Tools
Any preschooler who loves exploring gadgets will be fascinated by this portrayal of the tools of ten familiar professions. Sets of tools, each clearly labeled, are presented on double-page spreads, followed by an illustration of a person engaged in that profession. Young children will enjoy touching and naming the various tools, as well as guessing, and then remembering, the profession that uses each tool set. Older preschoolers will be intrigued by comparing and contrasting similar tools (pinking scissors vs. regular scissors, adjustable wrench vs. open-ended wrench, etc.), and by talking about how each tool is used. The illustrations and accompanying print are large and clear, enhanced by backgrounds of interesting textures and contrasting colors. This is a perfect choice for both lap-reads and group read-alouds.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
If you have some clean paint brushes and a bucket, let children play "painters” by dipping brushes into a bucket of water and “painting” the sidewalk or steps. If you have a paint roller, someone can paint with that, too. Of course, the water will evaporate—but not right away. (Remember: to children, work seems like fun.)
Take turns in a group, having each person pretend to use a tool. (make a cutting motion with an index and middle finger as if cutting with scissors; pretend to saw by pretending to grasp the handle of a saw, and draw your arm back and forth as if cutting a piece of wood; etc.) Maybe you can have someone pretend to use a tool, and others can guess what tool that person is pretending to use. Then talk about what kinds of jobs those tools are used for.
At school, teachers could schedule a tool-themed show-and-tell, asking children to bring a tool used by a parent.
After reading the book, see if you can find any of the tools (only safe ones, such as paint brushes or cloth tape measures, please) mentioned in this book around your home or apartment, then ask the child if she/he can remember what jobs these tools are used for—or let the child point to the pictures of the tools in the book. If you have measuring spoons, you can play indoors taking turns with your child measuring teaspoons or tablespoons of water, then pouring them into a bowl. (You could also do this outside with water or sand.) After pouring the “spoonfuls” into a bowl, let your child stir the water (or sand) with a large mixing spoon, pretending to mix batter.