When I was five... the only food I ate was buttered pasta.

Now that I'm 18... I eat almost anything!

My First Day

When I was five, letters looked like puzzle pieces. I struggled to read my first book. Now I read thick textbooks every day. Little Simon pointed at a word. "C-A-T. Cat!" he shouted proudly. Big Simon clapped. "That's exactly how I started! Now I read stories about science and history." Little Simon's eyes grew wide. "Will I read big books too?" Big Simon nodded. "You definitely will."

Learning to Read

When I was five, I loved building block towers. They always fell down, making me giggle. Now I build computer programs. Little Simon stacked blocks high. "Look! It's taller than me!" Big Simon helped steady it. "When I was your age, my towers fell all the time. But I kept trying." Little Simon grinned. "Did you get better?" Big Simon winked. "I never stopped building. I just build different things now."

Playing Together

When I was five, I wondered what being grown up would be like. Now I know it's pretty amazing. Little Simon sat beside Big Simon. "Will I be tall like you?" Big Simon put his arm around him. "You'll grow and learn so much. But you know what? I still remember being five, just like you are now." Little Simon smiled. "That's cool!" Big Simon nodded. "Being five is special. Enjoy every moment."

Growing Up

A little gap in the teeth, freckles on face

A 5 year old boy with fair skin, a little gap in his teeth, and freckles on his face

Simon (5)

Simon (18)

A book I'm giving to a five year old kindergartener about when I was five and compared to now