliest, or the silliest. He is not the anything-est! As a BIG surprise inches closer, Walt discovers something special of his own!