Book 1 of the “When I grow up” Series
WHEN I GROW UP, WHAT WILL I BE?
Discover the magic of being yourself. A sweet journey through the many things you can become, and the one thing you should never forget to be.
Recommended for ages 2-8. Perfect for bedtime and classroom read-alouds.
What if the most important thing you could “be” wasn’t a job at all?
Every child is asked the same big question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Usually, the answers are simple: a doctor, an astronaut, or a chef.
In this heartwarming, imaginative story, one little boy dreams of various exciting careers. Along the way, his parents share a life‑changing message: your worth isn’t defined by what you do, but by who you are.
Through gentle rhymes and vibrant illustrations, ‘When I grow up, what will I be?’ shifts the conversation from success to character. It focuses on “who you are” over “what you do” and serves as a gentle reminder that your worth does not come from a uniform or a paycheck…but instead comes from being true to yourself practicing kindness, and finding happiness in your own heart.
Because the most important thing you can ever “be” is true to yourself and HAPPY.
No matter what job your little one decides to pursue, this book is a gentle reminder: they are capable, they are loved, and they are already enough.
Look inside the book
Preview of the front cover of the children’s book “When I grow up, what will I be?”. © 2026 Moonbeam Learning Studio. 
Preview of the back cover of the children’s book “When I grow up, what will I be?”. © 2026 Moonbeam Learning Studio. 
Preview of a page from the children’s book “When I grow up, what will I be?”. © 2026 Moonbeam Learning Studio. 
Preview of a page from the children’s book “When I grow up, what will I be?”. © 2026 Moonbeam Learning Studio. 
Preview of a page from the children’s book “When I grow up, what will I be?”. © 2026 Moonbeam Learning Studio. 
Dedicated space to capture memories and remind your little one how much they are loved. 
Listen along to a beautiful lullaby for a calm and connected bedtime routine.
Why parents & Educators love this book
Builds emotional intelligence and inner confidence
Moves the focus from achievement to authenticity. Perfect for families and educators who value social‑emotional learning, growth mindset, and emotional intelligence. This story helps relieve the pressure children often feel to “perform” for adult expectations.
Encourages children to value empathy, curiosity, and internal happiness over external status or titles.
A keepsake to treasure for years
Give the gift of encouragement and the reminder of unconditional love. This book is designed to grow with your child. It includes a dedicated space for a handwritten note, a place to document your child’s dreams and what character trait you love about them year after year, and a message of unconditional love they can return to again and again.
Perfect for keepsakes, preschool graduation, kindergarten graduation, back-to-school, baby shower gifts, and birthday milestones.
Perfect for bedtime bonding (with a multi-sensory experience)
The printed versions of the book include the full lyrics to the lullaby “Sweet Dreams, Little Snowflake” by Grace & Alex Fincher / FOXRUN. Families can listen along on Spotify for a calming, connected nighttime routine.
Great fit for classroom libraries
Written for Pre‑K–2nd grade.
Supports SEL and growth‑mindset goals to reinforce self‑identity, self-worth, and emotional intelligence.
Perfect for circle time with rhythmic, soothing read‑aloud style keeps young children engaged.
Includes a free printable discussion guide to help teachers extend the lesson with reflection questions and simple activities.
Melodic rhyming journey and hand-illustrated art
A soothing, rhythmic read‑aloud that encourages learning to read paired with vibrant, hand‑drawn illustrations.
Bulk/wholesale pricing available
Perfect for Pre-K or Kindergarten graduation gifts for the whole class, or to ensure every classroom in your school has a copy.
Reviews
This is a truly touching children’s book that gently reminds young readers what really matters. Its message about choosing kindness and finding happiness in who you are (rather than what you become) is both refreshing and deeply meaningful. The story encourages kids to dream freely without the pressure of defining themselves by a career, which feels especially important in today’s world. Warm, reassuring, and beautifully told, it’s the kind of book that stays with you long after the last page—one both children and adults can learn from.
