Oh, The Things I Can Be When I See Me is a children’s educational picture book written by Valerie J. Lewis Coleman and illustrated by Natasza Remesz. Samara and Lyric love staying overnight with their grandmother, MeMe. MeMe always encourages the two cousins to think about what they want to be or do when they grow up. There are so many different options and opportunities available to them, and MeMe has inspirational stories to share about women who had those same dreams and aspirations and saw them bear fruit. Samara and Lyric can choose a life as an artist, dancer, doctor, engineer or lawyer -- to name just a few. The sky is the limit for them, and knowing that there are women of color doing what they dream about right now makes that future seem so much closer. Coleman includes a list of discussion questions for kids to think about their own hopes and aspirations for the future. She also gives young readers a word search puzzle containing career titles to hunt for and provides a list of the women discussed in the book with links to relevant sites. She wants young girls of color to ask themselves: What’s your goal? And how are you going to reach it?

Along the way, Samara and Lyric -- and young readers -- learn about the many opportunities open to young girls and are exposed to the stories of powerful women who have achieved so much. This book offers a wealth of information for educators and parents to share with their children. I especially appreciated the links at the back of the book which enable readers to learn more about the women discussed in the story. While I was familiar with a number of the women highlighted, I appreciated having access to additional information about them and discovering new heroes to read about as well. The word search game is particularly useful for familiarizing kids with career options and interests. Oh, The Things I Can Be When I See Me is highly recommended.

Cousins Samara and Lyric visit their grandmother, Meme, for a weekend of fun and educational bonding. This little story is inspired by black females who excel in their respective fields. The two young girls talk about the endless possibilities of what they could become and what they could achieve. Grandma Meme listens to them with genuine interest and affection. For every activity that the girls do, Grandma Meme inspires them by dropping in an example of a woman of color who made a difference in that particular art or discipline. Meme, as the family’s senior matriarch, serves as the mirror that explores African-American representation.

Valerie J. Lewis Coleman pens an imaginative story about dreams and growing up in Oh, The Things I Can Be When I See Me. Readers will find themselves playing along with Samara and Lyric. A sense of belonging pervades among the characters. The thematic thread that holds this children’s book together is that you can be whatever you want to be and no one can stop you from achieving your dreams. These may sound like typical words of inspiration, but there is no doubt that Coleman succeeds in encouraging her young audience to dream and do. Oh, The Things I Can Be When I See Me is a delightful homage to growing up, imagination, and a tribute to heritage.