Picture books have a magical way of introducing young readers to the wide world of work. From real-life pioneers to whimsical role-players, they show that jobs aren’t just things grown-ups do—they can be exciting, creative, and even magical. This week’s Top Ten Tuesday brings together picture books that spotlight jobs across ten categories, from STEM superstars and artists to caretakers, everyday workers, and leaders. Whether at home, in the classroom, or during library storytime, these books inspire children to dream big about what they might grow up to be.

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For this week’s Top Ten Tuesday where the theme is, books with jobs in the titles!

Amazing Picture Books with Jobs in the Title

Note that not all of them are “real jobs,” but I wouldn’t mind having a job with a title like some of them for sure (whether real or not!!). Do have a read-through and let me know which of these jobs appeals to you, and add any jobs you would like to see books about, or if you know any books featuring other jobs, or any other jobs that you think should be real.

1. STEM Superstars

Jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math leap off the page in these inspiring reads.

• From Andrea Beaty and David Robert’s book series (and you will see a few more later in this post)
  • Ada Twist, Scientist
  • Iggy Peck, Architect
  • Rosie Revere, Engineer
• Ada’s Ideas: The Story of Ada Lovelace, the World’s First Computer Programmer by Fiona Robinson — Visionary ideas before computers existed.
• Emmy Noether: The Most Important Mathematician You’ve Never Heard Of by Helaine Becker — Math that changed physics.
• The Brilliant Calculator: How Mathematician Edith Clarke Helped Electrify America by Jan Lower — A pioneer in electrical engineering.
• Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer by Traci Sorell — Unsung Native American STEM hero.
• Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon by Kelly Starling Lyons — Architect of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
• Maryam’s Magic: The Story of Mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani by Megan Reid — First woman to win the Fields Medal.
• Nothing Stopped Sophie: The Story of Unshakable Mathematician Sophie Germain by Cheryl Bardoe — A determined girl who broke barriers in mathematics.

2. Word & Story Keepers

Jobs that preserve and share stories, words, and art.

• Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beaty. A boy who finds his voice through drawing.
• The Bookshop Girl by Sylvia Bishop — A whimsical tale of a girl who loves books.
• The Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen — A gentle lion finds his place in the library. A great job for literary lions!!
• Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise — First Puerto Rican librarian in NYC.
• Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton by Don Tate — An enslaved poet whose words broke barriers.
• The Power of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne by Lesa Cline-Ransome — First Lady of the Black Press.

3. Makers, Artists, & Inventors

Inventors, artists, and creators who shaped the world.

• The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons by Natascha Biebow — A colorful invention kids love.
• Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill — Art, resilience, and history.
• Marvelous Mattie: How Margaret E. Knight Became an Inventor by Emily Arnold McCully — Everyday essentials created by a brilliant woman.

4. Healers & Helpers

Those who care for others, from doctors to teachers to humanitarians.

• The Cat Man of Aleppo by Irene Latham and Karim Shamsi-Basha — The real story of a man who stayed behind in war to care for abandoned cats. Is it a real job? Maybe not, but the cat man definitely made it his life’s mission.
• The Librarian of Basra by Jeanette Winter. This librarian read is about a real-life hero – a courageous woman who saved books during war.
• Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year by Andrea Beaty. I want to be Lila Greer now!
• Patricia’s Vision: The Doctor Who Saved Sight by Michelle Lord. Inspirational read!

5. Artists & Performers

Jobs that bring creativity to life through music, movement, or design.

• Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins by Michelle Meadows — First African American ballerina at the Metropolitan Opera.
• Fancy Party Gowns: The Story of Fashion Designer Ann Cole Lowe by Deborah Blumenthal — Designer of Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress.
• Queen of Tejano Music: Selena by Silvia Lopez — Musician and cultural icon.
• Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe — A groundbreaking modern artist.
• RESPECT: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul by Carole Boston Weatherford. Love this bio of the legendary singer and performer.
• Song and Dance Man by Karen Ackerman. A joyous read that celebrates a life of joy and performance.

6. Everyday Workers

Ordinary jobs that keep the world moving, often overlooked but always important.

• The Paperboy by Dav Pilkey — Early morning dedication in a young worker’s life.
• The Jolly Postman by Janet & Allan Ahlberg — This one is delightful indeed, and a timeless treasure, even though the post-persons don’t deliver as much traditional mail as mentioned in the book nowadays.

7. Explorers & Adventurers

Dreamers, travelers, and pioneers who go beyond boundaries.

• Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist by Linda Skeers — Fossils, science, and adventure. Plus, The Shark Lady, The Fossil Huntress, The Leaf Detective, and The Watcher!! Another to read – How to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion
• The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon: The True Story of Alan Bean by Dean Robbins – art + science across boundaries.
• Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne. A lyrical picture book biography of the ocean explorer who brought the wonders of the sea to the world.

8. Caretakers & Nurturers

People who nurture communities, nature, and traditions.

• The Gardener by Sarah Stewart — A girl bringing hope through gardening.
• The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau — Generosity and warmth stitched into every quilt.
• The Poppy Lady — Educator who helped launch Memorial Day traditions.
• The Tree Lady — Environmentalist changing a city through trees.

9. Mythical & Magical Jobs

Jobs that live in the world of imagination and fantasy.

• Dragon Dancer by Joyce Chng — A boy brings the dragon dance to life. My detailed review here.
• The Emperor of Absurdia by Chris Riddell — A dreamlike world filled with imagination.
• The Grudge Keeper by Mara Rockliff — A whimsical story of holding and letting go, and one of my favorite reads.
• A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett — Playing the role of “princess” with dignity and kindness. Other books that I am reminded of – The Paper Bag Princess (adorable and so very wonderful!) and The Very Fairy Princess

10. Champions & Leaders

Athletes, presidents, and leaders inspiring kids to make a difference.

• Billie Jean! How Tennis Star Billie Jean King Changed Women’s Sports by Mara Rockliff — Trailblazer in athletics and equality. For more picture books about women tennis stars, check out this post.
• Billie Jean Peet, Athlete by Andrea Beaty— About marching to our own beat, in the very best ways!
• Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty — Community leadership in action.
• Kid Presidents: True Tales of Childhood from America’s Presidents by David Stabler — Leaders were once kids too. I’d be remiss not to mention the whole Kid Legends series! (Also, The Next President).
• Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — Soldier who honors service with dedication. For more on this book and other similar inspirational reads, check out my earlier post.

And Now, the End of This Post

So dear reader, as you can see, these picture books remind us that jobs aren’t just things people do — they’re ways of imagining, creating, sharing, and sometimes even laughing at life’s tasks. Whether it’s delivering mail, dancing with dragons, or designing gowns, these stories invite children (and grown-ups!) to see the magic in work. Which job-title book would you add to this list?