KIRKUS REVIEW
Children who like animals may find a new dream job in this informational volume.
A two-page introduction describes some basic “qualities and skills for working with animals,” such as “a kind, caring personality” and “a real passion to help them.” Each successive spread then introduces one or two jobs or careers, including the familiar neighborhood veterinarian, entomologist, and pet portrait artist, via a fictional representative’s narration. Each snapshot begins with an overview of why they came to this job and how they became qualified for it, continues with their daily tasks, and notes the “best” and “worst” parts of the job. A guide at the end helps readers trace their own skills, interests, and personality traits to find which jobs might be right for them. This oversized volume is attractively illustrated and represents a diversity of skin tones and hair textures. The thoughtful details about each career are helpful and thorough, and the first-person narration is inviting. However, the police dog handler’s job description will unsettle some readers: The dog is trained to apprehend “suspects by biting them on the arm and holding on until I give the command to let go,” a detail that won’t escape children who know incarcerated adults or who are already afraid of police—yet the woman of color who speaks says the hardest part of the job is staying fit to keep up with the dog.
An overall valuable volume with a major oversight. (Nonfiction. 8-12)