What We Wear When We Take Care
by Sarah Finan; illus. by the author
Preschool    Candlewick    32 pp.
6/24    9781536227703    $17.99

Safety equipment such as hard hats, helmets, and noise-canceling headphones take center stage in this dynamic picture book, which begins by asking, “What do we wear when we take care?” Each page features children or adults of various genders, skin colors, and abilities engaging in activities that require protective gear, whether those activities be construction work, skateboarding, or fighting fires. Finan explains in simple language why each piece of equipment is used and provides examples in different ­contexts—first on the job, then with a scene from a kid’s perspective. One double-page spread states, “Sometimes we wear goggles to protect our eyes from things that fizz, spark,” and features goggle-clad chemists and a welder at work. A page-turn shows two children snorkeling: “splish, or splash.” The action words used throughout the book are mostly in bold black type. A section on wearing masks “to protect from germs” depicts ­medical ­professionals and a school bus where most of the children are masked. The hand-painted, digitally colored illustrations are full of movement and primarily feature shades of blue with yellow as a vibrant accent color. The book ends with the question, “What do YOU wear to take care?” and an illustration showing three kids in protective garb. A fine introduction to the many ways we can stay safe.

From the ">September/October 2024 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.