Great job, Dad!

PreS-Gr 2--Mom works as a carpenter, but that is far from all she does! As a mom, she often works as a general, a curator, an archaeologist, a scientist, a Secret Service agent, a journalist, a zookeeper, a doctor, an actor, and a DJ. One job she does for her career, the others she does out of love. Dad is a manager by day, and a waiter, chauffeur, inspector, judge, computer engineer, librarian, pilot, architect, receptionist, and astronomer at other times. He does one job to pay the bills and the others out of love. These stunning similar, but stand alone, picture books set themselves apart from the crowd. The illustrations were created using an intricate process: First, the characters are carefully sculpted in wool and manipulated to show lifelike movement. Then, the figures are strategically placed in a movie-set-like with a scaled backdrop. Photography is then used to capture the magic. Each photo is a masterpiece in and of itself and will invite careful inspection. The championing of the efforts and loving dedication by the mom and dad depicted will make this especially appreciated by working parents who often wear a variety of hats. VERDICT Highly recommended for their masterful art and messages of appreciation and gratitude. Great choices to share at storytimes or as one-on-one reads for Mother's Day, Father's Day, or any day.--Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE