Official Review: Anything I Want by Jolene Menard

[Cecilia_L]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Anything I Want" by Jolene Menard.]

---

3 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

In Anything I Want by Jolene Menard, Charlotte Marie dreams about what she wants to do when she grows up. She hopes to help others, but she doesn't want to settle on a single career, and the rhyming story follows the adventure-loving and ambitious little girl's journey. Young readers will be inspired to dream big and work hard to accomplish their goals.

The 26-page picture book depicts characters of different races and features colorful, cartoonish illustrations that follow Charlotte's progress. At the beginning of the book, the reader sees thought bubbles reflecting her aspirations. As the story progresses, the images portray grown-up Charlotte in various career settings. The children's book addresses a variety of themes, such as family, identity, growing up, adventure, self-esteem, confidence, prayer, faith, perseverance, and helping others. Regarding faith, one page in the story refers to Charlotte saying prayers for guidance. However, it does not come across as preaching or lecturing.

I particularly like that Menard selects careers that aren't typically portrayed by girls in picture books, including soldiers, pilots, and firefighters. The book also emphasizes the importance of reading and writing well and going to college. Charlotte exemplifies helping others, setting goals, and hard work in an age-appropriate manner for young readers. However, Menard keeps the character relatable by including Charlotte's habit of sending letters home as well as her love for travel and exploring the ocean.

There isn't anything I dislike about the story, but it does need further editing. Although the PDF I read displayed a publisher's watermark, the nonsubjective errors I noted left me doubting that it was professionally edited. Young readers must see correct examples of punctuation and grammar.

Therefore, I rate Anything I Want three out of four stars. Its positive message will inspire children ranging from ages four to eight. The fun read-aloud story will also appeal to parents, teachers, and grandparents.

******
Anything I Want
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Rachealinnocent]

I love what the book is teaching young kids.goals, aspiration,Faith,self love etc important real issues of the society being addressed in their young age is amazing.keep it up

[Ada Ling]

"I particularly like that Menard selects careers that aren't typically portrayed by girls in picture books, including soldiers, pilots, and firefighter." - We need to give options to the girls for non-traditional professionals. Thank you for sharing this book.

[CharlieMax1516]

I agree that thorough editing is especially important for children to read correct examples of spelling and grammar. Otherwise, this sounds like a great story for kids. I enjoyed your review! Thank you!

[Cecilia_L]

"I particularly like that Menard selects careers that aren't typically portrayed by girls in picture books, including soldiers, pilots, and firefighter." - We need to give options to the girls for non-traditional professionals. Thank you for sharing this book.

Thanks for your comment.

[Cecilia_L]

I agree that thorough editing is especially important for children to read correct examples of spelling and grammar. Otherwise, this sounds like a great story for kids. I enjoyed your review! Thank you!

You're welcome. I appreciate your comment.

[The_Vivian]

I really do love children's book and look for every excuse to get hold of anyone at anytime, and I think the character Charlotte has just given me a reason to read one more, not to my self but to the little kids I have around me. Children are expected to know that it is alright to have expectations and dreams and I think the author really did a good job with this book. Nice review.

[namuyong]

great book as it educates children to have a career and dream big to, it is a greate aproach by the author. a pictured book is also great for children.
thanks for you honesty in the review. i hope the mistakes addressed will be corrected

[Vannaskivt]

My two boys would love this book as they often imagine what they will be when they are grown up. My six-year-old told me when he was three that he was going to be a 'pizza man on skis'! With another round of editing, I might check this out. Thank you for your review.