School Library Journal Review

Gr 1-3-These easy-to-read books explain what these professionals do, where they work and with whom, what training and skills they need, what tools and equipment they use, what problems they face, and how they help society. In addition, children aspiring to a particular career are also advised on what they can do now to help prepare for it. The books end with labeled, full-color photos of the professionals' tools and clothes, workplace, an account of an average day, and several interesting facts. Librarians is a bit dated; the first half of the illustrations show libraries with card catalogs and sign-out circulation cards. Later, in the tools and equipment section, it says that librarians use scanners to check out books and computerized catalogs to look things up. The training section states that "School librarians also need a degree in teaching," when requirements vary from state to state. Another puzzling sentence maintains that librarians "protect information about history and literature." In all three selections, the clocks illustrating how the professionals spend their days lead youngsters to believe that the workday begins at 6 a.m. Despite the generalizations and oversimplification, the titles all feature copious color photos with clear captions, large print, and clear organization. Libraries looking for simple, attractive books on careers may want to consider the latter two entries.-Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.