Book Description

Full color, full-page photographs throughout and straightforward and engaging text, make the "I Want to Be..." titles are highly appealing and engaging for children.

Doctors, police officers and veterinarians are women and men from all cultures, working in a wide range of settings. The lives of these important people are depicted with excitement and realism with easy-to-read captions that are explanatory and informative without talking down to children.

Perfect for bedtime reading, quiet time, or group story times, the "I Want to Be..." books spark questions and conversation, and can prompt children to learn more about a particular occupation, while reinforcing the importance of aspiring to be their best. ... Read more

Book Description

Features such jobs as horse farm owner, veterinarian, exotic animal trainer, and bird handler/interpreter. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A great book
This is a great book! I've always wanted to work with animals and I wanted to explore some of the options. This book really helped show me what is out there! It showed how many different careers with animals there really are!

Cool Careers For Girls With Animals
When I got this book I thought it would be sort of like a dictionary telling you just a little bit like the job, but it wasn't. It was better! Cool careers for girls with animals told you about how it is being that job and the responsibilitys of it too! ... Read more

Book Description

Big Frank the firefighter, Officer Dave the policeman, Dan the construction worker, Captain Steve the helicopter pilot, and Joe the EMT-these are just some of the people a little boy pretends to be, using common household objects (and his little sister) as props.When he's fighting fires, serving and protecting, and rescuing people at sea, he's too busy to show Mom any affection. Still, she keeps reminding him that even these tough guys hug their moms. Eventually, even happily, the boy gives in. This lively picture book celebrates imaginative play and family togetherness as it pays a subtle tribute to today's heroes. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A must buy!
This is an excellent book. The wording and pictures are perfect for my 3 year old. he enjoys hearing and seeing the little boy pretend play all the different "hereos" with his little sister and mom. The book is not long or too short. It keeps his attention and sometimes helps him to fall asleep. I agree with the other parent, hoping that Maclean will publish another book soon.

Wonderful! Highly recommended.
My four-and-a-half-year-old son absolutely loves this book (and so do his parents!) The author has really captured the wonderful way in which children pretend to become firefighters, construction workers, policemen, etc...This book not only makes for great bedtime reading, it can also inspire your child's imaginative play during the daytime. The pictures captivate my son's imagination and encourage him to use different household objects when taking off for the moon or rescuing pretend pets from fires. I hope MacLean writes another children's book soon.

A real joy
This wonderful book offers a peek into the magical world of children's creative play. I love the tone, and all of the characters ring true. The mom is my hero -- I'm glad her patience and focus eventually pay off. The illustrations offer several "jumping off" places for conversations with the kids you're sharing the book with ("What does OUR vacuum cleaner look like?"). If you're lucky, you might even get a hug.

Enjoyable...and quite Memorable!
As an educational consultant for fifteen + years and former elementary teacher, I am awed by this delightful story and its engaging illustrations. Even Firefighters Hug Their Moms is charming, tender, and often amusing. Our six-year old daughter asked us to read it again and again, and eventually she read parts to us. When asked what her favorite parts were, she said "everything!" She'll often select this book to read at bedtime, months after first reading it. Even Firefighters helps open discussions of herorism and courage, jobs and the world of work, but it also allows parents and teachers to talk about caring for others. I'd encourage anyone who enjoys this delightful picture book to consider using some of the well-designed enrichment activities and lessons developed by the Family Education Network. They are free for downloading, and will enhance your reading and enjoyment of Even Firefighters. I commend Ms. MacLean and Mr. Reed on their creativity, and look forward to a sequel.

We all loved it!
We just received a wonderful book written by Christine Kole MacLean. ... There are so many children's books out there, but I have to say this one is truly exceptional. We all loved it! Thank you again! Signed, A five year old girl and her Mom. ... Read more

Book Description

A Children's Book-of-the-Month Club Selection.

A young child imagines that he is a firefighter, and narrates the action as the siren rings and the firefighters put on their gear, race to the scene, and save the day. Readers are taken on an exciting ride from the start of a fire to the suspense-filled finish. When his work is done, the young firefighter puts away his truck --until next time!

This book is just right for young readers: simple and accessible, yet chock-full of details, right down to the firefighter's fire-resistant pants and coat. Fire safety tips are included in the back.
... Read more

Reviews (2)

covers all the 'essentials'
...The illustrations are clear, and the text is in short sentences -- loaded with information without getting 'too much'. We also like it because it's real people, not animals, in the illustrations (Vs. Fire Fighter Piggy Wiggy for example). The story follows a boy as part of a fire company on the mission of fighting a house fire from alarm sounding to putting things away until next time. Our 4-year-old sons love to 'read' this book to each other -- great on car trips!

An imaginitive twist to the emergency vehicle story
A creative storyline and delightful, bold illustrations make this book a real attention-grabber. We now own a library full of fire engine books, and this is one of my 2-year-old's most beloved. The exciting details of a day in the life of a firefighter are told through the vibrant imagination of a young boy. A refreshing break from the anatomical-style vehicle books, yet just as exciting for my little guy. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Fire in Their Eyes
Karen Beil vividly describes the lives of firefighters in Fire in Their Eyes. Also she tells the reader about the dangers a fire fighter must endure when fighting a forest fire. Finally the book describes the different jobs of firefighters and their roles in extinguishing the fire. This is a great book for any one who is interested in becoming a firefighter and the vast amount of pictures make it easy to understand.

A riveting look at firefighting!A real page-turner!
Anyone who has ever wondered how forest fires are fought will find their answers here in this riveting look into the lives of "smokejumpers" and the fires they fight.The first-hand accountsgive the reader an up-close look at fire and the devastation it causes. Agreat book on an unusual subject- I couldn't put it down! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

A Kid-Centered Visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo
This Congolese market story introduces children to a village where peoples' lives are intertwined and their talents and services contribute to village life. The cause and effect trading process challenges children to follow sequence in an inventive and entertaining way as they ponder the meaning of value beyond money. Luzolo and Kiese show children how they can reach beyond their immediate desires to care for someone in need. Rich illustrations and a unique printmaking process make the brightly colored African clothing pop from the warm village backgrounds.

Beautiful images
The pictures are beautiful, vibrant. Quietly raucous story of commerce in a simpler place. Story is a little complex for 6 yr olds, maybe better for 8-9.

An Enchanting Tale
A delightful, engaging story that not only entertains but teaches children about the value of a true gift and about the lives of those from different cultures. The colorful illustrations are beautifully rendered and produced by a unique process. ... Read more

Book Description

An essential handbook for teens in all types of communities who seek part-time or seasonal work!Help prepare teens for the unfamiliar challenges of a job search with tips on interviewing, self-assessment and real life examples with simple lists of dos and don'ts.This practical guide is packed with useful insights and advice proven to be effective.

This second edition contains the most current resources, updated appendices, expanded chapters and new information, including where the best jobs can be found, keeping a good job, career guidance, up-to-date Internet resources, plus the most current annotated print resources.Also includes new federal and state employment infomation and regulations, and recent sample forms. A new appendix contains the websites for the largest employers of youth to aid teens in researching these organizations.Grades 6-College. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great Book!
This book really introduces teens to the idea of getting a job. Prevola and Hobgood are amazing writers. They should get an award! This book really moved me and made me think about the future and getting a job. If you decide to get this book you will not regret it!

A Great Resource
This book is easy to read and useful for first-time job seekers of any age. I have purchased several copies of this book for girls that I mentor.

A must-read for all young adults!
This is the most thorough, step-by-step book I've ever read on this subject. It is perfect for any young adult who wants to know how to get a job (that includes college aged men and women). This book provides a simple recipe on how a teenager or any young adult can go about getting a job.

The format of the book is setup so that it is easy to read. There are quotes and examples from people as well as check lists that make the book very interesting. I found myself thinking, "that's a good idea!" many times throughout the book.

My teenage daughter read it and followed the method explained in the book. She got three job offers for this summer in the first week. I was amazed because she has no work experience. Looking neat, being prepared, and showing a sense of responsibility go a long way to landing a job.

I can't say enough about how well organized and interesting this book it. Anyone who has a teenager or works with teenagers should buy this book! ... Read more

Amazon.com

When Maurice Duncan Marcela is born, everyone in his family is eager tosee what he will become. Secretly, they each believe and hope he will follow intheir own footsteps. Papa sees Maurice as a baker, like him. Mama notes hiswatchful eyes and is convinced her son will be a writer, like her. Uncle Eddieis sure Maurice, with his tapping toes, will join him as a taxi driver. As thebaby grows older, each of his relatives takes him into their worlds outside theapartment. And sure enough, he does love the smells and textures of the bakery,the activity of his mother's office, and the swirling streets from the window ofhis uncle's taxi. But the best feeling of all, every time, is listening to thesounds of the city. And one day, while Maurice is taking a bath, all thosesounds take shape in a song that rises from his throat in a rich, clear voicethat overflows into the kitchen where his family stops what they're doing andlistens. And finally they know: Maurice has something all his own, too.

