The Wonderful Things You Will Be is more than just a picture book; it’s a lyrical, deeply moving affirmation of a parent’s unconditional love and a child’s limitless potential. Since its release, Emily Winfield Martin’s masterpiece has rightfully earned its spot as a New York Times bestseller and become the go-to baby shower book gift for families across the globe.
This isn’t a book you read once and put away. It’s a treasured keepsake, a bedtime story ritual, and a beautiful declaration that every child, exactly as they are, is wonderful. If you’re searching for the perfect book to celebrate a new beginning, a birthday, or a graduation, this comprehensive review will show you exactly why The Wonderful Things You Will Be deserves to be at the top of your list.
The Power of a Parent’s Love: Why This Book Endures
A Spoiler-Free Look at Emily Winfield Martin’s Bestseller
At its core, The Wonderful Things You Will Be is a conversation, a quiet moment shared between a loving parent and their child. The book beautifully imagines all the possibilities of the child’s future. Will they be “brave and bold” or “creative and clever”? Will they be a designer of clever things or a strong adventurer? The magic of the book lies in the fact that the answer is always “yes”—they will be all those things, and no matter what, they will be loved.
This children’s book about dreams succeeds by avoiding a conventional plot. Instead, it offers a rhythmic, reassuring chant. This structure allows it to resonate with the deepest anxieties and hopes of new parenthood. It’s an emotional blueprint for acceptance that transcends gender, background, and specific aspirations.
The Core Message: Celebrating Potential and Acceptance
The primary reason for the book’s enduring popularity is its powerful message of acceptance. The rhyme schemes consistently loop back to the central assurance: no matter what path the child chooses, the parents will still love them. This emphasis on unconditional love makes it an essential read for best books for new parents, serving as a gentle guide for how to view and nurture their growing child.
The Anatomy of a Classic: Summary and Structure
The Gentle Narrative: What The Wonderful Things You Will Be is About
The “plot” is simple yet profound. A narrator—presumably a parent—speaks directly to their young child, pondering the person they will grow up to be. The text sweeps through a series of possible identities, professions, and personality traits.
- Brave and Bold: Encouraging a spirit of adventure.
- Creative and Clever: Celebrating ingenuity and imagination.
- Kind and True: Highlighting the importance of character.
The narrative momentum builds steadily toward the final pages, culminating in a powerful affirmation that the child is “the one and only you.” The lack of named characters reinforces the universal nature of the message—it’s a story for every child.
The Art of Rhyme: An Analysis of the Rhythmic Style
As a rhyming picture book, the language is crafted to be read aloud. Emily Winfield Martin’s prose has a soothing, rhythmic quality, almost like a lullaby, which is perfect for bedtime reading.
“Then one day I will finally know, Just who you are, as you start to grow. But I know, dear, that wherever you go, You’ll fill the world with wonderful things.”
This poetic consistency ensures high readability and makes the book easy for even the youngest children to follow and remember.
Analysis: The Major Themes of The Wonderful Things You Will Be
The Wonderful Things You Will Be weaves together several compelling themes that elevate it from a simple picture book to a celebrated piece of family literature.
Theme 1: Unconditional Love and Acceptance
This is the cornerstone of the book. The parent’s love is presented as a constant, an anchor in a world of endless possibilities. The text deliberately balances “silly things” (like a giggle-maker) with “serious things” (like being “brave”), assuring the child that all facets of their personality are equally embraced.
Theme 2: The Freedom to Dream and Explore
The book encourages a non-linear life journey. By presenting a mosaic of potential futures, it implicitly tells children (and parents) that it’s okay not to have a single, defined path. This theme is particularly resonant for a graduation book gift, as it champions the excitement of the unknown.
Theme 3: The Enduring Bond Between Parent and Child
The closing sections—especially those accompanied by the magnificent gatefold—focus on the present moment and the deep, shared joy of the relationship. It’s a loving and truthful message that parents will appreciate as much as their children.
A Feast for the Eyes: The Visual Impact of the Illustrations
The visual component is essential to the book’s success. Emily Winfield Martin’s illustrations are lush, whimsical, and distinctive. They feature a gentle, muted color palette, often incorporating starry skies, vintage hot air balloons, and charmingly dressed characters that feel both timeless and imaginative . These are not sharp, modern graphics, but detailed, ethereal works of art that make the book a visual treasure.
Why the Gatefold Illustration is a Key Feature
The grand, fold-out gatefold illustration at the very end is an important design choice. It dramatically opens up the final, most impactful message of the book, creating a stunning visual moment that emphasizes the culmination of the parent’s loving reflections. This physical element transforms the reading experience into a shared, tangible event.
Answering Your Questions: Key Details for Readers and Givers
Here are the most common questions people ask when searching for this book, providing essential context for your purchase.
Who is the author and illustrator of The Wonderful Things You Will Be?
The book is both written and beautifully illustrated by Emily Winfield Martin. Her distinctive, imaginative, and softly-colored style is a hallmark of her work and a key reason for the book’s widespread appeal.
What age group is The Wonderful Things You Will Be for?
While it is classified as a picture book (ideal for ages 3-5), its themes make it suitable for all ages. It is often purchased for newborns and read to them well into their toddler years. Many families even use it as a special reading for older children or a thoughtful graduation book gift because of its universal message about potential.
What makes the illustrations in The Wonderful Things You Will Be unique?
The artwork is characterized by its vintage, dreamy quality. Martin uses a delicate hand, incorporating details like charming costumes and fantastical elements (such as little ships and crowns) that bring the children’s book about dreams to life. The illustrations convey a sense of gentle wonder and timeless magic.
Is The Wonderful Things You Will Be a good gift for a baby shower?
Yes, it is the perfect baby shower book gift. The book’s focus on celebrating a child’s future, its durable hardback format, and its beautiful aesthetic make it a gift that feels both personal and high-quality. (For a similar book with a different focus, you may enjoy our review of a classic Dr. Seuss book.)
How does the book celebrate the love between a parent and child?
It does so through a series of loving, rhetorical questions about the child’s future, always resolving the ponderance with the assurance of love. The final pages are a declaration that no matter what, “I’ll look at you, and you’ll look at me, and I’ll love you, whoever you’ll be.” This message solidifies the parent-child bond as the narrative’s emotional bedrock.
The Verdict: Is The Wonderful Things You Will Be Worth Reading?
Absolutely. The Wonderful Things You Will Be is not simply a purchase; it’s an investment in a family heirloom. It is exceptionally well-written, gorgeously illustrated, and delivers a message of hope and acceptance that all children deserve to hear. It sets a beautifully positive foundation for a child’s self-esteem and future outlook.
Who is this book for? (Not just for babies!)
- New Parents: As an expression of their deepest hopes and fears.
- Grandparents: As a beautiful way to express their love for a new generation.
- Toddlers & Young Children: For its comforting rhythm and beautiful pictures.
- Gift-Givers: It is the quintessential, high-impact present for any new beginning or milestone.
Final Rating and Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 Stars)
This book is a must-have for any family library. (External Link: Check the Official Publisher Page for the Deluxe Edition) or (External Link: See what other readers are saying on Goodreads).
