WHEN I GROW UP

A Gilligan’s Island legend and volunteer reading tutor relays to kids that they can be anything they want to be, in this brightly illustrated celebration of careers and the natural world.

This inspiring book from actress Tina Louise brings nature and the animal kingdom together to invigorate children to reach for the stars in anything they do. Louise cleverly compares the role of an animal or insect side by side to what a child can grow up to be. Fireflies glow in the dark; an aspiring actress can shine on the silver screen. Spiders spin elaborate webs; an aspiring architect can create a skyscraper. Children will think of their own talents as they read along and be inspired to excel. When I Grow Up shows that amazing things are happening all the time—and that young readers can grow up to be amazing, too!

A Gilligan’s Island icon sets sail with her first-ever children’s book

“Teaching children the skill of reading and a love for the written word is important because this will remain with them throughout their lives. If we can reach children at an early age, I believe it will make a difference. This thought brings me tremendous joy.”—Tina Louise

Portion of proceeds from this book donated to promote literacy.

Tina Louise trained as an actor at the Actors Studio and the Neighborhood Playhouse. After success on Broadway, she went to Hollywood and played in a variety of films. She is best known for her comic turn as the stranded movie star Ginger in the TV series Gilligan’s Island. She volunteers for Learning Leaders, a childhood-literacy advocate group in New York City, where she lives.

Oliver Corwin earned his BFA in illustration and graphic design from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York. He works as a graphic designer for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, where he often comes across many of the creatures in this book.