I pre-ordered the subject of today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday post because I was curious to learn how anyone could explain such a difficult concept in a way that would resonate with young listeners and because I was so pleased to see a young girl grace its cover. Last evening, I had the pleasure of discussing the genesis of the book with one of its authors, Emma Dryden, of drydenbks. I learned that she and co-author Rana DiOrio encountered problems while working on the book, but, with true entrepreneurial grit, they pivoted, solved them and produced a book that is better than the one originally envisioned. I applaud Emma and Rana for showing us all what it means to be an entrepreneur.
Happy belated Book Birthday to What Does It Mean To Be An Entrepreneur?, the sixth book in Little Pickle Press’ What Does It Mean To Be…? series.
Title: What Does It Mean To Be An Entrepreneur?
Written By: Rana DiOrio and Emma Dryden
Illustrated By: Ken Min
Little Pickle Press, January 2016
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: Entrepreneurship; problem solving; teamwork
Opening: “What does it mean to be an entrepreneur? Does it mean making lots of money? No.”
Brief Synopsis: From explaining what being an entrepreneur is not, to focusing on the skills entrepreneurs need, What Does It Mean To Be An Entrepreneur? follows a young girl who perseveres to open a business that solves a problem and, thus, becomes an entrepreneur.
Links to Resources: Explore the steps necessary to start a business with your own child or children by identifying a problem, brainstorming solutions, and working to realize your dreams. There are also several online resources for teaching entrepreneurship to children, although most focus on older children and teens. See http://bizkids.com/games for some interesting entrepreneurial games, and http://www.bschool.com/little-entrepreneurs-business-for-kids/ , which includes lesson ideas that are searchable by age group, including pre-K.
For more resources and some further perspectives on What Does It Mean To Be An Entrepreneur?, see Joanna Marple’s review.
Why I Like this Book: I’ve been working with college-age entrepreneurs at my alma mater for the past few years, and was, frankly, curious to read a picture book devoted to the subject, especially as both authors are entrepreneurs. Going beyond the “open a lemonade stand” or “rake the neighbors’ leaves” models of youth business, What Does It Mean To Be An Entrepreneur? not only shows what it means to be an entrepreneur but explores the work and skills necessary to succeed. That the problem and business solution involve dogs and that the first myth debunked is “making lots of money” are added plusses. As importantly, though, I’m thrilled to see a young girl portrayed tackling technology and entering the world of entrepreneurship.
This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Books list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!
Wander, Ponder, Write 