How It All Began

The concept for the WantsToBe series began when illustrator Carol Stevens told bedtime stories to her youngest son. He would pick two animals, and she would make up a story about them—ending with a mash-up of the two animals. He loved those stories, and they were so hilarious that Stevens wanted to share them with more children.

She approached author Valerie Harmon, and together they began writing and illustrating stories about animals who imaginatively solve their problems through hard work and sacrifice.

Many readers find the endings unexpected. There are plenty of children’s books that conclude with a “be happy with who you are” message—and those are wonderful stories with an important lesson. But the WantsToBe series is different.

These books are about working toward a goal, achieving it, and becoming more than we were before. Of course, none of us actually turns into a different animal after reaching a goal—that’s simply imagination at work. But when we struggle and sweat over something meaningful, we grow into a person who is no longer the same. And that’s a good thing. We want to be improving, progressing, and solving problems—and we want our children to do the same. Plus, mash-up animals are funny!

“Lately,” Harmon explains, “I’ve been working through some hard things, and I keep hearing the refrains, ‘Try it for a week,’ and ‘I’m not going to quit now,’ echoing in my head.” Surprised by how much the book’s message has affected her, she adds, “I hope this message touches our young readers the way it has unexpectedly touched me.”

Stevens and Harmon hope this series makes the children in your life laugh—and perhaps teaches them a deeper lesson about struggle and achievement. Enjoy!