Rebecca Bond crafts a lovely, gentle story about the joys and surprises offinding out who you are. Maurice and his family, in the "hot, bustling city"with its many fantastic details, will reach out to readers, inviting a lingeringvisit and offering plenty to think about. (Ages 5 to 8) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Tender multi-generational care for young life.
For any family who's ever experienced the joyful expectation of a newborn baby.... with all the hope and promise for the child's life.... there are 2 titles by Rebecca Bond that are SURE to please! The warm illustrations.... rooms full of books (and no TVs!).... and the tender multi-generational love for new life --- it doesn't get any better than this! JUST LIKE A BABY and BRAVO MAURICE are the perfect "snuggle up and read-to-me" books. A word of advice: Your budding artists will want to duplicate the bright colors, textures and patterns.... Bond's art is contagious, so have the crayons, paper & paints ready!

Reader from Baltimore
Bravo Maurice is as charming as Bond's last book, Just Like A Baby. The illustrations are similar and the story equally as sweet and touching. Bravo Maurice seems to be geared towards older children- the 7-8 age range, compared to her last book, which the younger kids liked. My family and I are fans of Rebecca Bond and look forward to her next book! ... Read more

Book Description

Testing the Waters: A Teen's Guide to Career Exploration has been created to help high school students prepare for future career and college goals.It is a directory of over 1,200 part-time and summer jobs, internships, volunteer opportunities, entrepreneurial ideas, educational programs, travel and adventures located throughout the United States and around the world and available specifically for high school students. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Feast of Information
Across from Emory University, in Atlanta, there used to be a store called Horton's. Over the entry were the words: IF WE DON'T HAVE IT, YOU DON'T NEED IT! The same could be said of "Testing the Waters." Ms Culbreath and Ms Neal have compiled a veritable feast of information for the career seeking teen. "Testing the Waters" is used frequently by the young people who frequent my study. It is extensive, accurate, and a veritable atlas of the roads to a successful career. The authors have done a wonderful thing in providing this tool. I cannot recommend it enough.

Great book on this subject
My teenage daughter has read several books prior to selecting a college and setting career goals. This is the best one of the bunch in my opinion. It is thoughfully prepared, user-friendly, and has some excellent information. Invaluable!

Book was extremely helpful
I bought this book for a friend's daughter who is getting ready to enter the workforce and she and her friends have found the book helpful.It has helped prepare them for a job, and give them a sense of what to exprect and how to develop skills needed. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Finally an age appropriate book about Presidents!
I am a Kindergarten teacher and I really appreciate having books to use that give accurate information on topics I teach. This book does a super job describing the responsibilites of Presidents. We are even told that not everyone will agree with the decisions that the President makes and that the President will not always agree with congress (veto). The kids loved the part where the President's dog is in the newspaper because she had puppies. The use of children in the illustrations was appealing to my students. Preschool, Kindergarten, First Grade teachers should get this book!

Informative and Fun!
This book is the perfect combination of fun facts and information about the office of the president. Students learn about our country at an early age, and this book is written in the right style to appeal to younger children. Easy non-fiction is the biggest trend in children's literature today, and this book is a wonderful example of it!

Excellent description of Presidential duties for the young
Ms. Stier presents a well thought out overview of the duties of the President of the United States. The descriptions are well suited for the young reader.

If I Were President
This charming book will delight children and it's fun for parents, too. It gives insight into everyday Whitehouse life while providing factual information. Maybe it will even inspire a future presidential candidate. ... Read more

Book Description

There is so much to see when Corduroy and his class go to the fire station. Children can peer under dozens of flaps in this interactive book to look at the equipment on pumper and ladder trucks and see the special suits that firefighters wear. And they can watch as Corduroy and his class learn how to stop, drop, and roll. Young readers will enjoy the cheerful artwork featuring hidden surprises as they learn about fire safety with their good friend Corduroy.

Illustrated by Lisa McCue.

Based on the character created by Don Freeman. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Based on the loveable bear character created by Don Freeman
Written by B.G. Hennessy and illustrated by Lisa McCue, Corduroy Goes To The Fire Station is a lift-the-flap interactive picture book which is based on the loveable bear character created by Don Freeman. Featuring an exciting tour of the resources used by emergency workers to protect and save lives, Corduroy Goes To The Fire Station is confidently recommended as informative and fun reading for curious young people. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

Ups and Downs in Growing Up
Janet McDonald has an excellent ability to capture the voices of young adults. She has written a book that adults can enjoy and young people can relate to. The plot was fast paced and the characters were well developed and the result was a satisfying and enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Complete review can be found on our website...

A Fun Story With a Moral That is Not Too Preachy
Keeba and Teesha Washington know that living in the projects is not easy. But they feel they have nowhere else to go and so they choose to make the best of it.

