Work: An Occupational ABC

PreS-Gr 1—Using imaginative illustrations and rich vocabulary, Hatanaka introduces children to exciting future careers. The book features an occupation for each letter. However, these are no ordinary jobs; they are often adventurous. Readers won't find that "B" is for baker in this book. Instead, they will find that "A is for Aviator," "N is for Naval Architect," and "X is for Xenologist." There is a "want ad" section of the book that shares a small amount of information about the various occupations. More information in the section would have been helpful, especially in explaining what a horticulturalist does, for example. The sophisticated illustrations pair nicely with the content. The colors are muted and have plenty of detail for kids and parents to pore over; the xenologist illustrations are particularly imaginative. Adults looking to share a worldly ABC book full of high level vocabulary will enjoy this fun read.—Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH