Work Song

by Gary Paulsen, Ruth Wright Paulsen

People at work, doing things that are so essential to us all, are lyrically depicted in Gary Paulsen’s spare and elegant verse and Ruth Wright Paulsen’s richly textured oil paintings. This talented pair celebrates the work ethic with sensitivity and dignity--and reminds us of the quiet grace inherent in everyday lives. “The soft colors, spare text, and overall design of the book provide a song of praise to the unsung heroes in every child’s world and to the simple satisfaction of a job well done.”-- School Library Journal

Genres: Picture Books, Economics, Poetry, Childrens, Realistic Fiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1997

About the author

Gary James Paulsen was an American writer of children's and young adult fiction, best known for coming-of-age stories about the wilderness. He was the author of more than 200 books and wrote more than 200 magazine articles and short stories, and several plays, all primarily for teenagers. He won the Margaret Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 1997 for his lifetime contribution in writing for teens.

Reviews

[Josiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

We know Gary Paulsen as a novelist, but whenever he collaborates on a picture book featuring artwork by his wife, it's a sight to see. A passionate man who lives simply and loves the earth and its creatures in every form they take, Gary Paulsen has written a subdued celebration of teeming humanity in Worksong, an adoring ode to the daily labor that makes civilized life possible. Much as Richard Scarry did in his books from the 1950s through the '90s, Gary Paulsen distills delight from the diversity of activities surrounding us, seeing adventure in everyday jobs we take for granted. Whether it's a construction worker operating heavy machinery to dig the foundation for a building, a hospital nurse coaxing a nervous mother to remain calm as she enters childbirth, a farmer imperturbably plowing his fields to prepare for the planting season, or any of an unlimited array of other options for meaningful work, there's romanticism in our labor if we care to look for it. Helping us see that romanticism was the genius of Richard Scarry's picture books, and Gary Paulsen touches on the same worthy theme in Worksong.

The world can be improved in so many ways by the strength of our passion. People who love books and/or kids can be terrific librarians, connecting young readers with life-affirming literature they'll cherish their entire lives. The same is true of the server at the ice cream shop, scooping up cool treats with a cheerful disposition, making the customers feel welcome and at ease. There are also more spectacular occupations, such as diving undersea to explore the mysteries of aquatic life. As basic or sophisticated as you wish your job to be, you can attain it if you're willing to put in the work. But whether one's job seems world-changing or relatively nonessential, the melody of our worksong unites us at our cores. Our sincere labors are a global concerto we can be proud to contribute a few lovely notes to, a system of sharing our best and benefiting from the best of others to make this world a nicer place to inhabit. It's difficult to imagine a song much sweeter than that.

Gary Paulsen's poetic text dances divinely with Ruth Wright Paulsen's oil-on-canvas illustrations to convey this little book's message clearly and with obvious affection for mankind, shortcomings and all. Paulsen's writing routinely provides heightened perspective on humanity and the niche we've carved for ourselves in the natural world, and I always get something out of it. Worksong will never cease to be relevant for its reinforcement of those vital life lessons we can always benefit from learning one more time.

[Nichole · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I were still a high school English teacher, I would definitely use this book with "I Hear America Singing" and "I, Too, Sing America" as another example for them writing their own versions.

[Lizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book goes through the day and the many different jobs people have throughout the day. It begins with waking up early to tend to the farm, and goes all the way through, visiting the barber, the shoe store, a doctor, and even just being a parent. I think this book was great at identifying a variety of salient jobs for children. All the jobs the children are likely to have come across in their lives. Certain jobs can be further explored and discussed. The language is intermediate but could be adapted as necessary, and the illustrations provide clear visuals.

Theme: Jobs, People
Topic: Social studies- Economics

[Jugglerilluminati Ur Mom! · Rating 3 out of 5]

all jobs r special and contriboute to soiaety in suome waiye. lomynetrynkunfrmdse m9!!!!!!!!!11!1!

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

The publisher notes: "Gary Paulsen’s spare and elegant verse and Ruth Wright Paulsen’s richly textured oil paintings."

Both are to be found in this beautiful picture book. Yet, if you think about it, isn't that a surprising place for such high class, sweat-free depictions of WORK?

I love the sentiment. I believe in the goodness of life, and although it isn't generally fashionable, I prefer when inspiration doesn't necessarily have to include realistic portrayals of sweat.

[Kelly Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a precious time capsule....it was published in 2000.

Life was so, so different then. A year before 9/11. Before social media took over. I wonder what our work song would sound like now, 24 years later.

[Lannie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Paulsen's ode to the working class spirit of the US in the 90s, in rhyme. Beautiful art, takes me back.

[Barbara Radisavljevic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each line or two of the poet's verse is illustrated with a gorgeous
painting of someone on the job, until, at the end,

it's mother, father, in a chair,

with tired eyes and loosened hair.

Resting short but loving long,

Resting for the next day's song.

This is a fine book for introducing young children to the various occupations. They are shown, not named, so parents
and teachers reading the book to children can explain the names of the occupations portrayed: carpenter, farmer, nurse, store clerk, hairdresser, computer workers, street sweepers, librarians, soldiers, and many more

[Olugbemisola Ogutuga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Te book gives the type of woek people do in the community. Several community work sites are given in the book, such as an ice-cream store, a hair salon, and a library. People complete their daily work and go home to their families to rest and prepare to work again the next day.
Children can see the similarities between their community and the ones in the book.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Different from any other Paulsen I've read. Used this to teach the strategy of "Using punctuation to enhance expression" as a read aloud and as shared reading. I think the only reason my kids didn't think it was cheesy is because they like Hatchet.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gary Paulsen's Worksong can be used with primary grades to show different careers we all posess in the United States. Using this book to discuss and participate in career-based activities would be a great way help with student comprehension.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading Rainbow: Work Song

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written & poetic book about the work that takes place--
I will use it in Writer's Workshop.

[Amanda Hlava]

Productivity

[Erin]

Productivity

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book for storytime. Good consideration for a "Labor Day" holiday theme.

[Aolund · Rating 2 out of 5]

A poetic look at the various work that takes place in our day-to-day world, and the workers that do this work. A humble, humanizing approach to the topic of work. Unfortunately, the VAST majority of people shown in the illustrations are white. When so much of the hard, respectable work done in the world is done by people of color, this seems both naive and a shame.
Precautions: absence of people of color in illustrations
Age: 3-7