Work / Industry

Work It, Girl: Mae Jemison

Blast off into space like | Part of the inspiring Work It, Girl series, this eye-catching book tells the life story of Mae Jemison, who in 1992 became the first African American woman to go into space. It’s more than just a biography however, because it picks out ten lessons we can all learn from Mae’s life and apply in our own. These include the importance of dreaming big, of asking questions, and of never letting others’ opinions of you determine your future. It’s inspiring stuff, and cleverly laid out to be accessible and properly thought-provoking to all. A final page poses questions so that readers can think about what they’ve learned and how to use the information.

Work It, Girl: Michelle Obama

Become a leader like | Not only does this lively, smartly designed book tell readers lots about Michelle Obama’s story, it also conveys brilliantly her attitude to life and work, making it thoroughly inspiring reading. Beginning with a description of her schooldays, it lists the family members, people and events that shaped her early life, and the path that led to her becoming a top lawyer and influential First Lady of the United States. Her story reinforces her message that you can do whatever you want if you’re determined, focussed and confident in who you are and what you believe. A fascinating book with something to say to all readers.

Fantastically Great Women Who Worked Wonders Gift Edition

October 2019 Book of the Month | Here’s another inspiring, information-packed picture book in what’s becoming something of a series (see also Great Women Who Made History and Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World). It tells the stories of pioneering women who achieved amazing things, often in the face of prejudice or downright hostility from society. There are familiar names – Rosalind Franklin is included – plus lots that are lesser known, but just as fascinating: balloonist Sophie Blanchard for example, and Sarah Breedlove, beauty entrepreneur.  Their stories are told through lively, engaging text and pictures, it’s a treat to read.  Kate Pankhurst is something of a fantastically great woman herself, and there’s lots for all readers to marvel at and enjoy in this book.

National Theatre: All About Theatre

One of our Books of the Year 2015 - Julia Eccleshare's Pick of the Year 2015 - November 2015 Book of the Month  Bravo for this brilliant and inspiring book! It takes lots of different people with lots of different skills to put on a play, and in this book the team at the National Theatre explain just how it’s done: from script to opening night, taking in rehearsals, set making, make-up, lighting, sound and music, and more, they explain how their different roles and the work they do combine to create a magical theatrical experience. There’s a huge amount of information packed in, with quotes and comments from the professionals involved, technical information, stats and facts, and tips for you to try at home.  By the end readers will have a really good understanding of theatre and no doubt a burning desire to see more shows and to put on plays themselves. ~ Andrea Reece Also chosen by Andrea Reece as one of her Top Picks of 2015.

The National Archives: Shakespeare Unclassified

As the nation prepares to celebrate Shakespeare, 400 years on from his death, this book looks at the man behind the plays using original documents and historical artefacts. Items reproduced include the entry in the parish register that records Shakespeare's birth on 26 April 1564, a document from 1552 fining his father John Shakespeare for making a refuse heap in the street (he was a glove-maker and may have been using waste to soften the leather) and part of the first printed edition of Hamlet in 1603.  There is also the famous page from Shakespeare’s will leaving his wife Anne his second best bed, and an explanation as to why he might have done that! With contemporary paintings and drawings plus photographs of statues and buildings it’s attractive to look at and full of fascinating insight. ~ Andrea Reece

Doctor Academy

Handsomely presented and full of information, this is an excellent book for any young person interested in a career in medicine. It’s divided into three sections: People Skills – described as the most important part of any doctor’s work; General Practice, full of information on the body, the special terms and language doctors use, and ways diagnoses are made; Surgeon, which describes what goes on in a hospital, with detailed looks at X-rays and keeping germs at bay. ‘Students’ of the academy learn by completing sets of activities and there are interactive tests throughout as well as practical activities like wrapping a sprained wrist, or identifying bones on an X-ray. Once each section is complete, children add a sticker before graduating to the next task. Added extras include a press-out model of a skeleton.  ~ Andrea Reece One of a number of titles in the 'Academy' series.  To go to our special 'Academy' series category click here.

Pilot Academy

Well laid-out, and packed with information and interactive tests and activities to develop skills and understanding, this is just the book for anyone interested in becoming a pilot.  It will tell them everything they need to know about flying helicopters, jets and commercial aircraft, from what the controls on a helicopter do, to the make-up of a jet engine. There are practical projects to try and readers can make a rotocopter or a string radio, and work out how much fuel you would need to pilot a plane round the USA. Once each section is complete, children add a sticker before graduating to the next task. Added extras in this terrific book include a press-out and make model plane.  ~ Andrea Reece One of a number of titles in the 'Academy' series.  To go to our special 'Academy' series category click here.

Entrepreneur Academy

What Do Grown-Ups Do All Day?

Every day children watch parents head out of the door for the day to go to work. This eye-catching book shows them just what the grown-ups might be doing, illustrating fourteen different workplaces across stylish expansive pages. It starts with the familiar – what grown-ups do at school – then goes on to look at construction sites, hospitals, the farm, shops and more. There’s lots to look at in every spread and each of the grow-ups readers meet are then illustrated on the following page, with short sentences to explain what they do.  A handsome book that provides lots of information and lots for children to talk about. ~ Andrea Reece