(4) K-3 Archaeologists, mechanics, gamers, and more: girls can be "anything in the world!" declares Brazilian author/illustrator Ferrari in this earnest ode to girl power. While the translated text describing each occupation (and later, each character attribute) is unremarkable, the inclusive illustrations--which show a young business owner in a headscarf, a wheelchair-using musician, and a diverse cast of other girls--make the feminist message even more powerful.

Reviewer: Erica Wetter

(3) YA Pham, founder/CEO of women-centered online platform Mogul, dishes on her success in this pep-talky self-help book for teens. The workbook-like volume includes lists, activities, and writing prompts. Pham's tone is chatty and infectiously positive as chapters ranging from fashion to finance to failure mix personal anecdote, practical business skills, inspiration, and feminism. "Mogul mentor" inserts offer additional advice. Young women will learn to set their sights high.

Reviewer: Erica Wetter

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lorian Tu-Dean. Common fashion maxims are spun into rhyming messages of empowerment emphasized by mixed-media illustrations of girls playing joyously while they explore different potential occupations. "You can be brave dressed in reds or in blues," reads the text while the pictured girls pretend to be a firefighter and a police officer. A clever and original take on the ubiquitous girls-can-be-anything picture book.

Reviewer: Erica Wetter

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ellen Shi. This poetry compilation explores the many different adults one might find in a school--teacher, librarian, nurse, custodian, etc.--each with his or her own poem and spread. With both rhyming and free verse from fourteen different poets, the collection is nicely varied. Shi's soft, full-bleed digital illustrations complement the verses well. A great way to introduce brand-new students to different people in their school.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(2) K-3 This tall, narrow picture book opens as a new keeper arrives to take up his duties at a remote lighthouse; it ends with his departure, automation having made his job obsolete. In between we are treated to a series of snapshots of lighthouse-keeper life--a mix of routine and excitement. Blackall's gorgeous illustrations provide both homey detail and spectacular scenery. An extensive and lively author's note is appended.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2018

(3) K-3 Winner of two Caldecott Medals and numerous other awards, the renowned illustrator publishes her first solo book. As Zoe dreams of growing up to be an archeologist, scientist, firefighter, and other pursuits, she works to quiet a negative inner voice that continually questions her aspirations ("That's silly, said the voice"). Soft, earth-toned, neatly framed illustrations depict both child and adult Zoe following her passions in the well-meaning story.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(4) PS A double-decker bus travels around Letter Town seeking (in alphabetical order) rotund, cartoon-style letters representing a variety of letter-associated occupations, objects, actions, etc. Endpapers provide a key to each spread's picture puzzle. For an extra challenge, a second visual narrative involving a robber (R) is woven throughout. Although the rhyming text is occasionally forced, the playful illustrations should appeal to young search-and-find enthusiasts.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Elise Peterson. A gorgeous docu-collage of colorized black-and-white photographs shapes a radical vision of racially and economically diverse motherhood. The text riffs on how "mamas use their bodies to care for their babies in so many ways" as images show working women throughout the twentieth century: stay-at-home moms, feminist activists, business executives, house cleaners, and even erotic dancers. The message is powerful but may be more for mamas than babies.

Reviewer: Robyn Bahr

(3) K-3 Illustrated by G. Brian Karas. On Friday nights, a young boy accompanies his father to his job cleaning a school. While the book quietly highlights their loving bond, it is loud in its admirable message that not everyone's job or home life is the same. The poetic text combines with the mixed-media illustrations' inspired use of light throughout to create a dreamy atmosphere.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff. Written by a cohost of The View, this picture book reframes the question "What will I be?" to focus on service careers. Crossing the city, a father shows his uncertain daughter teachers, garbage collectors, military members, firefighters, journalists, librarians, and finally her mother--the mayor. The serviceable digitally colored illustrations match the book's clean didacticism, and the useful message is clear and accessible.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) PS From an African American female CEO to a male nurse, McDonagh's stereotype-defying acrylic illustrations present a balanced mix of gender and race in this diverse and inclusive alphabet book of careers. With three to four careers per letter, the book features traditional jobs (doctor, teacher) alongside less-conventional gigs (ventriloquist, hot-air balloon pilot). An encouraging spin on a classic topic that's sure to give children a sense of possibility.

