A young narrator, who says he’ll win the Nobel Peace Prize one day, tells of the great and heroic deeds he will accomplish when he grows up (includ ing creating world peace, protecting the environment, and helping to save planet Earth, along with giving aid to people in need). The illustrations, however, show that the present-day behavior of this boy runs contrary to his lofty ambitions. Talk and action clearly differ until, at the end of the book, the boy takes a small first step toward working for his ideals. Includes a note on the Nobel Peace Prize. 2007 USBBY Outstanding International Books List, 2007 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People. ca

Originally published as Wenn Ich Gross Bin, Werde Ich Nobel preisträger in German by Carl Hanser Verlag Germany, in 2005. Translated by Nancy Seitz.

The boy in this book is having trouble admitting - much less closing - the large gap between his aspirations and his everyday actions. This boy knows that when he's older he will love his neighbor, but for now he's all too happy to pick on his sister. This boy even knows that one day he will be given the Nobel Peace Prize: for standing up to bullies, helping the poor, protecting animals and the environment - for all his good deeds. But with his bold claims continually contrasted by pictures that tell a very different story, even this boy eventually has to admit it's time to stop boasting and take the first step.

With cheeky artwork that offers a great big reality check to the high-minded protagonist, this book uses humor to underscore the importance - and the difficulty - of trying to live up to our own ideals.