Wednesday, November 28, 2012

I Read This: When I Grow Up - By Al Yankovic


Billy's classmates may have never considered careers in snail training or sumo wrestling before, but by the time the exuberant eight-year-old is done cataloging his dream jobs, they just might share his belief in unlimited potential! Virtuoso wordplay, irresistible rhythm, and laugh-out-loud humor abound in the first picture book by the one and only "Weird Al" Yankovic. This unbridled celebration of creativity and possibility invites readers of all ages to consider afresh what they want to be when they grow up (from goodreads).

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Some of you might already know that I have a soft spot for the parody talents of "Weird" Al Yankovic, and I don't normally review picture books on this blog, but when I browsed the bookstore and noticed this by the kid's section, I did a double take. "Wait ... he wrote a picture book?" I asked myself. Sure enough, I picked it up and flipped through it, and was greatly impressed. It felt like reading a Dr. Seuss book, being absurd and quirky as all get out, except with no made-up words (just a ton of made-up careers). It took five minutes to read. I simply had to buy it. That's what fans do, right?

But really, I think this is a modern, riotous classic!

Now I get to enjoy a fun little story with my kids, which has a surprisingly sweet ending. I've since learned that more books are on their way, too. So if you're looking for a short, sweet book for a little one in your life, this might be your ticket. You can find a copy here.

I'm David, and when I grow up, I'm gonna do all of these things!

12 comments:

  1. By Weird Al? Now that is funny. I might have to read it.

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  2. Wow! I wouldn't have imagined he'd write a picture book. I may have to look into it, for my nephews, of course. Lol

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  3. I think every celebrity these days has a children's book.

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  4. Love Weird Al. Doing children's books just seems like a natural fit for such a funny, adorable man. Can you imagine having him as a grandpa? What fun would that be?

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  5. I think that man is a creative genius. I'm really not surprised he's come out with a book.

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  6. Sounds like a fun read. Interesting how the name recognition got you to pick up the book too.

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  7. I didn't know he wrote books. Weird Al is awesome! Great...I now have White and Nerdy stuck in my head :D

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  8. I love Weird Al! We have the DVD of all his hits.

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  9. The man is a comic genius and the book captures his eclectic sense of humor perfectly. Great read David.

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  10. My kids would love this. Thanks for sharing. (:

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  11. That's cool. I didn't know he wrote too. Wow. :)

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