  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 12/15/2015 This picture book takes a close look at community helpers, inviting readers to identify what profession a helper holds based on what that person does with his or her hands. Double-page spreads tease the reader with jaunty rhymes describing the work, which is revealed when the page is turned. The illustrations hold hints as well: a potter’s hands are shown shaping clay, a farmer’s collecting eggs from a hen house, and a cook’s rolling dough, just to name a few. Moreover, care has been taken to ensure that people of all ages, races, and genders are depicted doing the work—sometimes solo, sometimes in pairs or teams. Beyond the content, the text is linguistically complex and fun, helping readers to build vocabulary with words associated with the professions. At the end, readers can learn more about the book’s 11 community helpers with brief profiles offered for each profession. An engaging, well-executed resource. - Copyright 2015 Booklist. School Library Journal - 01/01/2016 K-Gr 3—Paul and Powell have created an interactive rhyming gem: a guessing game with verbal and pictorial hints praising workers from a variety of fields. The recto of each spread features images of hands, which pop against white backgrounds, and a hint about which job is being described ("These hands help us keep the peace./Hold yours up, it's the…"). Readers turn the page for a full-color illustration revealing the occupation. Children will learn about farmers, cooks, police, scientists, potters, news reporters, mechanics, architects, referees, physicians, and teachers. These discoveries lead to the final spread, which expands the game to the thoughtful question, "What could your hands do?" At this point, an airplane pilot and astronaut are added to the picture, suggesting that when it comes to selecting a career, the sky is the limit. The back matter includes insightful explanations of the featured workers' duties. VERDICT A well-organized and attractive look at careers.—Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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