When I was little, I loved imagining what I’d be “when I grow up.” Some ideas were easy to picture. Others, not so much. One year, I announced to my mom that I wanted to be a nun and have lots of kids. (To be fair, I went to Catholic school, so in my mind nuns were basically teachers.) My mom smiled, listened, and later helped me name what I really meant. I loved teaching, and I loved being around children.
That memory is part of why I connected right away with Little Girl, Big Dreams by Svetla Altevs. It’s a sweet, rhyming picture book that invites girls to imagine all kinds of futures, from creating art to exploring space.
Little Girl, Big Dreams
Svetla is also a dear friend, which makes this story feel even more personal. She wrote it as a new mom, hoping to raise a daughter who is brave, curious, and sure of her own worth. Honestly, that’s the kind of message every child should hear early and often.
Why “Dreaming Big” Matters in Early Childhood
Early childhood is full of wonder. Kids ask big questions, pretend with confidence, and try on new roles without worrying about what’s “realistic” yet. That changes when they start picking up limits from the world around them.
That’s why career exploration in the early years matters. It’s not about asking a 4-year-old to choose a career. It’s about giving them language, examples, and permission to imagine.
Books like Little Girl, Big Dreams support confidence in a simple way. They show girls in many spaces, like science labs, art studios, classrooms, hospitals, and more. Seeing girls belong in those places sends a steady message: I can belong there too.
Career-themed read-alouds also lead to great conversations, the kind that fit naturally into daily life:
What do you enjoy doing?
Do you like helping people, building things, or creating?
What feels fun to learn about?
These chats don’t need to feel like a lesson. They can happen during storytime, pretend play, or while you’re building block towers on the living room rug.
Careers to Explore From Little Girl, Big Dreams
Below are a few careers inspired by the book, plus simple, low-prep activities for home or the classroom.
🍎 Teacher
Teachers help others learn, grow, and believe in themselves.
Mini Activity:
Invite your child to write (or dictate) rules for their dream classroom. Don’t be surprised if “snack time” shows up more than once.
Reflection Prompt:
“What is something you like teaching other people?”
🚀 Astronaut
Astronauts study space, ask big questions, and explore the unknown.
Mini Activity:
Make a paper rocket using construction paper, foil, and tape. Bonus points if your child names the mission.
Reflection Prompt:
“If you went to space, what would you want to find?”
🩺 Doctor or Nurse
Doctors and nurses help people feel better and care for their bodies.
Mini Activity:
Create a “Kindness Badge” or a Helping Hands chart. Track ways your child helped someone this week.
Reflection Prompt:
“How do you feel after you help someone?”
🎨 Artist
Artists share ideas and feelings through drawings, paintings, sculptures, and more.
Mini Activity:
Ask your child to draw their dream art studio. What would they keep there, paints, clay, markers, glitter everywhere?
Reflection Prompt:
“What do you like to make the most?”
Creativity Art Supplies Kit for Kids
🏗 Engineer or Builder
Engineers and builders solve problems and make things that help people.
Mini Activity:
Use blocks, LEGO®, or recyclables to build a brand-new invention.
Reflection Prompt:
“What problem does your invention fix?”
Magnetic Blocks Magnet Building Toys
One Book, So Many Possibilities
What I love most about Little Girl, Big Dreams is how easily it fits into real life. It supports play, talk, and creativity. It doesn’t push kids toward one path. It opens doors and lets them choose which ones they want to look behind.
If you’re a teacher, homeschool parent, or caregiver looking for meaningful ways to build confidence, this book is a lovely place to begin. Read it together. Talk about the dreams that come up. Then try a simple activity or two.
Because when we tell children they can dream big, we’re also telling them they are capable, important, and full of possibility.
Have you asked your child what they want to be when they grow up lately? Their answer might be funny, thoughtful, or totally unexpected.
If your little learners enjoyed career exploration with Little Girl, Big Dreams, I’ve put together hands-on activities that keep the conversation going through art, play, and reflection.
Wonder Sprouts Learning TPT Store
Welcome to Wonder Sprouts Learning, your go-to spot for fun, engaging, screen-free printables for kids ages 3–12. Whether you’re a teacher, homeschool parent, early educator, or caregiver, you’ll find activity books, chore charts, trip guides, planners, and more. Everything is made with real classroom and caregiving experience, to help learning feel like play. New resources are added often, so check back or follow the store for updates
