I Don't Want to Turn 3


Children - Preschool
32 Pages
Reviewed on 07/28/2021
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Birthdays – do we really want them? I mean, who wants to turn a year older? Especially when things are going so well at the age we are currently. As Jordan is quickly learning, approaching the age of 3, each year of our life we have more expectations placed upon us. Scary! And, sometimes, overwhelming! So, why not just stay the age we are and forget about those additional expectations? That’s what Jordan thinks. He doesn’t want to turn 3 and endure the added responsibilities his parents might enforce. You see, Jordan has a problem. He steals toys from his cousins and siblings and hides them in his room. Everyone is upset to lose their treasured possessions, but when they find them in Jordan’s room, on his birthday, they are even more upset. Dad formulates a family session to sort out the problem and teach Jordan and the other children that it’s not right to take what isn’t theirs to take, and sometimes it’s better to give than receive.

Gramps Jeffrey’s picture book story, I Don’t Want to Turn 3, is a clever way to teach young readers about responsibilities, telling the truth, and caring for others. The story follows Jordan as he approaches his third birthday and how he goes through a phase of taking things that aren’t his to take. Told in simple language with colorful illustrations to help carry the story along, young readers will instantly catch on to the issue of right and wrong as they, along with Jordan, learn some important lessons. Beautifully told and presented with valuable lessons for readers of all ages, specifically taking responsibility for our own actions.

Joy Hannabass

I Don't Want to Turn 3 by Gramps Jeffrey is a really cute story about Jordan, who is turning three tomorrow. But today Jordan is still a happy two-year-old because everyone in his family will let him have his way, simply because he is only two. Jordan does some pretty unkind things to his cousins and friends, like taking their toys and hiding them in his room, while he can still get by with it. At this point in the tale, Jordan is actually happy about his greedy actions. That is until, on the day that he turns three, one of his cousins starts screaming because she finds her shoes in the pile of toys in his room. Jordan has finally been caught, and his dad isn't happy with him. So for his punishment, he tells Jordan and his cousins what is to be done with every toy, including the ones Jordan gets for his birthday.

Author Gramps Jeffrey does a really nice job writing this adorable book. It teaches children the valuable lessons of responsibility, never stealing from others, and always sharing what you have. The illustrations on the cover and throughout this book are fantastic in bringing the words of the story to life before your eyes. This is a book you will want to read to your children over and over. I really think the lessons here in I Don't Want to Turn 3 by Gramps Jeffrey can be for any age, even adults, because sometimes we just don't want to share. I love that in the end Jeffrey weaves everything together and comes up with a conclusive ending that also starts a unique family tradition. Add this book to your child's library. I also think it would be an awesome addition to any class, school, or daycare library.

Shrabastee Chakraborty

Generally, children cannot wait to grow up and do all the grown-up things. However, 2-year-old Jordan is an exception. He doesn’t want to grow older as that would change a lot of things for him. You see, Jordan loves to play with his cousins, but he has a disturbing habit of taking their toys for himself and hoarding them. The distraught cousins cannot tell him anything. Jordan’s young age often saves him from severe repercussions. But what happens when Cousin Olivia spots her dancing shoes in his room? Find out in I Don’t Want to Turn 3, a picture book by Gramps Jeffrey.

Although the book resembles children’s literature, the valuable lessons it imparts would benefit readers of all ages. Gramps Jeffrey emphasizes how growing up does not necessarily mean increasing in age but growth in maturity level. Growing up implies that we should be able to take responsibility for our actions. After a certain age, we should learn to distinguish between right and wrong, too. At the same time, Jeffrey’s book teaches us that we should not be afraid of voicing our opinion if we ever feel hurt or deceived. I admired the poignant messages hidden in such a simple story. The eye-catching illustrations perfectly captured the essence of the book. While I Don’t Want to Turn 3 is a good book for a young audience, I believe parents should read it to youngsters and explain the lessons. I daresay many adults might need these life lessons, too.

Joanne Ang

I Don’t Want to Turn 3 is a short picture book story written by Gramps Jeffrey for young children. The story starts with Jordan who is turning 3 really soon, but he is not very excited to turn 3. In fact, he is very reluctant to turn 3 because, in his mind, Jordan is able to do anything when he is 2. Once he turns 3, his parents and everyone around him will have different expectations of him. That would suck big time! His fear of turning 3 led to a series of mischievous actions, but nobody would know, would they? Anyway, nothing bad ever happens to him when he is 2.

I Don’t Want to Turn 3 is a perfect depiction of what the average family goes through with a toddler in the house. The character, Jordan, showed the struggles and dilemmas that a child regularly faces while growing up. Gramps Jeffrey has successfully captured the natural human desire and instinct that is portrayed, even from a young age, to take whatever they like and keep it for themselves. I also really liked how Gramps Jeffrey incorporated the importance of helping others in need, as well as sharing with those around us. The wide array of characters of various ages also showcases the importance of this life lesson to people of all age groups, and it also heightens the complexity of the storyline. Moreover, I really enjoyed the colorful illustrations throughout the story, which intensify the moral behind this tale. I would recommend this book to young children for its valuable life lesson behind a very realistic and relatable story.