Education
When I Grow Up
Book review by Matthew
The construction industry is suffering from a skills shortage and the next generation is not being encouraged to choose construction or engineering as a career.
‘When I Grow Up’ is a book written by Rich Smith and illustrated by Stuart Hinchliff that follows twins Harry and Amy who are considering their future professions as part of their school careers day competition.
The story covers a range of engineering activities and demonstrates to children that without the hard work of those in the construction industry, many other jobs would not be possible.
The purpose of the book is to inspire school children and engage with STEM subjects from a young age, building an appreciation in young minds that our industry underpins almost everything.
The story captures children’s imagination through its colourful illustrations and rhyming verse.
Civil Engineering Surveyor asked Matthew, a seven-year-old cub beaver, what he thought of the book...
What did you think of the cover?
Colourful. Exciting. It shows the different jobs that you can do when you grow up.
What did you think of the characters in the book?
I found it funny that the characters had no hands or feet. So could Amy really type on the computer? Harry had an ‘H’ on his top so you knew it was him. The characters’ hair had a lot of detail and looked realistic.
Did the illustrations make the book interesting?
Yes. They showed you how different functions for example, power, is needed for the jobs to work.
Were the words used suitable for your age group?
Yes. Not too tricky and not hard to understand. Overall, it was quite easy to read.
Was the story interesting?
The story taught you what it’s like/needed to have different jobs/careers.
Did the story make you think about what job you would like to do when you are older?
Yes. The story showed a variety of different jobs which got me thinking which job I’d like to do when I’m older.
Has the book made you think about the work that people in construction do?
Yes. Without construction we wouldn’t have any of the jobs in the book.
Do you think you would like to have a job in construction having read the book?
Yes, there are a lot of jobs that interest me which I could do. It has got me thinking what I’d like to do when I grow up!
Would you recommend this book to other children?
Yes, it would encourage them. Also, so they understand what construction is all about and which jobs might be good for them.
What, if anything, would you change about the book or the story?
I’d like to see what jobs Amy and Harry chose to be their careers.
Matthew