3 Languages (EN, IT, RO)
31 Literary Awards
Recommended for readers aged 5 and up
Gold Award
MOM’S CHOICE AWARDS®
Gold Award Winner
2021-2022 READER VIEWS
REVIEWER’S CHOICE AWARDS
Early Reader Category
Winner
2022 INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS
Children’s Picture Book: Hardcover Nonfiction
Winner
2022 NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Children’s Poetry
Gold Medal Winner
2022 READERS’ FAVORITE
Children – Non-Fiction
Illustration Award Winner
2022 READERS’ FAVORITE
Winner
2022 INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD
Children’s: Inspirational/Motivational
Winner
2022 INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD
Picture Books – All Ages
Winner
2022 NYC BIG BOOK AWARD
Picture Books – All Ages
Winner
2022 BOOK EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Children’s Inspirational/Motivational
Winner
2022 AMERICAN FICTION AWARDS
Children’s Mind/Body/Spirit
Winner
2022 THE IAN BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Children’s/Juvenile/YA Non-Fiction
Winner
2022 PAGE TURNER AWARDS
Children’s Picture Book – Genre
Winner
2022 PAGE TURNER AWARDS
Best Story Cover
Winner
2021 STORY MONSTERS APPROVED
Picture Books (Ages 3-8) Fiction
Winner
2021 PINNACLE BOOK ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Children’s Motivational
Gold
2022 eLIT BOOK AWARDS
Children’s Books (All Ages)
First Place
2021 ROYAL DRAGONFLY BOOK AWARD
Children’s Nonfiction
First Place
2021 ROYAL DRAGONFLY BOOK AWARD
Children’s Poetry Books
First Place
2022 PURPLE DRAGONFLY BOOK AWARD
Best Illustrations
First Place
2022 PURPLE DRAGONFLY BOOK AWARD
Children’s Nonfiction
Silver Winner
2022 NAUTILUS BOOK AWARDS
Children’s Picture Books – Non-Fiction
Runner-Up
2021 INDIES TODAY AWARD
Children’s
Finalist
2021 FOREWORD INDIES
Picture Books, Early Reader
Finalist
2021 BEST BOOK AWARDS
Best Interior Design
Finalist
2022 INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS
Children’s Novelty & Gift Book
Finalist
2022 INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS
Children’s Mind/Body/Spirit
Finalist
2021 THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS
Books for 6-8 Year Olds
Honorable Mention
2022 PURPLE DRAGONFLY BOOK AWARD
Poetry
Honorable Mention
2022 PURPLE DRAGONFLY BOOK AWARD
Picture Books 6 & Older
B.R.A.G. MEDALLION HONOREE
A BookBub Featured Deal
A Reedsy Discovery Featured Book
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
“I love it when a book finds you. It just pops into existence right at the perfect time and place it needs to be to have your undivided attention. The pages melt into your hands, head, and consciousness as if you breathe it in rather than read the words. The line between physical paper and ink becomes more of an ethereal whispering that starts at your fingertips and winds itself around you into a warm fuzzy blanket. Junia Wonders has written that book.” –Julianne Black DiBlasi, Story Monsters Ink Magazine
“A whimsical, engaging, beautifully illustrated celebration of imagining the future—obstacles and all.” –Kirkus Reviews
“This whimsically illustrated book offers a myriad of fun answers to the age-old question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” With diverse characters and positive affirmations, this inspiring read will delight any hopeful youngster.” –BookBub
“Spark the imaginations of young ones by sharing with them the inspiring, aspirational message found in the captivating, perfect-for-reading-aloud children’s book, Have You Ever Wondered What You Will Be?” -Dave Allen, Indies Today
“A timeless and visually stunning story that will inspire the boundless potential within readers of all ages.” –Mary Lanni, Reedsy Discovery
“Have You Ever Wondered What You Will Be? is a magical book with whimsical pictures that are calming and empowering at the same time.” -Rachel Dehning, Reader Views
“This book is wonderfully rhymed and encouraging. […] Junia should be applauded for her brilliant presentation of the future for children. I highly recommend this book and its message for children. Help your child keep their dreams alive!”–Philip Van Heusen, Readers’ Favorite
“…a children’s picture book for any reader who has ever contemplated their place in the world. With stunning watercolor illustrations, diverse characters, and playful text on every page, this book is a pure joy to read. And with its universal message, it’s an inspirational story that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.” –Felicia Bengtsson, Editorial Manager, Reedsy Discovery
“We are proud to announce that Have You Ever Wondered What You Will Be? by Junia Wonders has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.” -indieBRAG
“With its charming rhymes and stunning illustrations, this book encourages readers to pursue their dreams with courage and determination, reminding them that they are special and capable of achieving anything. Whether you’re a graduate embarking on a new chapter in life or simply seeking a meaningful and inspiring read, this book is sure to delight. Explore the endless possibilities that lie ahead – get your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.” -Freebooks Tips
Hardcover Edition
42 pages
8.5 x 0.25 x 8.5 inches
Paperback Edition
40 pages
8.5 x 0.1 x 8.5 inches
Kindle Edition
40 pages
Text Pop-Up Enabled
Special Graduation Hardcover Edition
50 pages
8.5 x 0.25 x 8.5 inches
Uplifting picture book of wit and wisdom inspires readers and graduates young and old.
