First-time authors Marika Pederson and Mikele Hall were inspired by their own children to create this picture book. Focusing on careers, they present a stereotype-free view of working moms and dads. Sixteen jobs are featured. Standard careers like police officer and letter carrier are both held by mommies in this account. Some more typically male jobs like farmer and bus driver are held by daddies, but so are more flamboyant careers like dance teacher and musician. Both male and female homemakers are shown. One mommy is a pilot and another a company president.

The illustrations by Deirdre Betteridge (illustrator of three other Annick titles) are soft, fluid, and colourful. There is a definite sense of whimsy in the artwork, which often presents an amusing, skewed perspective. Children will enjoy spotting the cat that appears in almost all the illustrations: reaching for the mouse on the architect’s computer, flopped in daddy-the-homemaker’s laundry basket, and stretched over mommy-the-fitness-instructor’s tape player.

While the content of this book is appealing, the flat prose lacks rhythm and pizzazz. Furthermore, the repeating line, “But there is always time for me!” may turn into a telltale taunt for the many overworked parents in today’s workforce who don’t spend enough time with their families. The politically correct jobs and the incredibly varied modes of transportation used in commuting to work (rollerblading, bicycling, jogging) result in a non-sexist, environmentally friendly view of the world that’s somewhat forced. Also, the images of women and men in all sorts of careers would project better models if more intriguing details were included about each job. The matter-of-fact statements don’t make any of the careers sound particularly appealing.