A JOB FOR KINGSLEY

Following on the heels of A Human for Kingsley (2023), this companion book follows the bushy-faced pooch as he looks for work.

Kingsley knows a job is a big responsibility, but he feels guilty when he sits in the comfortable chair at home and eats treats and plays with toys he hasn’t earned. After preparing a resume and indulging in a fragrant bath and luxurious blow-dry, Kingsley sets out, confident he’ll land something. He tries mightily, but he realizes humans are better at the jobs he applies for: waiter, florist, gardener, boutique worker, bookseller, department-store gift wrapper. What Kingsley really wants is a job at which he outshines everyone else. The sight of a small, familiar-looking girl on a bench makes Kingsley realize he already has an important job—one that only he can do. Young readers will be charmed by the sweet, deeply satisfying ending to this adorable Australian import. Like the first installment, this tale deals with genuine emotions and warm relationships. Readers will understand Kingsley’s thoughts through the kind, understanding voice of a droll, unseen narrator. Kingsley’s girl and other humans express themselves realistically and humorously, their dialogue rendered in different fonts and incorporated into softly colorful, delightfully expressive illustrations. Kingsley’s little girl is tan-skinned and curly-haired; background characters are racially diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Kids have a job: to read this book. They’ll be great at it, and they’ll love the work.