When I Was Older is a fun and insightful story picture book that sparks wonder about humanity’s past and encourages respect for its future.
In When I Was Older, eight children wonder what life was like in different eras throughout history. The children take turns recounting past lives in rhyming passages, taking readers on an exciting journey through a Malian marketplace, an Indian kingdom, a Polynesian island, and more. Along the way, readers are introduced to a broad array of topics in science, literature, and world history.
I am looking for a diverse group of illustrators to bring this story to life. Through collaborative effort, we can make this story special. Each passage will be illustrated by a different artist, bringing a unique feel to each character. If you identify with any of the characters below, especially if you come from the same background, please reach out. I would love to create with you!
Inti
The Builder
Inti is an indigenous Peruvian boy who imagines himself as a builder of Machu Picchu during the Inca Empire. This passage’s imagery includes the Andes, a solstice festival, and of course, Machu Picchu.
Youssouf
The Merchant
Youssouf is a black Malian boy who imagines himself as a merchant in the great city of Timbuktu during the height of the Malian Empire. Imagery includes the vast Sahara desert, a bustling marketplace, and a stand full of fine goods and metals.
Frances
The Programmer
Frances is a white American girl who imagines herself as one of the four programmers of the world’s first computer. Imagery includes the programmers and the computer they created, as well as advancements in computer technology since.
Ibn
The Scientist
Ibn is an Iraqi boy who imagines himself as a scientist during the Islamic Golden Age. Imagery includes a lab, as well as simplified diagrams explaining how we see colors.
Lakshmi
The Queen
Lakshmi is a South Asian girl who imagines herself as the queen of the Kingdom of Travancore in the 1800’s. Imagery includes festivals, newly developed homes with tiled rooftops, and coffee fields.
Emma
The Leader
Emma is a Mexican-American girl who imagines herself as a labor rights leader in the early 1900’s. Imagery includes pecan fields, picket lines, and other community members.
Alexander
The Scholar
Alexander is a black Egyptian boy who imagines himself as a scholar in the Library of Alexandria. Imagery includes the library, as well as the story of Odysseus slaying the cyclops.
Chantal
The Dreamer
Chantal is a Polynesian girl who both starts and ends the story. She poses the initial question that sparks the other kids’ imaginations and gives the book an inspiring conclusion. Imagery includes the island of Raiatea, long boats traveling through the Pacific, and a sunset at the beach.
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Rob Holland 