WHEN I GROW UP by 'Weird Al' Yankovic

It's not often that I feature picture books here, but I really should do it more often given my lifelong love affair with them!

I pre-ordered Weird Al's first picture book, WHEN I GROW UP, back in December when I wished I could get it for my Weird-Al-fan husband for Christmas, but ALAS! It didn't come out until today! I'd all but forgotten about it, so when a brown package arrived in the mail today, I was confused. Then I was delighted.

We all know Al Yankovic has a gift for rhyme. Who else could come up with...

"How come you're always such a fussy young man
Don't want no Captain Crunch, don't want no Raisin Bran
Well, don't you know that other kids are starving in Japan
So eat it, just eat it" -Sung to the tune of Beat It (lyrics here)

You'll be entertained by the bizarre career options he sets out in WHEN I GROW UP. The illustrations are adorable, done by Wes Hargis.

I love the theme that kids may change their minds about what they want to be several times, and that's okay. In fact, adults may hold several different jobs in vastly different careers, and that's okay, too. Al Yankovic is the perfect person to have written this book, as his bio on the back flap explains:

Known for more than thirty years as America's premier satirist of popular music and culture, "Weird Al" Yankovic has had almost as many careers as Billy can dream of. Advised by his father to do whatever made him happy, he has accordingly been a comedian, singer/songwriter, music producer, actor, director, and writer--often all at the same time. Mr. Yankovic has won three Grammy Awards and has sold more comedy recordings than anyone else in history.

If you'd like a signed copy, check out his book tour dates at his web site.