— Sam Tuescher, WI
Reading this book to my son feels like a special way to connect and remind him that he is always deeply loved. I love its positive, encouraging message that who we are matters more than what we do and that true happiness comes from being ourselves, which are values I hope to instill in him as he discovers who he is. My son also loves the rhyming and colorful illustrations!
— Erica Shey, MA
Laura’s passion for helping children stay curious, build confidence, and grow emotionally truly shines through. Her artwork in “When I grow up, what will I be?” is stunning, with several thoughtful hidden tributes to her family woven throughout the pages. I especially love that she included a page for parents to reflect on their own child’s dreams—it adds such a meaningful and personal touch.
— Brittany Turner, TX
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laura Teichen is a children’s author and illustrator who creates gentle, emotionally supportive stories that help young readers feel seen, safe, and deeply loved. She writes with a focus on curiosity, confidence, and connection; inviting children to explore their inner world with warmth and wonder. Her husband, Alex, is her biggest supporter and helps brainstorm ideas and refine each story.
Laura is the founder of Moonbeam Learning Studio LLC, where she develops children’s books, homeschool curricula, and educational media that nurture self-worth and joyful learning.
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHORS
In a world that focuses on doing, it is easy to forget that who we are is what matters. Our hope is that as you and your little one explore these pages and listen to the accompanying lullaby, you find a moment of true connection. We want every reader to know that while you are capable of achieving anything, your greatest success will always be found in your kindness, your curiosity, and your own unique heart. Because the most important thing you can ever “be” is true to yourself, and that is where real happiness begins.
SERIES: COMING SOON!
When I grow up, what will I be? is just the beginning of our journey. Moonbeam Learning Studio is excited to announce two upcoming titles in this series that once released will continue to explore character, belonging, and the magic of being yourself:
- Book 2: When I Grow Up, Who Will I Be? (coming Fall 2026) – A celebration of character and soul.
- Book 3: When I Grow Up, Where Will I Be? (coming Winter 2026) – A journey of belonging.
SPECS
| Feature | Details |
| Age Range | 2-8 |
| Reading Level | Pre-K to Grade 2 |
| Series | When I grow up (Book 1) |
| Format | Paperback and Glossy Hardcover |
| Length | 28 pages |
| Trim Size | 8.5″ x 8.5″ |
| ISBNs | 979-8-9951934-1-8 (paperback) 979-8-9951934-0-1 (hardcover) |
| LCCN | 2026906088 |
| ASIN | B0GY3WZLVZ |
| Publisher | Moonbeam Learning Studio LLC |
| Publication Date | May 2026 |
| Wholesale Availability | Yes (IngramSpark) |
Copyright © 2026 Moonbeam Learning Studio LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, adapted, modified, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means, whether electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the publisher, except as permitted by applicable copyright law. Credits: Text and story written by Laura Teichen and Alexander Teichen. Lullaby: “Sweet Dreams, Little Snowflake” words and music by Grace Fincher and Alex Fincher. © 2023 FOXRUN. Used with permission. Illustrations (Dedication and Authors’ Note): “Sun, Moon, and Snowflake” and “Geometric Moon and Snowflake” by Cory Frenette. © 2025 Inked By Cory. Used with permission. Author photo by Victoria Reynolds. © 2026 Victoria Reynolds Photography. Reproduced with permission. All other illustrations © 2026 Moonbeam Learning Studio LLC. This book is a fusion of human storytelling and AI-assisted artistry. The watercolor illustrations were co-created using a custom-tuned Google Gemini Storybook Illustrator Gem. Laura utilized the Gem to translate specific emotional themes from our prose into high-resolution visual prompts, ensuring a consistent aesthetic that honors the heart of the story. All illustrations were finalized by Laura by hand using watercolor brush pens, watercolor pencils, and mixed media with further artistic enhancements.