Review Detail

What Should I Wear To Work? (Mixed-Up Fashion)

Kids Indie 246

Whistle while you work... and get the right whistle!

January 05, 2024 (Updated: January 06, 2024)

Overall rating

4.3

Plot

4.0

Characters

4.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

A variety of characters all are starting new jobs, but are unsure what they should wear to work. A chef dons a tutu, but sets fire to it in the kitchen, a gardener wears a suit and heels that don't hold up well in the mud, and a ballerina struggles to pirouette wearing hiking boots and a pith helmet. Other professionals struggle as well, but luckily each facing page shows an assortment of the correct gear for each job. By the end of the book, all of the occupations have put on the appropriate clothing and are set to do their jobs.

Good Points

Majova's illustrations have a goofy, angular aspect to them reminiscent of pictures by Sid Fleischman or Tony Ross and Quentin Blake. This makes the inappropriate gear seem even funnier. There is a wide array of professions represented, and the gear associated with each includes not only clothing, but hats, undergarments, and accessories like make up. My only quibble with these would be the inclusion of nylons in the office worker's wardrobe; I'm not sure that anyone wears these, even in very traditional corporate settings.

Be aware that the is a European book, and it does not shy away from showing people in their undergarments. If Max's tighty whities in Where the Wild Things Are offended you, this book would not make you happy.

It is never too early to encourage young readers to explore the world of work! I'm a big fan of exposing children to a wide variety of employment opportunities. Supplement your career readiness book shelf with this more amusing title and shelve it alongside Lloyd's When I Grow Up, I Want to Be, McDonagh's The ABCs of What I Can Be, Gerry's 100 Things to Be When You Grow Up, and of course, the iconic Richard Scarry’s What Do People Do All Day? by Richard Scarry.