Twists and Turns begins with the young women having a party to celebrate their graduation from high school and the successes of their closest friends. Shortly after the celebration the girls are confronted with the question of their plans for the future. They don't have an answer.

They consider the routes their closest friends have chosen but believe those paths don't apply to them. A librarian who lives in the projects by choice suggests to the girls that they can use their hair-braiding talent to make a success for themselves without leaving their own community.

At first the girls are reluctant to take the idea seriously because of what it takes to get such a plan off the ground. But when a close friend agrees to provide the financial backing, the girls have no choice but to take the idea serious. And they do.

They discover that a lot of hard work is involved in becoming business owners and they are willing to put forth the effort. But they soon learn that even running a business has its obstacles.

While the girls try to drum up customers, a conflict emerges. The rumor that some of the housing project residents would be moved to make room for "outside people with money" becomes a reality. The residents of the housing project band together and have a march outside the mayor's office. The girls return with the other residents with a great sense of accomplishment only to find their business in shambles.

Once again the girls are faced with the question of what to do next. They consider giving up but are given an unexpected donation that helps them make up their mind and also helps them learn an important lesson.

strong inner city character study
High school is over for the teenage sisters Keeba and Teesha Washington. All their "adjective" friends are moving on from partying to adulthood while the two siblings remain clueless on Brooklyn benches. The duo feels talent-less and slinging burgers seems wrong for a high school graduate.

A friend persuades Keeba and Teesha that they have a talent that is hair braiding. Another friend floats a loan, and the sisters open up TeeKee's Tresses beauty shop. However, the slums of the Hillbrook Houses projects does not lend itself to a thriving business as the two young ladies cope with few customers, an unexpected rent increase and vandalism.

This is a strong inner city character study that uses street slang to provide insight into the life of a new high school grad struggling with the changes of adulthood. The two sisters, the support cast, and Brooklyn are well- written and believable charcaters whose message is to work hard on what one does best. However, though entertaining and teens will appreciate the novel due to the protagonists and their friends, the story line lacks a center so that it feels like electrons without a nucleus. Still high school students will enjoy the adventures of the Washington siblings.

Harriet Klausner ... Read more

Book Description

Let's meet people who make our communities cleaner, safer morepleasant places to live! This alphabet book includes such helpers as agricultural workers,firefighters, recycling workers and veterinarians. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Careers' Book!
Community Helpers is an extremely reasonably priced book that is packed with interesting information about many careers. The photographs of workers, enhance the details given about each occupation. As a teacher I was pleased to read the clear descriptions of so many jobs packed into one book! I recommend this book for all children thinking about their future and for the adults that are helping them to do this. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Pop Princess, Rachel Cohn's third novel, will no doubt please some American Idol fans, but it is bound to leave fans of her cutting edge debut, Gingerbread, cold.

Wonder Blake is a fifteen year old frustrated chanteuse, stuck dreaming her pop star dreams in a small sleepy Cape Cod town while mopping the floor of the local Dairy Queen. Enter Gerald Tiggs, or "Tig", as he is known in the biz, the former manager of Wonder’s older sister Lucky, who died tragically in a car accident two years earlier. Tig overhears Wonder wailing away on her Walkman at the DQ, and offers her a record deal on the spot. And the rest, as they say, is pure pop fantasy. Wonder vaults to insta-fame on the strength of her single, the appropriately titled "Bubble Gum Pop." In typical Britney/Christina fashion, she is tempted by drugs and alcohol, dissed by a famous diva, and caught between the boy next door and a mysterious stranger she meets on tour. All the while, Wonder longs for a return to the quiet life she used to have and the wise counsel of her beloved deceased sister.

Sound familiar? It should: Wonder’s story could have been lifted wholesale from just about any episode of VH1’s Behind the Music. What happened to the sly, sarcastic, hipper-than-thou-voice Rachel Cohn penned in her breakout hit Gingerbread? With Pop Princess, Cohn is in danger of losing her individual voice as much as her bubblegum snapping protagonist. Rather than breathing new life into a tired genre, Cohn’s conventional, lighter-than-air read will surprise no teen, and provide about as much escapism as a night in front of the tube with Randy, Paula and Simon.--Jennifer Hubert ... Read more

Reviews (20)

WOW
Just when I think I've seen or heard the best of Christy Carlson Romano, something like this hits the market.

First of all, it's a great story, but hearing it read by the incredibly talented Miss Romano makes it that much better. She gives life to each character like I've never heard before. Going from the main character (who sounds a little like Kim Possible - which fits considering they are around the same age), to her friend's grandmother (who sounds like the woman that lives downstairs from me), to a Brazillian (?) homosexual (who's accent is veddy gud). All this and an incredible singing voice too. Christy brings this book to life. You laugh, cry, hold your breath, get pissed off... right along with Wonder Blake, because you can't help but fall into the rythm of the book with Christy to lead the way.
It's a great, great story for all kinds of people. Christy fans, pop music fans, and Rachel Cohn fans will love this presentation of the story.
I definitely recommend it if you fall in one of those categories - I definitely recommend it if you don't.
Get the AUDIO CD - it's worth it.

Excellent
If you have read Gingerbread, you probably already like Rachel Cohn. But this book in my opinion is better then Gingerbread. The main character is very different from Cyd but you will definately like this book about Wonder Blake. A normal girl working at the Dairy Queen until she has the chance to become the pop princess to follow her sister that passed away's footsteps. She begins to think if this life is so much better then the normal relaxing life she once had.

POP PRINCESS..(TRUTHFUL)
I bought the book about a month ago. It was really good and I still catch myself reading it over and over. I love how the story took a average girl named Wonder, unlike most stories that put in a girl who's been singing and set her life to be a star since she was in diapers. Wonder like most people, can't wait to get out of her small town. In the end she realizes some people aren't always as they seem and that as much as she misses her sister and loved her, Wonder realizes she's her own person and has to find out who she really is. With love and heartbreak it told a tale of what really goes on in the music industry. She discovers secrets about her sister and that she should follow her way to superstardom.

Great!
Pop Princess is a great book! It probably won't be your favorite book, it's not touching or memorable or anything... but it's very entertaining and the characters are awesome. I love the plot. This was probably a little better than Guitar Girl becuase it's not as trashy, it is more interesting, and it actually has a good ending. Read Pop Princess!

not the best, not the worst
This book was better than Guitar Girl because it had a semi-happy ending. I liked the "Shades of Blonde" that divided it into parts. However, this book is not as good as How my Private, Personal Journal Became a Bestseller because I couldn't relate to Wonder. I felt like I was hearing her story from someone else, and not from her as it's supposed to be because it's in 1st person. ... Read more

Book Description

Revealing true stories about kids who have made paleo-discoveries and providing young readers with the tools necessary to make the next big discovery, this book shows kids how to collect, clean, and study fossil samples in order to develop and further their own research interests. Examples from the fossil record and the laboratory help to answer questions raised by bones and by movies about dinosaurs, such as Could a Velociraptor really open a door? Covering actual field and lab techniques, methods for developing scientific theories, information about summer dig programs, ways to incorporate fossils into classwork at school, and plans for a future in science, this book provides aspiring scientists with applicable and educational research tools. From figuring out whether a sample is an authentic dinosaur specimen to reading about discoveries made by other young paleontologists, kids learn how to become active contributors to the field of dino-study. Entertaining and realistic, this book includes cautions about safety, mentorship, and permission. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Best Dino book for kids ever!
My kids are 8 and 10, and they are both obsessed with Bones Rock! They love it for the awesome photos and the tips about learning to be paleontologists. I love it because they are learning the scientific method without even realizing it. I'm a teacher and I think this is one of the best classroom tools I've come across in a long time. Wow! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Working with Wildlife Charts an Exciting Career Course!
When young people begin to explore careers in the world of wildlife, this might be the best primer available.In Maynard's first step into exploring an exciting career working with wildlife, he has provided a comprehensive picture of just what that means.Through examples of researchers in Africato wildlife rehabilitators in Ohio, Maynard gives young readers a glimpseinto the diversity of opportunities out there.

Working with Wildlife is agreat addition to career guides for young people and should be on the shelfin every school library. It is exciting to read because of the numerousreal world examples of conservationists, researchers, zoo professionals,and educators and the dramatic color photographs.Maynard's writing styleis passionate and positive, generating enthusiasm for wildlife careers andencouraging readers to pursue their interests.

The book is loaded withsuggestions for further study.Maynard recommends steps a student canfollow to learn more about their interests.He has included everythingfrom additional readings and websites to colleges with wildlife programs.

No student should begin pursuing a career adventure in wildlife withoutthis wonderful guide! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Night Stalkers Special Operations Aviation
Should absolutely be "Required Reading" for all children whose Fathers are in the 160th. My grandsons "devoured" it in one sitting and learned things about their Father's job that he had never discussed with them. It helped them to better understand and accept his many and lengthy absences from home.

The writing is informative, concise and perfectly suited for youngsters. Chapters and photos are well-laid out. Kudos to the author! ... Read more