School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3Three books about careers that feature readable and interesting texts that will be useful for reading aloud and assignments. The author discusses a routine day and gives brief explanations of required training and education. Special illustrated sections on tools, equipment and/or clothing, and brief histories are included. While similar in format and content to the "I Can Be" (Children's Press) and "What's It Like to Be" (Troll) series, these books will be more appealing and useful to younger children because they include clearer full-color photographs and have livelier texts. They do not include the specific details of the "I Want to Be" series (Harcourt), but they will satisfy the information needs of the intended audience.Ann M. Burlingame, North Regional Library, Raleigh, NC (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Each of these books takes a look at the daily activities, skills, and training needed for the six professions. Readable texts and full-color photographs featuring workers of different races and both genders combine to create simple, upbeat introductions. Appended are brief notes about changes each career has experienced over time, as well as a list of relevant clothing and equipment needed. Glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Gr. 3^-4, younger for reading aloud. From the If You Were . . . series, these books offer young children glimpses of careers. In Ballet, Schomp describes the hours of practice at the barre as well as the moments of glory on stage. She introduces styles of dance, key words and phrases, the dancers' clothing and accessories, and a few highlights of ballet history. Worker emphasizes the variety of jobs available in construction (backhoe operator, ironworker, electrician, plumber, etc.) and what these workers build, including highrises, houses, highways, bridges, dams, and tunnels, and at the opposite end of the process, what's involved in demolition work. Pages showing highlights in construction history (pyramids, Empire State Building), workers' clothing and tools, and vocabulary round out the volume. Both books are strictly overviews; the information provided is sketchy. However, the clear writing and the colorful photos will appeal to many children. Check the Series Roundup for volumes on the astronaut, firefighter, police officer, and veterinarian. --Carolyn Phelan
