“What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a question that we love to ask our students. But, what are their options? Check out these career books for kids to inspire them to be anything they want when they grow up!
I’m sharing all of these books on video as well! Check out the Career Books for Elementary Students on my Youtube channel.
This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
Career Books for Kids
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
Ada Twist’s head is full of questions. Like her classmates Iggy and Rosie, Ada has always been endlessly curious. Even when her fact-finding missions and elaborate scientific experiments don’t go as planned, Ada learns the value of thinking her way through problems and continuing to stay curious.
Ada Twist, Scientist encourages STEM, girl power and women scientists in a rollicking celebration of curiosity, the power perseverance, and the importance of asking “Why?”
Career Day by Anne Rockwell
A picture book classic helping kids begin to explore careers.
On Career Day, the children in Mrs. Madoff’s class take turns introducing special visitors. Every visitor has something interesting to share, and together the class learns all about the different work people do, from writing books, to working in construction to being a veterinarian.
Ellie Mae Dreams Big! by Kristina McMorris
“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
At the teacher’s all-important question, Ellie Mae’s mind swirls with ideas. An astronaut or a chef? Better yet, why not an astronaut-chef? Since the moon is made of cheese, her galactic grilled-cheese sandwiches could be known throughout the universe! Or . . . she could be a ‘ballerina-painter,’ creating masterpieces while leaping across the stage.
In the end, there are so many options, Ellie Mae fears she can’t possibly pick―until the answer dawns on her. What she chooses will surprise her classmates as much as the reader!
What Shoes Will You Wear? by Julia Cook
Former school teacher, Julia Cook, knows exactly how to talk to kids about careers!
What Shoes Will You Wear? has to make the list of best children’s books about careers because of all the opportunities for kids to imagine future jobs, learn about career clusters, and think about embracing their natural personalities in their future careers.
When I Grow Up by Al Yankovic
In a super funny and silly way that has always been Weird Al’s signature, When I Grow Up teaches kids to bring their imagination to the world of work. Software Engineers didn’t exist 50 years ago, so why couldn’t whatever amazingly creative idea kids have today really exist in the future?
Bonus: It’s always fun to find a book you and your kids will laugh through!
Get the read aloud lesson plan for When I Grow Up here!
What Do You Do with an Idea? by Kobi Yamada
This is the story of one brilliant idea and the child who helps to bring it into the world. As the child’s confidence grows, so does the idea itself. And then, one day, something amazing happens. This is a story for anyone, at any age, who’s ever had an idea that seemed a little too big, too odd, too difficult. It’s a story to inspire you to welcome that idea, to give it some space to grow, and to see what happens next. Because your idea isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s just getting started.
I’m Going to Be a Princess by Stephanie Taylor
What will Maya be when she grows up? A rocket scientist like Annie Easley? An Olympic athlete like Alice Coachman? A brain surgeon like Alexa Canady?
In this heart-warming and funny story, Maya discovers the achievements of some amazing Black women . . . but it’s a brave Nigerian princess who really captures her imagination!
Someone Builds the Dream by Lisa Wheeler
This is an eye-opening exploration of the many types of work that go into building our world–from the making of a bridge to a wind farm, an amusement park, and even the very picture book that you are reading. An architect may dream up the plans for a house, but someone has to actually work the saws and pound the nails. This book is a thank-you to the skilled women and men who work tirelessly to see our dreams brought to life.
Listen on the Podcast
Save these Career Books for Kids
Be sure to save this pin to your favorite read alouds board on Pinterest! You’ll be able to come back to these career books when you are ready to read them aloud with your students.
