Animal Wrangler

Gr 1–3—Engaging preludes and stunning photographs will entice readers to explore these intriguing jobs. ("The night air is crisp. But you stay warm inside your soft sleeping bag. A wolf howls… a lone moose bellows.") In Scuba Diver, there is work for scientists who "study the underworld," as well as construction workers, rescue teams, and mapping experts. While the photos often depict beautiful settings, the jobs are not romanticized and safety training is emphasized. Vocabulary words are in a contrasting color and defined in the glossary, but matching the text to the photos provides a good deal of context. Titles don't shy away from technical terms, such as stalactites (hanging rock formations), prescribed burns (planned fires), or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Images include relevant tools and clothing needed for work tasks. At the end, readers can imagine themselves doing the job by responding to five questions related to the text. Each title mentions a noted person in the field, such as Deanne Shulman, who, in 1981, became the first woman smokejumper.