Reviewer: Erica Wetter

(4) K-3 Earth Detectives series. Olson's cursory introductions to different earth-science disciplines first define each field, then shift to discussions of the scientific research and methods used. One famous historical scientist is always profiled, then the laboratory and field work of today's practitioners are described; accompanying photographs feature the landforms and earth materials discussed plus important scientific tools. Back matter offers career advice and tests readers' comprehension. Glos. Review covers these Earth Detectives titles: Exploring Earthquakes, Exploring Fossils, Exploring Minerals, Exploring the Rock Cycle, Exploring Volcanoes, and Exploring Weather.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Earth Detectives series. Olson's cursory introductions to different earth-science disciplines first define each field, then shift to discussions of the scientific research and methods used. One famous historical scientist is always profiled, then the laboratory and field work of today's practitioners are described; accompanying photographs feature the landforms and earth materials discussed plus important scientific tools. Back matter offers career advice and tests readers' comprehension. Glos. Review covers these Earth Detectives titles: Exploring Earthquakes, Exploring Fossils, Exploring Minerals, Exploring the Rock Cycle, Exploring Volcanoes, and Exploring Weather.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Earth Detectives series. Olson's cursory introductions to different earth-science disciplines first define each field, then shift to discussions of the scientific research and methods used. One famous historical scientist is always profiled, then the laboratory and field work of today's practitioners are described; accompanying photographs feature the landforms and earth materials discussed plus important scientific tools. Back matter offers career advice and tests readers' comprehension. Glos. Review covers these Earth Detectives titles: Exploring Earthquakes, Exploring Fossils, Exploring Minerals, Exploring the Rock Cycle, Exploring Volcanoes, and Exploring Weather.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Earth Detectives series. Olson's cursory introductions to different earth-science disciplines first define each field, then shift to discussions of the scientific research and methods used. One famous historical scientist is always profiled, then the laboratory and field work of today's practitioners are described; accompanying photographs feature the landforms and earth materials discussed plus important scientific tools. Back matter offers career advice and tests readers' comprehension. Glos. Review covers these Earth Detectives titles: Exploring Earthquakes, Exploring Fossils, Exploring Minerals, Exploring the Rock Cycle, Exploring Volcanoes, and Exploring Weather.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Earth Detectives series. Olson's cursory introductions to different earth-science disciplines first define each field, then shift to discussions of the scientific research and methods used. One famous historical scientist is always profiled, then the laboratory and field work of today's practitioners are described; accompanying photographs feature the landforms and earth materials discussed plus important scientific tools. Back matter offers career advice and tests readers' comprehension. Glos. Review covers these Earth Detectives titles: Exploring Earthquakes, Exploring Fossils, Exploring Minerals, Exploring the Rock Cycle, Exploring Volcanoes, and Exploring Weather.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Earth Detectives series. Olson's cursory introductions to different earth-science disciplines first define each field, then shift to discussions of the scientific research and methods used. One famous historical scientist is always profiled, then the laboratory and field work of today's practitioners are described; accompanying photographs feature the landforms and earth materials discussed plus important scientific tools. Back matter offers career advice and tests readers' comprehension. Glos. Review covers these Earth Detectives titles: Exploring Earthquakes, Exploring Fossils, Exploring Minerals, Exploring the Rock Cycle, Exploring Volcanoes, and Exploring Weather.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Pebble Plus: An Astronaut's Life series. Rustad uses short, simple sentences appropriate for beginning readers in her cursory explanations of what it takes to become an astronaut (Becoming) and the daily activities of astronauts on space stations (Life). Full-page photographs show modern astronauts training in planes and underwater, and in space conducting scientific experiments--though familiar needs such as eating, bathing, and sleeping receive more attention. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Pebble Plus: An Astronaut's Life titles: Becoming an Astronaut and Life in Space.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Pebble Plus: An Astronaut's Life series. Rustad uses short, simple sentences appropriate for beginning readers in her cursory explanations of what it takes to become an astronaut (Becoming) and the daily activities of astronauts on space stations (Life). Full-page photographs show modern astronauts training in planes and underwater, and in space conducting scientific experiments--though familiar needs such as eating, bathing, and sleeping receive more attention. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Pebble Plus: An Astronaut's Life titles: Becoming an Astronaut and Life in Space.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Nicole Tadgell. In this empowering story, Annie (illustrated with brown skin and dreadlocks) is preparing for Career Day. The book's title lets readers know Annie's ambition, but her family members each speculate on their own; Grandpop surmises, "I bet you want to be a reporter like me," etc. Annie's revelation ultimately delights everyone. Notes about real women astronauts and moon facts are appended. Reading list, websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler