10 Picture Books About Careers
It’s important for children to learn about the world of work — the kind of jobs there are and why people take the jobs they take — so they begin to get a sense of the opportunities that will be there for them in the future. It can also be fun to talk to your child about their interests, skills, and talents and think about the different kinds of jobs that exist and how those jobs might connect with these interests and skills. In this way, they can be exposed to new and different career paths, the people in those jobs, and imagine what it might be like to do that work.
The podcast “Jamming on the Job” explores many different careers. While touring the country, musicians Christina and Andrés meet people with interesting jobs requiring important life and learning skills, such as empathy, problem-solving, and the ability to pay attention and stay focused.
Listening to the podcast and reading picture books are ways for you to explore these important skills with your child. Stories in the podcast and books can show children how others might be feeling in different situations. Seeing things from other peoples’ points of view — and understanding why they feel their feelings — is important to many career paths! Picture books can also introduce children to characters who feel sure of themselves and are confident problem-solvers. Problem-solving needs creative thinking to find new ideas. Books about not giving up show children how being a person others can rely on, and looking out for others, are important to any career. And when things get tricky, believing in yourself and not giving up is important! Believing that you can get better (and make things in our world better) is a mindset explored in many picture books for children.
Listen to the “Jamming on the Job” podcast together as a family to learn more about the world of work, and the interesting people Christina and Andrés meet along the way. And then, check out a children’s book from the list below to continue learning and exploring what people do to help their communities and make a difference in the world.
Helping Hospital: A Community Helper's Book(opens in new window)
Learn about all the fantastic people helping others at the hospital, from those who help patients make it to their appointments and workers preparing healthy meals, to nurses and doctors caring for patients.
If I Were a Park Ranger(opens in new window)
Explore what it is like to be a Park Ranger with this story that takes readers to the mountains, lakes, volcanoes, and seashores. Learn how park rangers protect and keep parks, animals, tourists, and artifacts safe.
A Teacher Like You(opens in new window)
Teachers have a special way of knowing what a child needs to learn in order to do new things or make new friends. This story celebrates teachers and their impact in our communities.
My Community Mi Comunidad(opens in new window)
Kids can learn so much about their community just by taking a walk around their neighborhood. This book combines curiosity with songs in a way that shows kids how community helpers work together to keep neighbors safe — and help them thrive.
Ask a Veterinarian(opens in new window)
Learn how veterinarians solve problems to help keep our furry friends healthy and happy. This book helps kids make connections between how doctors care for humans and veterinarians care for animals.
Ask a Firefighter(opens in new window)
What makes someone a good firefighter? How do they bring confidence to their job of putting out fires? Find the answers to these questions and many more in this book straight from the fire station.
Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile(opens in new window)
Dorothy always wanted to be a librarian, but after moving to a town with no libraries, she has a huge problem to solve. She works with her neighbors to start a bookmobile that brings books to schools, farms, homes, and even to someone in the middle of a river!
Trombone Shorty(opens in new window)
Growing up in Louisiana, Troy is inspired by the music around him. He never gives up on his dream of being a famous musician. After finding an old broken trombone, he teaches himself to play, practicing night after night until he starts a band that eventually plays worldwide.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Picture Book Edition)(opens in new window)
Being an engineer means not giving up, even when things are hard. When a drought hits William's village, he spends his days at the library learning how to build a wind turbine. After collecting scraps at the junkyard, he works to bring electricity and clean water to his village. This children’s book brings to life a remarkably true story.
Dressing Up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head(opens in new window)
Learn about the world of fashion and costume design in this biography of Edith Head. Even though she didn't know how to draw sketches or sew costumes, Edith followed her dream of becoming a costume designer. She didn't let her beginner skills hold her back, even when she met problems or people who told her that she wasn’t doing a good job. Be inspired as you read how she pushed through setbacks and negative feedback.
Continue learning about interesting careers by listening to the “Jamming on the Job” podcast on the PBSKIDS.org website, the PBS KIDS Video App, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Author: 
Jamming on the Job is a multi-generational podcast from PBS KIDS! Join Christina, Andrés and their magic Boombox as they travel the country, meet fascinating professionals, and create unforgettable songs about the world of work.