For those preparing for the adventures of life and pursuing their dreams, this charming picture book is a rhyming story of inspirational affirmations that chronicles all of the many wonderful potential futures that lie before us. Have You Ever Wondered What You Will Be? is perfect for inspiration seekers, graduates young and old, someone turning the page to a new chapter in life, and those looking for a meaningful gift.
Through gorgeous painterly illustrations with a whimsical mix of art styles, combining surrealist, classic, and a creative interpretation of the art deco movement, the story’s child characters look into mirrors to see what future befalls them. A poignant text introduces the many potential vocations, professions, and callings that are within our grasp, as long as they are pursued with courage and determination.
The story acknowledges that life isn’t always perfect and that the path to success and happiness will have peaks and valleys, but what matters is that you don’t give up working toward your dream with patience and positivity. Overcoming obstacles and not fearing failure is part of the adventure.
But never forget that at times you might fail,
For failures and flops are part of the tale.
Readers will enjoy some of the book illustrations’ architectural labyrinths, reminiscent of such classics as Dr. Seuss, as they are introduced to a myriad of professions including an inventor, an animal rescuer, a software developer, an architect, an entrepreneur, or fitness instructor, among other unique offerings.
A lasting message will stay with the reader long after the book is closed, reminding one that they are unique and special and that they can do anything – the future is wide open.
Have You Ever Wondered What You Will Be? is:
- a poetic and joyful celebration of every child’s dreams and boundless potential,
- a timeless and inspiring gift for celebrating life’s joyous milestones such as a graduation or a birthday,
- recommended for fans of Oh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss,
- the perfect read-aloud book for story time at home or in the classroom with a fun learning activity at the end of the book,
- complemented by free online resources to enhance your child’s reading experience. Teach your child positive affirmations for success and the definition of each profession featured in this book by subscribing to my newsletter below.
From the author
From the author:
Have You Ever Wondered What You Will Be? is a book that’s near and dear to my heart. It is the kind of book that I would have loved to read when I was a little girl dreaming of becoming a ‘rhymer of rhymes’ one day.
This book aspires to motivate its young and young-at-heart readers to look deep within themselves in order to find their passion and discover their true calling, to aim high and pursue their dreams, to be brave in the face of adversity, and to envision success while acknowledging that mistakes, failures, and setbacks can happen—and most importantly, to get back up when life knocks them down.
For every young reader out there, I hope this book will inspire you to find your passion—what you love to do—and encourage you to look to the future with anticipation and confidence. To those who dare to dream and follow their dreams with the exuberance of a child, no matter what phase in life you are in right now, this book is for you.
~Junia Wonders
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Reviews:
“[…] beautiful package of lovely rhyming prose, absolutely stunning artwork and sage advice. […] This book is just a joy to read. The writing, illustrations, layout, and colouring are simply superb. […] Read this book with your child, give it as a gift or keep it in the library. It will give wings to the hopes and dreams in each child’s heart.” -Betty Yu, Reviewer
“[…] a masterpiece of inspirational messaging and stellar illustrations! […] This intelligent and stunning book must be seen in a physical copy… It’s too magnificent to be enjoyed on a screen alone. […] I predict that I just read a future classic – 5 Stars PLUS!” -Stephanie Grayson, Reviewer
“Thought-Provoking, Empathetic, Realistic and Imaginative […] An excellent book that focuses on career aspirations and invites kids to think about what is right for them. […] I recommend this book without hesitation.” -Suzy Davies, Children’s Author of Luna the Moon Pig
“This book is brilliant. […] The story is magical […] The artist is a true master in bringing characters to life.” -Leslie, Reviewer
“The poetry is pleasant and easy to read. The illustrations are beyond beautiful. The message is both positive and whimsical. […] This book is a cut above the rest, and I would highly recommend it.” -HCH, Reviewer
“Wonderfully inspiring story for children, with amazingly beautiful illustrations […] inspiring for children regarding following their dreams in life, whilst recognising that it won’t all be plain sailing and that there will be a need to show resilience and perseverance along the way.” -Ellem, Reviewer
“A whimsical, engaging, beautifully illustrated celebration of imagining the future—obstacles and all.” -Kirkus Reviews
“Have You Ever Wondered What You Will Be? by Junia Wonders shares the positive message with children that they have a world of opportunity ahead of them. […] Spark the imaginations of young ones by sharing with them the inspiring, aspirational message found in the captivating, perfect-for-reading-aloud children’s book, Have You Ever Wondered What You Will Be?” -Dave Allen, Indies Today
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This book is also available in Italian.
Foreign rights sold: Romania (Editura Univers)