The Children’s Book Review | July 2, 2014
By Jess Rush; Illustrated by Kadet Kat
Paperback: 32 pages
Age Range: 4-8
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (April 30, 2014)
ISBN: 978-1496080356
What to expect: Careers, Alphabet, Rhyme, Diversity
The World is So Wide is an exploration of career possibilities in a picture book format with colorful illustrations. The author, Jess Rush, uses rhyme and follows the alphabet from A to Z to provide a list of jobs (Analyst to Zoo vet) meant to inspire young children and broaden their ideas of what the future could hold. Rush does a nice job, taking youngsters beyond the common suggestions of being a doctor, teacher, or lawyer. From the artsy to the mathematical, the jobs on the list will engage all kind of kids. A few examples: environmentalist, jazz musician, researcher, and sous chef. The career choice list comes to an end with perhaps the best message of all, self-acceptance:
“But no matter what you become, just be happy being YOU!”
The illustrator, Kadet Kat, has done a nice job of showcasing diversity by displaying many different cultures, skin colors and breaking the traditional gender roles—the illustration for “Homemaker” shows a father helping his daughter with her bike.
This is a book for children that like to use the statement “when I grow up” and for those that enjoy dreaming of the future. It could also be a useful tool in the classroom during a learning segment on careers—children would have fun coming up with their own A to Z list of jobs.
Add this book to your collection: The World is So Wide
About the Author
A first-generation college graduate, Jess Rush earned her undergraduate degree from Penn State with a focus on international business. She attended Purdue University, receiving an MBA with specialization in sustainability and operations.
Before business school, Rush spent a summer in Haiti, delivering shoes to those in need and creating a more efficient supply chain for urban water projects. In her free time, she writes children’s books, teaches yoga to children, hikes, and plays with her dog Sasha (who is also featured in the book) in Oakland, California.
*It is Jessica’s goal to donate 400 books in a year to schools and programs who need them. If you have a nomination or suggestion please contact her!!*
For more information, visit: jessrush.com
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