I Like Animals...What Jobs Are There?

Gr 2-5–Learning about careers is fun, entertaining, and exciting in this quick glimpse into 25 occupations that require interactions with animals. Along with the more commonly known vet and zoologist, Martin also describes many lesser-known jobs (pet portrait artist, animal actor agent, stable manager, and pet adoption counselor). Each profile features a condensed treatment that shows what a workday could look like. The author explains the pertinent skills, training, personal characteristics, or knowledge needed to be successful. Asides point out the best and worst aspects of each job. The positioning of the numbered paragraphs, which varies between page layouts, sometimes disrupts the flow of the first-person narrative. Blefari’s cheery artwork is full of different shapes and colors and equally portrays men and women in various jobs. Compared to the height of the binding, the illustrations are small, but animals and people are everywhere. End pages patterned with animal footprints nicely fit the book’s subject matter. An interactive appended guide allows readers to match their personalities, interests, and skills with possible occupations. It’s surprising how much is packed into this slender volume.