You Can Be ABCs
What’s inside...
Based on the empowering viral video rap by six-year-old Sam White and his dad, Bobby, as seen on The Ellen Show, this book explores various careers from A to Z. It encourages kids to follow their passions and put their heart into everything they do. The alphabet book of careers covers options from A for architect to Z, warning against becoming a 'zombie' and letting life pass by. Illustrated by Robert Paul Jr., the book celebrates every child's potential to achieve their dreams.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Robert Samuel White Ii
Discussion points
What do you think you can be when you grow up after reading 'You Can Be ABCs'?
Which job in the book sounds the most exciting to you and why?
How do different people in the book help their community?
Can you think of a job that starts with the first letter of your name?
Why do you think it's important to have different kinds of jobs in the world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in various roles and discuss the skills and education needed for each.
Relate the jobs in the book to people your child might know or jobs they see in daily life.
Use the book as an opportunity to discuss the value of all jobs and how they contribute to society.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of what they want to be, using letters from the book as inspiration.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empowerment through aspiration
Explanation: The book uses the alphabet to introduce different professions, showing children that they can aspire to be anything from an astronaut to a zoologist.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their dreams are valid and achievable, encouraging them to explore a variety of career paths and interests from an early age.
Example Lesson: Diversity and inclusion
Explanation: The story features characters of various ethnic backgrounds and abilities, demonstrating the importance of representation and acceptance in everyday life.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand and embrace differences in people around them, fostering an inclusive attitude towards peers from diverse backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Building self-esteem
Explanation: By associating positive traits and ambitious careers with each letter of the alphabet, the book nurtures a positive self-image and confidence in personal abilities.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to see themselves in successful roles, which boosts their self-esteem and motivates them to pursue their full potential.
Example Lesson: Learning the alphabet
Explanation: Each page of the book is dedicated to a letter of the alphabet, linking it to a positive word and career, which helps in letter recognition and phonetic understanding.
Real-World Application: This direct association between letters and words aids in enhancing literacy skills, making learning to read a more engaging and enjoyable experience for young children.
Example Lesson: Importance of education
Explanation: By connecting each letter to a different profession, the book implicitly teaches the value of education and knowledge in achieving life goals.
Real-World Application: Children understand the role of learning in reaching their career aspirations, highlighting the importance of staying curious and embracing educational opportunities.