Who Will I Be?

The View cohost Huntsman makes her picture book debut with this well-intentioned though bland story starring Isabel, who’s crestfallen because she has no answer to her teacher’s question, “Who do you want to be when you grow up?” When Isabel shares her conundrum with her father, he asks, “What makes you happy?” and based on her reply suggests, “Maybe you want to be someone who helps people.” As they walk home, he points out such service workers as a crossing guard, police officer, librarian, garbage collector, and pastor. Some prosaic scenarios add to the book’s message: as a reporter interviews a fireman who’s rescued a kitten in a tree, Isabel’s father explains, “Journalists make sure we know what’s happening.” And after joining them, the girl’s mother, who “worked at the mayor’s office... because Isabel’s mom was the mayor!”, notes, “My job is to help the people of this city by listening to them and passing laws to make their lives better.” Chipper mixed-media pictures by Lew-Vriethoff (The Invisible String) give the story its oomph, illuminating its message about the rewards of helping others and the value of service workers. Ages 4–8. [em](Oct.) [/em]