Almost

Meet Jack.

He's almost six years old. And that's almost grown up.

After all, he can almost ride a big bike just like his older brother. And he almost never gets scared.

Jack can almost make his own breakfast. He can almost build a real robot, too, which is why he is almost thinking of becoming a scientist or a baseball player. He is already almost the best player on his team, and once almost hit the winning home run. Give or take that strike three.

He almost likes vegetables. Except for the beans, carrots, spinach, peas, and corn. And he almost never cries.

This spunky little almost-six-year-old is ready to take on the world.

Well, almost.

Richard Torrey's sweetly funny tale is sure to resonate with any child who just can't wait to be big.

• Sibling Dynamics: Jack tries wearing his brother’s oversized clothes, only to hear him shout to give them right back.
• Identity and Self-Discovery: Pedaling a two-wheeler goes smoothly until Jack is caught on his brother’s bike, leaving him calling for Mom.
• Unlikely Hero: Jack steps onto the karate mat convinced he is the star pupil, right before attempting to flip his instructor, Mr. Woo.
• Also by This Author: Why? and Because.

Richard Torrey is the author and illustrator of a number of well-loved children's books, including Almost, Why?, and the popular Beans Baker series. Mr. Torrey lives in Shoreham, New York.