Read through this list of facts to see if you can guess the mystery author’s name.
Born on October 23, 1959, this American singer, songwriter, parodist, record producer, satirist, actor, voice actor, music video director, film producer, and author is known for his humorous songs that make light of popular culture and often parody specific songs by contemporary musical acts.
Since 1976, when his first comedy song aired, he has sold more than 12 million albums!
Between 1976 and 2017, he has recorded more than 150 parody and original songs.
He has performed more than 1000 live shows.
His works have earned him four Grammy Awards and a further 11 nominations, four gold records, and six platinum records in the United States.
Any guesses?
About two weeks ago, friends of mine sent me a lovely message on Facebook telling me they are enjoying my book reviews and have checked out some of the books from their library. Then, with one question, they sent me falling off the side of my chair.
“We wondered if you ever reviewed a picture book by Weird Al Yankovic.”
HUH? WHAT? Weird Al Yankovic writes picture books? Seriously? This I’ve GOT to see.
I hopped over to Amazon, read the glowing review, read the first pages Amazon shares, laughed like crazy at the brilliant humor, placed my order, and checked my mailbox twice every day until the package arrived.
OMG! This guy knows how to write entertaining, rhyming picture books both kids and their parents will love!
Without further ado . . .
Title – When I Grow Up
Written by – Al Yankovic
Illustrated by – Wes Hargis
Published by – scholastic – 2011
Suitable for ages – 3-7
Topics – rhyming text, a child’s humorous career plans.
Opening – I waited so long for the hours to pass, but soon it was noon there in Mrs. Krupp’s class. And Thursday at noon, as I’m sure you know well, is the time of the week when we do show-and-tell.
And this week the subject–so special to me–was “When I grow up, what am I gonna be?” That’s something I’d really been thinking about, and I just couldn’t wait to let all those thoughts out.
Amazon’s Review – View it HERE. Grammy Award-winner and pop culture icon “Weird Al” Yankovic delivers his first picture book, bringing his trademark wit, wordplay, and silliness to a story that explores the timeless question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Funny and charming, this is a celebration of creativity and possibility.
An Amazon Best Book of the Month! “The farce and parody make this a rare book with appeal to both kids and adults” (Booklist).
It’s Show-and-Tell time in Mrs. Krupp’s class, and Billy just can’t wait for his turn! Today the class is discussing what they want to be when they grow up, and our exuberant eight-year-old hero is bursting to tell everyone about his future career plans.
In dazzling wordplay and delicious rhymes, Billy regales his patient teacher and amazed classmates with tales of the variety of careers he wants to pursue—each more outlandish and wildly imaginative than the last!
Why do I like this book? Honestly, if a book makes me laugh a lot, the author has won me over. And I received a laugh out loud moment on every page. Bravo, Al Yankovic!
The imagination of Billy, the main character, goes well beyond that of a typical child. Billy is a boy with BIG dreams for his future, and he’s not about to settle for a boring career. From dreaming of becoming the greatest chef in the world who makes such tantalizing (and strange–unless you’re pregnant) dishes such as Twinkies au gratin and candied pigs’ feet topped with shrimp-flavored lollipops, he also dreams of becoming a snail trainer, giraffe milker, and a gorilla masseuse for starters. And if you aren’t laughing hard enough, Wes Hargis’s give the text an added zing with his witty and imaginative illustrations. I could go on, but best you check out his one to see why I love it so much.
Learn more about Al Yankovic HERE.
Watch a YouTube video interview with Al Yankovic on The Today Show HERE.
Watch another YouTube video from an interview on Conan HERE.
The two picture books Al Yankovic wrote are When I Grow Up and My New Teacher and Me!
Leslie Leibhardt Goodman 
Weird Al Yankovic has written a kid´s book. That´s great! He is one versatile and clever fellow.
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Like I said above when I heard he had written two picture books, I all but fell off my chair. Al Yankovic knows how to deliver humor.
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I’ll admit I didn’t know who Al Yankovic was. But, his book is a kids dream. What a hoot!. Looks like a great gift book. I enjoyed the links your share.
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Having watched his parodies of some of my favorite songs, I was somewhat surprised to learn he had written picture books. Then, figuring that comedy is his strong suit, I had a feeling the books would deliver many laughs. I was right.
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I had no idea he wrote picture books – and this one seems sure to entertain both kids & the adult readers.
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I only found out he wrote picture books two weeks ago. What a pleasant surprise!
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