For the child who says, “I want to be a SCIENTIST when I grow up!” And for any child who wants a gentle behind-the-scenes look at being a scientist. This Level One Community Helper story takes readers on a research boat to the North Pole, where they learn all about the different types of scientists they can be! 

When I take a trip to the North Pole with my Mom to study whales, I learn that are so many different ways to be a scientist. Did you know that there are meteorologists, zoologists, astronomers—and many more! Maybe I’ll be a scientist, too!

With this story blending narrative with nonfiction, readers meet the many different kinds of scientists who do so much to support our communities.

I Want to Be a Scientist is part of an I Can Read series that introduces young readers to important community helpers. This Level One I Can Read is perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts of Level One books support success for children eager to start reading on their own.

For anyone looking for books about community helpers for kids, the I Can Read My Community books are a great choice. The books are bright and upbeat and feature characters who are diverse in terms of gender, race, age, and body type. Kids ages 3-6 will enjoy finding out more about the people who do so much to help all of our communities.

Laura Driscoll is the author of many beginning-reader books, including I Want to Be a Doctor, I Want to Be a Pilot, and other books in this series. She lives in central Connecticut with her husband and two kids.

Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Catalina Echeverri now lives in London with her family. Catalina is never without her sketchbook. She particularly enjoys working on projects that make a positive impact on people’s lives.

Driscoll distills complicated ideas about science professions into simple sentences for understanding and readability. A good choice as part of a series that can help establish a core collection of early reader titles. — School Library Journal

An appealing choice from the My Community subset of the I Can Read series. — Booklist

Jaunty, stylized illustrations support the story’s upbeat tone. From patients and visitors to staff, character portrayal is diverse in terms of race, age, and body type. An informative beginning-reader story from the I Can Read! series. — Booklist

The illustrations are expressive, colorful and seem to flow through the different parts of the hospital... VERDICT: A solid addition prescribed for all beginning reader and community helper collections. — School Library Journal