Today's Version of Me

For my final project I decided to write and illustrate a children's book encompassing the aspects of this class that have really stuck with me. I wanted to find a way to approach the topic of change, most notably big life changes and individual changes, in a way that children could relate to. I chose scenarios such as new siblings, moving, starting school, parents divorcing, new friends, pets etc. and highlighted more subtle personality changes like new favorite foods, new dress up habits, and increased skills like reading. Coupled with this I really wanted to emphasize the fact that change is a part of life that we need to get used to, and that it doesn't have to be scary. I tried to approach this in ways that celebrate "today's versions" of ourselves - we are constantly changing, constantly evolving, and a lot of things are out of our control. But that doesn't mean that we have to constantly be mourning what our lives were or who we were before - quite the opposite. This is a celebration of who we are today because we can't predict what will happen tomorrow or how our lives will change, and how we will change in turn. Things may not go according to plan and we may come face to face with big lifestyle shifts that we didn't anticipate nor desire, but we can celebrate each new version of ourselves and acknowledge how the changes in our lives contribute to who we are today, right here and now. 

I attempted to upload the illustrated pages of the book, Today's Version of Me, but they are still rather small. In case you cannot read the story I've transcribed it: 

 Title Page

Page 1

The world is changing here and now- and it's changed many times before. And I am changing too it seems- I'm not the same person anymore.

Page 2

I was so terribly sad yesterday- but now I'm smiling with glee. My favorite food is Macaroni and Cheese- but tomorrow what will it be?

Page 3

I dress up as the Queen today- radiant with diamonds and pearls. But tomorrow I may want to wear big brown boots- and pretend that I'm a tough cowgirl!

Page 4

I was my mother's only child last year- but now I'm not alone. My baby brother's here to stay- and look how much I've grown!

Page 5

Because changes come behind us- and turn our lives upside down. But there's no reason to fear the change- because it will always be around. 

Page 6

I used to dread the end of summer- wanting to stay by the pool. But now I look forward to leaves changing- because that means I'm going to school!

Page 7

My father used to live with us- but now he lives by the park. But lucky for me he lets me jump on the bed- and eat ice cream way after dark!

Page 8

I'm different now than I was last year- and the year after that and the year after that. I'm older and taller and better at reading- and I even have a pet cat!

Page 9

I don't feel the same as I did yesterday- my life takes a million different turns. But my name's still the same and I think I'm OK- it's just something we have to learn.

Page 10

I may like a new food, I may have a new brother, I may change my costumes a lot. I may like my new school, I may have two homes, but that's just the life that I've got. 

Page 11

I'm still me, the same me that I've always been and the me I'll always be- but I'm proud of the changes my life has made that created...

Page 12

TODAY'S VERSION OF ME!